Beverly Ann Johnson is an American model, actress, writer, and businesswoman. She rose to fame and garnered international attention when she became the first African-American model to appear on the cover of American Vogue in 1974. Not only did it change how people perceived and understood beauty in the US fashion market, it set a new standard for inclusivity in the industry that was quickly adopted by the rest of the fashion world. Breaking ground once more, Johnson became the first black woman to appear on the cover of French Elle in 1975.

In 1981, Johnson published the first of her many books, Guide to a Life of Health and Beauty. Around the same time, she also got involved in the entertainment industry, appearing in numerous films and television series. These include Ashanti (1979), The Meteor Man (1993), Def Jam's How to Be a Player (1997), and Crossroads (2002), among others. From there, she also got involved in reality television as a guest judge on She’s Got The Look, an experience that ultimately paved the way for Johnson's own reality series, Beverly's Full House, on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).

In 2012, Johnson starred her own reality series, Beverly's Full House, which aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). The New York Times named Johnson one of the 20th century's most influential people in fashion in 2008. Today, Johnson is still very active, making appearances as a guest speaker at various events and conventions, speaking about her experience as a businesswoman, an icon, and an influencer. The groundbreaking model and creative entrepreneur opened up to Raine Magazine about her life, work, and aptitude for business.

RAINE: What impact did modeling have on your goals and dreams?

BEVERLY JOHNSON: I started modeling very young. My dream, as a young woman, was to be financially independent, and I thought I would achieve that via college and a law degree. My lucrative modeling career [helped me] realize my dreams.

RAINE: There has been an explosion of diversity in the advertising world in the past 4 years, what trends do you foresee in the coming years?

BEVERLY JOHNSON: As the world recognizes and acknowledges our likenesses as well as our differences, I foresee continued diversity in [represented] nationalities as well as plus size models and mature models.

RAINE: As a model trying to “make it,” how does a young star avoid the dark side of the industry?

BEVERLY JOHNSON: I think by continuing to educate yourself and preparing for the day when you are no longer modeling.

RAINE: What did you love most about modeling?

BEVERLY JOHNSON: I love the art of modeling—working with some of the greatest photographers and designers in the world. And, trying to create an exciting, magical, and timeless photo when being photographed.

RAINE: What are your thoughts on shows like Top Model and Make Me a Supermodel?

BEVERLY JOHNSON: I love and watch all modeling shows.

Beverly Johnson Rainemaker and Modelpreneur