Unlocking Opportunities: How the World Can be Your Oyster

Little did Jamaican model Winston Lawrence know that his recent trip to Greece would make him a TikTok sensation. While flying to Europe in May for fashion gigs, he thought, “Why not vlog my experiences?” This decision turned out to be a game-changer. His “Jamaican Living in Greece” video, posted on June 19, amassed over 390,000 views, catapulting his followers from 9,000 to over 49,000. His unique take on Greek culture, fashion, and food, blended with his island humor, resonated widely and sparked conversations.

On a Saturday night in Kingston, Lawrence made an appearance at the AC Hotel for the Fashion Face of the Caribbean event. He returned from New York to support his original agency, SAINT International, which launched his career six years ago with a coveted Gucci runway experience. As he mingled, fans eagerly sought him out, showering him with praise for his engaging TikTok content.

“I want to bring joy to people,” he shared during an interview amidst the celebration. “I don’t plan anything for my videos; they come from my daily life.” His candid approach has proven effective. He believes in spreading positivity, noting, “If I’m remembered for something, I hope it’s good.”

Lawrence’s journey started unexpectedly. He was discovered by a SAINT model while walking home from school in 2018. Despite initial nerves, encouragement from his sister pushed him to meet Deiwght Peters, SAINT’s founder. “He told me he would make me a superstar,” Lawrence recalled, a promise he felt was fulfilled when he booked his first fashion show.

His life transformed quickly; he found himself on runways for top brands like Loewe and Marni, and in campaigns for designers like Edvin Thompson. Remarkably, he was the first Black male model to grace the cover of Vogue Hommes in 2020. Even during the pandemic, he shot an editorial for Zara while back in Jamaica with family.

When asked about his preference between runway shows and photoshoots, Lawrence expressed his enthusiasm for the excitement of both. “Runways are thrilling, but shoots can surprise you in the best ways. Each has its own charm.”

Fashion for Lawrence is more than just clothes; it’s about self-expression. “You can be stylish and authentic. It’s about showing who you are.”

In addition to modeling, Lawrence has dived into DJing. He started in Paris, captivated by music’s magic. “Music brings me joy, and I’m building a career in it because people always want to celebrate,” he said.

Now, he’s expanding his brand with merchandise. Collaborating with designer Hamed Cisse, he’s selling T-shirts featuring catchy phrases from his TikToks. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, leading him to create more designs based on fan suggestions.

Looking to the future, Lawrence remains grounded in his faith. “I trust what the Lord has planned. I believe in living for today. Positivity and prayer make things happen,” he said, pushing forward with hope and determination.

By sharing his experiences online, Lawrence not only connects with followers but also showcases the blend of cultures that shape his life. In a world where social media can often focus on negativity, his story stands out as a beacon of positivity and creativity.



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