SPOTLIGHT ON MENEKA JOHNSON
ASPIRING MODEL, ENTREPRENEUR, AND ADVOCATE FOR SELF-LOVE
Born and raised in the vibrant city of Cincinnati, Ohio, Meneka Johnson is carving out a name for herself in the plus-size modeling industry. Balancing her career with her role as a devoted mother, Meneka is the proud mom of a beautiful daughter and a woman with a mission. Her platform is one of resilience, self-empowerment, and relentless positivity, inspiring countless others to embrace both their mental health and body positivity.
In the last year, Meneka’s impact in the industry has earned her a nod in the prestigious Full Figured Industry Awards, where she was nominated in the "Emerging Plus Model" category. Recently, she was crowned the 2024-2025 Miss Classic Beauties International, a title that reflects her grace, confidence, and drive to empower others to find their beauty within.
But Meneka’s success extends beyond fashion. As the founder of Butterfly Travel and Excursions, she has built a flourishing travel business that encourages clients to explore new places while stepping out of their comfort zones. Her love for travel, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit, has given rise to a brand that’s as much about discovery as it is about connection.
In addition to her work in travel and modeling, Meneka also has a passion for writing. Her blog, NekaCamille.com, and contributions to various publications give her a platform to discuss the importance of self-love, confidence, and mental well-being. Her articles resonate with readers, offering a mix of encouragement, wisdom, and authenticity.
A signature initiative of Meneka’s is her annual Body Positivity Photoshoot—a celebration of self-love and confidence that has grown year over year. The event is designed not just as a photoshoot but as a workshop, aiming to give women the confidence to feel comfortable in their own skin. In 2025, Meneka plans to expand this powerful event to new locations, bringing her message of body positivity to a wider audience.
Outside of her many professional roles, Meneka enjoys cooking, reading, and indulging in binge-worthy TV series. When she’s not working, she treasures her time supporting her daughter at sporting events and spending quality time with family—a reminder that her role as a mother is at the heart of everything she does.
In the ever-evolving world of plus-size modeling, Meneka Johnson stands out not only as an aspiring model but as an advocate, entrepreneur, and voice for women everywhere. With her sights set on new ventures and the expansion of her body positivity workshops, she’s a force for change, encouraging others to live boldly and love fiercely.
QSM: Growing up in Cincinnati, what experiences shaped your journey into modeling, and how did you develop such a strong focus on mental health and body positivity?
Neka: Several different experiences shaped my journey into modeling and developing my platform on mental health and body positivity. I was extremely bullied in school as a child and within my own family. With being a plus size child there were no other kids like me. I was made to believe that there was something wrong with me. My paternal side of my family were all tall and skinny. Me being short and curvy I was always being teased and was made to feel as if they were helping me. My paternal grandmother always put me down and was always trying to put me on a diet. Never knew anything about me or tried to know anything about me. I got into modeling while in high school. I was featured as the plus model on the team. I wanted to pursue modeling after high school, but the beauty standards and my self-esteem kept me from my full potential. I decided to pursue modeling after 40. I wanted to address my issues head on and focus on making my mental health and depression better and loving myself. I want to make a difference and make a difference. I am a walking testimony.
QSM: You’re a proud mom to a beautiful daughter. How has being a mother influenced the messages you share through your work in the fashion industry?
Neka: I want her to know every day that she is beautiful. With the pressure that peers can have on kids I want to share the same message with my daughter as I share with my audience. I want her to love the skin she is in and feel good about herself. I want her to not feel like she cannot wear an item because society says she shouldn’t. I want my daughter to look at me and say if mommy says it’s ok then it is ok. Every day when she is taken to the bus stop, I tell her mommy loves you, you are beautiful and make good choices. Investing in your child and nourishing them with the right ingredients your message of acceptance, love yourself, confidence and positive energy will show.
QSM: What advice would you give your daughter if she wanted to follow in your footsteps in becoming an aspiring model?
Neka: To do the proper research. Make the right decisions for your career. Do the work. Network and communicate, because you never know where one network could lead. Build your platform. Give back and help others along the way. Inspire and be inspired. Step out of your comfort zone.
QSM: That’s a lot of great advice. Congratulations on being crowned Miss Classic Beauties International! What does this title mean to you personally, and how do you hope to use it to make an impact?
Neka: This means I can take my message and inspire others on an even higher level. I can achieve anything that I put my mind to. I want little girls out there that think they cannot achieve anything to look at me and know if I have made it then they can too.
QSM: Your travel business, Butterfly Travel and Excursions, has taken off successfully. What inspired you to start this venture, and how has it connected with your personal growth and self-discovery?
Neka: I have always wanted to travel. I did not know how or where to book. I attended a seminar and decided this would be great for me to have my own travel business. I have discovered even as a curvy woman I can travel, have a great time. This has helped my personal growth as far as my mental health improvement. I have discovered I can break down my walls and hop on a plane and enjoy myself. Not feel like I have to be stuck and not experience life. I want to help others book their dream vacation. Help them have the best times of their lives.
QSM: Can you share some of the publications that you’ve had the liberty of writing for? Also, what topics do you feel most passionate about sharing, and what message do you hope your readers take away from your blog, NekaCamille.com?
Neka: I have written and submitted articles to Phatabolus magazine as well as Curvicality. I would love to submit more work in the future to other publications. The topics I am passionate about are of course my platforms mental health and body positivity. I also love to write about various topics concerning the black woman in corporate America, bullying, trending topics of the week. I want my readers to feel inspired and feel at heart the message that is being sent. And may make them want to look more into the said topic, maybe even want to discuss the topic with others and also learn something new.
QSM: Can you share some of the work that you’ve done in your modeling career thus far! What goals or dreams do you have for the future, and what drives you to keep pushing forward?
Neka: I was recently in my first fashion show for the Bold n’ Confident fashion show, I plan on participating next year with the show. I am a brand ambassador for My Beautiful Fluff and Thick Girls Rock. I previously was a brand ambassador for PhatgorgeousChic, Curvy Sense and Brassy Bra. I do want to represent more brands, boutiques, and other products in the future. I have hosted my own Body Positivity photoshoots. In 2025 I will be expanding the photoshoot into a workshop and photoshoot and will do select cities. My goals are to have more body positivity workshop and photoshoots, Start my non-profit. Network and represent more brands is one of my goals. I want to work with schools to work with our youth on body positivity, mental health and financial awareness. Me craving to grow and stay stuck drives me to want more. I want to do more. I have so much more planned for myself. I am striving for greatness.
QSM: Can we talk about your weight loss journey
Neka: I was 430 pounds when I had the gastric sleeve. To keep the weight down and not gain the weight back I exercise. I make better choices with the foods I eat. I use tools to track my calorie intake and my exercises. It is a lot of work, but I must set an example for my daughter. I have lost over 150 pounds so far. I want to lose more.
QSM: Are you comfortable with discussing the circumstances that led you to gaining the weight?
Neka: Of course! What led to me gaining weight was my depression. Me not loving myself. My depression was terrible before my surgery. I struggled with body positivity, not loving myself. Not addressing the issues that I swept under the rug. I used food as my comfort place. I was seeking acceptance, and my spirit was down.
To learn more about Neka, follow her her Blog at www.nekacamille.com. Facebook: Neka Johnson. Instagram: @Iammenekajohnsonplusmodel and her Travel Business: www.menekajohnson.inteletravel.com
Photo credits
Photographer: Philip Drew @photosbypdrew
MUA: Lennox Frost @paintedbylennox
Hair: Chaunte Doukoure @sweettaypie
