Photography - Arnaldo Anaya-Lucca at Defacto Inc

Digital Tech and Photography Assistance - Adam DiCarlo

Art Direction - Akmal Shaukat

Styling - Seppe Tirabassi at The Wall Group

Grooming - Kiyonori Sudo at Latelier NYC

Model - Cherokee Jack at Ford Models

Cherokee is an indigenous model known for his advocacy for the environment, mutual aid, food sovereignty, and health and wellness. Born in South Minneapolis, Minnesota, he cultivated a love for the natural world at an early age. Since beginning his modeling journey, he has appeared in multiple ad campaigns including GAP, Banana Republic, COS and Polo Ralph Lauren.

Though Cherokee travels frequently for work, he keeps himself grounded by spending time at home in Minneapolis to preserve ties to family, community, and nature. he hopes to continue using his platform and resources to support the causes that are important to him.

Can you tell us about your personal background?

I was born and grew up in South Minneapolis, Minnesota. Minnesota is known for its lakes and rivers, especially the Mississippi, and as a kid, I spent a lot of time outdoors running around. I played piano and went to a performing arts school. I also spent a lot of time in an urban farming program, which had a big impact on me and my view of the world, community, and nature. I have a deep love and respect for sports and grew up snowboarding, playing football, and boxing. Before things started to take off with modeling, I was working in restaurants and also did tiling and set building. When I got my first big modeling job I was scooping ice cream at this little shop in South Minneapolis. I’m grateful every day for the life I live now.

What led to you entering the modeling industry?

My mom is a makeup artist, and I did my first modeling job as a baby. I did some modeling intermittently after that, but I didn’t start modeling as a full-time job until much later. I was scouted by my mother agency in Minneapolis, Ignite Models, and then they signed me with Ford in New York and the rest is history. I signed with Ford at the beginning of the pandemic and the first shutdown in spring of 2020. It was a surreal experience and I didn’t know what was going to happen with modelling or the world at that point, but things took off in the best way. I’ve always enjoyed connecting with people creatively, whether that’s art, music, or movement, so modelling is a natural extension of that.

How would you describe your personal style?

I would say that my style is casual but funky and eclectic. Comfort is a big factor for me in terms of what I wear every day. I like to adventure and get my hands dirty so I’m always in my favorite jeans with a denim jacket and a bandana. I love my jewelry too. I like to layer necklaces, bracelets, and rings. I’m on a necklace wave right now. When I’m getting dressed up for something, I like to go all out and experiment. I like to have as much fun with it as I can. I like colors. I also like to wear any pieces or jewelry that I’ve collected over the years.

Have you ever been given any good advice about modeling?

My mom gave me the best advice about modeling.

She helped me to separate the person, or character, that the brand is looking for from me, myself. She helped me to understand that if I am turned down for a job, it’s not a rejection of me personally but rather the client has a vision for this project that I happen to not match. This has helped me take those types of experiences in stride and not internalize rejection. She also helped me to understand that as a model I am a part of a creative team, and that modelling is just one role in the whole production. She taught me to respect every single person on set, from the intern, to the PA, to the photographer or DoP. Each person is as important as the next. She encouraged me to see the team on set as a circle, not a triangle.

Can you share a modeling project that has been especially impactful for you?

One of my first big modeling jobs was a campaign on location in Morocco with photographer Richard Phibbs. I had never left the continent before, so it was an amazing opportunity and experience. The people, the team, the desert, the food, and everything–it was really one for the books.

What do you find most challenging about being a model?

For me, the hardest part of modeling is that a project can come up at any time, so I need to be ready for that both mentally and physically. I need to be well rested, at the top of my game, and in peak shape, even when I have a busy schedule. I strive to do this in a healthy way that is consistent with my values.

Is there anything else that you would like to do, aside from modeling?

Aside from modeling, I want to keep serving my community and facilitating spaces and connections among people. I want to strengthen the bonds between people, whether that’s through events, volunteering, mutual aid, or even just lending a hand.

What do you do in your spare time?

I like to dedicate my time to advocacy for the environment and the right to nature, clean water, mutual aid, food sovereignty, and health and wellness. As long as I live I’ll have a board under my feet, whether that’s a snowboard, surfboard, or skateboard. I love being in nature.

I love to laugh with my friends and meet new people. And, I always enjoy coming home to my family.

What are you working on now and next?

Right now I’m working on letting go of how or where I think I “should” be in life.

I want to focus on living authentically within my values and letting that lead me to what’s next. Who knows where that’s going to take me, but I’ll be ready!