Through the power of belief, Cenita chose not to let life's obstacles destroy her spirit.
Born to a teen mother (Brooklyn NY), Cenita was raised by her
grandparents (Detroit MI). Life with her grandmother was not easy. Her
childhood was filled with emotional and physical abuse. It was her
(step) grandfather whom she leaned on for the love and encouragement a
child needs. "He is my angel and my father." Today, through the power
of forgiveness, she has a loving relationship with her grandmother. To
whom she is thankful for instilling basic manners, the strenght of will,
and her drive to live an empowered life.
In 1985, Cenita Johnson was listed as Who's Who amongst high
school graduates. She declined acceptance to a private university,
deciding that the military was the best route towards independence.
Throughout her teens and her 3+ years stint in the Air Force
(electronics technician), she was approached about a modeling
career. Deciding that is was a sign from the universe, she moved to
Atlanta Georgia to embark on her new career.She signed with the top agency in town. Months later Cenita entered the
Ford Agency National Model Search, despite advice that a black girl
would never win. She won. Closing in on one year in Atlanta, Cenita
decided that New York City was next. She kept her receptionist job in
the day, modeled, delivered pizza at night, and delivered newspapers in
the early AM hours; saved her money and moved to New York.
Despite setbacks, her late age of 24 and naysayers who told her she'd
never model in New York City; Cenita carved out a 15+ year modeling
career working with top agencies such as The Wilhelmina Agency, Elite
Models, LA Models, The Kim Dawson Agency, Look Models and Glamour
(Paris, France). She has graced the pages of national and foreign
magazines, catalogs, runway, national commercials, as well as, film and
television appearances.
Years later in Los Angeles, she decided that a career change was near.
She moved to Dallas Texas where she could model locally while
completing college. Late November 2004, Cenita receive a B.S. in Human Relations and Business.
The urge to live near the the ocean continued to call, so late 2005 she moved back to Los Angeles.
November 2006, Cenita retired from modeling to focus on "Thatz Hot" an
accessory business of products she created such as a fashionable storage
bag for HOT curling irons and flat irons, a tampon pouch and Boot Gemz
(jewelr
y for boots).
Cenita's relentless pursuit of her dreams, despite the odds, has
inspired others who cross her path. This has developed into a passion
for inspiring others to pursue their dreams, visions, and goals. Cenita
has forged ahead, letting go of her accessory business to focus on building CJ Brand, her platform for Transformational Writing & Public Speaking.
"I've changed negative and self-limiting thought patterns into thoughts
of empowerment. My hope is to inspire others to do the same. I want to
share universal transforming principles as I also continue to grow and
learn. I believe that life is a 'ever growing process. You stop living
when you stop growing."
