MINDY J

THE GIFT OF SELF, UNWRAPPED

As the holiday season twinkles with promise and the air fills with warmth, few stories shine as brightly as that of Mindy J. Gracing our Holiday Issue cover, Mindy embodies the very essence of self-love, resilience, and unapologetic confidence. Her journey isn't just a testament to finding her light; it's a powerful reminder that the greatest gift we can unwrap is the authentic self within.

From the sun-drenched fields of North Central Florida, a young Mindy J harbored dreams as vast as the open sky. "I wanted to be both a doctor and a lawyer!" she recalls with a laugh, her eyes sparkling. "Looking back, it sounds a little wild, but at the time, I just knew I wanted to make an impact, to be successful. I didn’t yet understand the years of schooling or the commitment, but the desire to do something meaningful was already there."

As she matured, the rigid paths of medicine and law began to shift, revealing a deeper truth. "I realized it wasn’t about the titles; it was about purpose," Mindy explains. "I wanted to inspire people, to make a difference in the world in a way that truly resonated with me." All the while, she found herself increasingly drawn to the world of beauty and expression—fashion shows, school events, and even the glittering stage of global pageants. With a gentle nudge from those around her, she stepped into the spotlight herself. "It wasn’t about winning," she clarifies, "it was about the joy. I loved to smile, and I was never afraid of the camera."

Fast forward two decades, and that infectious smile is still her hallmark. Yet, like so many women, Mindy encountered the insidious whispers of doubt that can dim even the brightest spirit. "Am I pretty enough? Am I slim enough? Will this outfit flatter me? What will people think?" These questions, familiar to countless readers of Queen Size Magazine, had Mindy playing small, hiding parts of herself in fear.

Then came 2018. A painful breakup threatened to shatter her world, but instead, it became the crucible in which her true strength was forged. "It pushed me into something incredibly powerful: a self-love journey," Mindy recounts. This wasn't a superficial fix; it was a deep, transformative dive. She leaned into prayer, sought solace in solitude, engaged in therapy, and poured her heart onto the pages of her journal. "I did the work from the inside out," she emphasizes, a radiant glow emanating from her as she speaks.

By February 2020, Mindy was ready to celebrate herself—fully, authentically, and unapologetically. She booked a photoshoot, unaware that this single decision would ignite the spark for a brand new chapter. "Little did I know, it would become the path to a completely new career," she muses. Since officially stepping into the industry in 2021, Mindy has flourished as a freelance model, collaborating with incredible brands and talented photographers, each experience shaping her into the confident woman she is today—a woman embracing every curve and celebrating her unique beauty.

2024 has been a landmark year for Mindy. She was honored with the prestigious FFIAs Emerging Model of the Year award, a testament to her undeniable talent and burgeoning presence. Further investing in her craft, she attended both the acclaimed JBolin Model Academy and the rigorous Coco Rocha Model Camp, honing her skills and solidifying her place in the industry.

But Mindy’s impact extends far beyond the lens. That same year, she launched "A Graceful Influence"—a faith-filled space and growing movement dedicated to helping other women find their own confidence from the inside out. It's a full-circle moment, connecting back to that little girl's desire to "make an impact."

"These moments affirmed what I’ve always known deep down," Mindy shares, her voice filled with conviction. "When you do the inner work, when you commit to loving yourself fiercely, the outer glow becomes unstoppable."

This holiday season, Mindy J isn't just gracing our cover; she's gifting us a powerful reminder that true beauty emanates from within. Her story encourages us all to shed the doubts, embrace our journeys, and celebrate the radiant queens we truly are. So, as you gather with loved ones this holiday, remember Mindy J's inspiring message: unwrap the gift of self-love, and watch your own unstoppable glow light up the world.

But who is Mindy J.

QSM: Your childhood dreams of being a doctor or lawyer evolved into a passion for inspiring others and eventually, a career in modeling. Can you elaborate on the moment you realized it wasn't about the "titles" but about "purpose," and how that realization truly shaped your path? 

Mindy J.: Well honestly, the switch happened at a very young age lol. I genuinely wanted to be both a doctor and a lawyer — those were real dreams. But as I learned more about those careers, I also realized part of that desire was tied to validation. I thought those titles would make people proud of me.

Over time, I started paying attention to what actually lit me up. And it wasn’t the title — it was the impact. I loved helping people, supporting them, showing up for them. That’s one of the major reasons I chose the military. It wasn’t the only reason, but it played a big part. Serving gave me purpose, direction, and a front-row seat to what real influence looks like: being there for people when it matters.

Almost every job I’ve had since then has centered around helping others, and that thread has followed me into adulthood. At some point, I realized I was inspiring women without even trying — just by sharing my story and showing up as myself. That’s when it clicked: my purpose isn’t tied to a title, it’s tied to people. That’s what led me into modeling, coaching, and using my gifts to build confidence in women who need it. I’m finally walking in purpose instead of pressure, and everything I do flows from that.

QSM: The article mentions a painful breakup in 2018 as a turning point. Can you share a bit more about the initial raw stages of your self-love journey? What was the hardest part about confronting those inner doubts ("Am I pretty enough? Slim enough?") and what was the very first step you took to begin healing?

Mindy J.: Whew chile… that season was rough. I thought I had found my person. So as you can imagine, I was heartbroken. The hardest part was sitting with myself and finally hearing the thoughts I had been avoiding for years — Am I enough? Am I too much? Will anyone ever choose me fully? Those insecurities were loud. And honestly, the first step in healing wasn’t glamorous at all. It was me looking in the mirror and deciding I wasn’t going to talk to myself like an enemy anymore.

I made a choice to see myself as beautifully and wonderfully made — every scar, every leg dimple, every curve, cellulite, etc. Along the way, I sought therapy once or twice a month, and I returned to my first love — God. That’s where the real shift began. Healing started with tiny choices, made over and over again.

QSM: For many women, stepping in front of the camera can be incredibly vulnerable. As a freelance model, what message do you hope to convey through your work, especially to Queen Size readers who might be struggling with body confidence or feeling underrepresented in the fashion industry? 

Mindy J.: Every time I step in front of a camera, I’m sending a message to women who look like me: you deserve to take up space. And listen—space isn’t always handed to you, sometimes you have to create it for yourself! I want women to see themselves reflected, to feel beautiful without shrinking or apologizing. My work is for anyone who’s been told they’re “too big,” “not enough,” or “not the look.” I want them to see me and think, “If she can stand confidently in her body, so can I.” Modeling is my ministry—it’s my way of showing women that beauty was never one-size-fits-all, and that confidence isn’t optional—it’s theirs to claim.

In a world chasing perfection and validation, I really want women to step boldly into who they are—fully, unapologetically, and authentically—whether the camera is on or off.

QSM: Your new venture, "A Graceful Influence," focuses on helping women find confidence from the inside out. What specific unmet need did you see that inspired you to create this faith-filled space, and what kind of impact do you hope it will have on women's lives?

Mindy J.: This is a really good question. A Graceful Influence (AGI) started as the name of a podcast I intended to start, in early 2024. I saw myself as a graceful influence to others, and the name just fit. Fast forward to September 2024, before moving to the Metro ATL area, I gathered a few women for a photoshoot— that’s when AGI transformed into a community.

AGI was born because I kept meeting women who were strong on the outside but unsure on the inside. They didn’t need another confidence quote—they needed a space where faith, healing, and self-worth came together. A place where they could be real, be vulnerable, and be poured into. My hope is that this community becomes a soft landing spot for women—a space that reminds them they are loved, valuable, and called to more than just surviving life. I want them to walk away feeling lighter, stronger, and genuinely transformed.

QSM: The holiday season can often bring unique pressures related to appearance, family expectations, and self-worth. As someone who has done the "inner work," what advice would you give to our readers on maintaining their self-love and confidence during this busy and sometimes challenging time of year?

Mindy J.: Listen, the holidays will have you comparing yourself, your body, your life, and your timeline if you’re not grounded. I get that. My biggest advice? Protect your peace. Set boundaries. Rest when you need to. And remind yourself that you don’t have to show up “perfect” for anyone. This season is about love and gratitude — not looking a certain way or meeting other people’s expectations. Give yourself grace. You’re human and there’s beauty in that.

QSM: Your mantra, "when you do the inner work, the outer glow becomes unstoppable," is so resonant. Can you share one tangible, everyday practice—beyond prayer, solitude, therapy, and journaling—that you rely on to keep your inner glow shining brightly?

Mindy J.: I celebrate myself on purpose, every single day!! Monday through Friday, I start with a jam blasting—it’s my personal hype session. Alexa play…. lol On the weekends, if I’m not traveling, I sleep in past 9 lol. 

Sometimes out loud, sometimes tucked in my notes app, sometimes just in my head doing a little happy dance. And honestly, some days the win is simply remembering to smile at myself. I cheer myself on for the little wins: getting up early, showing up with a good attitude, making a healthy choice, or simply giving myself permission to rest.

QSM: After such a monumental year with awards, training, and launching "A Graceful Influence," what's next for Mindy J? Are there specific dreams or projects you're excited to pursue that will further combine your passion for modeling with your mission to empower women?

Mindy J.: Ok so in 2024, I stepped out on faith and silently made a move without fully knowing the outcome—and I’m so glad I did.

This past year really showed me how much God is stretching me, and I can feel bigger opportunities on the way. I’m seeing growth in my modeling, my coaching, and the ways I show up to inspire women. I’m open to partnering with brands that align with confidence and faith, and I’m slowly building more resources to help women grow from the inside out.

I won’t say too much just yet, but I can feel God preparing me for what’s next and I’m trusting him every step of way. Something exciting is coming, and I can’t wait to share it when the time is right.

To learn more about Mindy J, follow her on IG at iammindyj_

Photo credits: Alfred Beverly II @charissolutionsphotography