Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Linton.
Hi Sara, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
First and foremost, thank you for the opportunity to share my story. Modeling has honestly been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. Even at a young age, I loved fashion, beauty, and the idea of being in front of the camera. I remember walking around in my elementary school uniform wearing my mom’s heels and playing in makeup, pretending I was on a runway. I always imagined one day signing with a major agency and traveling to places like New York, Paris, and Milan for fashion shows and photoshoots.
Although I left Jamaica at a young age, my Jamaican roots and upbringing have always remained a big part of who I am. My family raised me with strong values, confidence, and determination, and that support became a huge part of my journey.
As I got older, though, my confidence was tested. In middle school, especially in seventh grade, I struggled with being teased for how skinny I was and for the scars and marks on my legs. At the time, it really affected me, but looking back, that period helped shape me into a stronger and more grounded person. I learned how to quiet the negativity around me and become more comfortable in my own skin.
My mom and grandmother always supported my dreams, but they also stressed the importance of education and making sure I earned my “likkle piece of paper” — my high school diploma. Once I graduated high school and started college, my mom gave me the encouragement to seriously pursue modeling.
I began doing my own research and found photographers through Model Mayhem who were willing to do TFP (trade for photos) shoots so I could build my portfolio and gain experience. One of the earliest photographers I worked with was Dionysius Burton, also known as DioBurto, and that shoot became one of the most memorable experiences of my career. Not only did it help me learn how to pose and work confidently on set, but one of those photos also helped me land my very first paid booking.
About a year after I started modeling, a family friend connected me with my modeling agent, Betty, and I’ve been with her ever since. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the support system that helped me along the way — my faith in God, my family, friends, and the industry professionals who believed in me before I had experience. Their support, along with my willingness to learn and grow, has helped me become the woman and model I am today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but every challenge taught me something valuable and helped shape the person I am today. One of the hardest moments in my life was losing my grandmother shortly after graduating high school. Her passing deeply affected me, and I went through a very low period emotionally. But I also remembered how much she believed in me and wanted me to pursue my dreams, so that became part of my motivation to keep going.
When I first started modeling, I was also balancing college and work, so learning how to manage everything at once was challenging. I was driving my mom’s old Toyota Camry everywhere until eventually it gave out, and I had to figure out how to purchase my first car on my own. At the beginning of my career, most of the modeling work I did was unpaid, and many shoots didn’t provide hair or makeup artists, so I had to do everything myself while also covering the expenses that came with it.
I remember one experience during Swim Week that almost made me quit completely. I had received a casting call invitation and spent the entire day trying to make it happen — going to class, then work, then driving from Coral Springs to Miami Beach, finding parking far away, paying for it, and rushing to the casting on time. After all of that effort, I was turned away at the door. I was frustrated, exhausted, and discouraged because not only did I lose time and money, but I also felt like an opportunity I was excited about disappeared instantly.
There were also many moments early on where I questioned whether modeling was worth continuing, especially during the years I worked without pay or when I constantly heard “no” — or sometimes received no response at all. Rejection can really make you doubt yourself and compare yourself to others.
Quickly, though, I learned not to let rejection define me. I started focusing more on improving myself instead of comparing myself to others. I worked on my posing, my confidence, and my mindset. Ironically, one of the biggest opportunities that changed things for me was one I almost didn’t take. I decided to go anyway, and it became a reminder that you truly miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
Looking back now, I realize the difficult moments were necessary. They taught me resilience, discipline, faith, and how to keep pushing forward even when things don’t go as planned.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m Sara Linton, a professional model specializing in commercial, print, and fashion modeling. When I first started my career, I explored many areas of the industry, including runway, swimwear, commercial, and print work. Over time, I discovered that I truly enjoy the storytelling and creativity behind commercial and fashion shoots, where every image helps bring a brand’s vision to life.
As a model, my role goes far beyond simply taking photos. My job is to help create a visual experience that connects with the viewer and makes them feel something — whether that’s confidence, excitement, beauty, or inspiration. Modeling also requires creativity, adaptability, and strong communication. Every shoot is a collaboration between multiple creatives, from photographers and stylists to creative directors and makeup artists, all working toward the same goal.
One of the moments I’m most proud of was booking my first commercial with City Furniture. Seeing the excitement from my family and friends made that achievement even more special. Knowing that I made my mother proud and imagining how happy my grandmother would have been to see me pursuing my dreams is something I carry with me every day.
What sets me apart in this industry is my attention to detail and professionalism. I genuinely enjoy understanding every aspect of a shoot, from the lighting setup to the creative direction and overall vision behind the project. I believe that understanding the full picture helps me perform better in front of the camera and contribute more effectively to the team.
I’m also very intentional about how I prepare. I like to come to set fully ready and informed, whether that means reviewing mood boards beforehand, discussing styling ideas, or making sure I understand the client’s vision before shoot day. I take pride in being reliable, prepared, and easy to work with because I believe professionalism and a positive attitude are just as important as talent in this industry.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I’ve always believed more in blessings and faith than in luck. Throughout my journey, I’ve seen how things often work out exactly the way they’re meant to, even when I didn’t understand it in the moment. My faith in God has played a huge role in both my personal life and my modeling career. It has given me the confidence to keep going during difficult seasons and the reassurance that I’m protected, guided, and walking in purpose.
There have definitely been moments where opportunities, connections, or timing aligned in ways that some people may call “good luck,” but I personally see those moments as blessings and the result of preparation meeting opportunity. At the same time, I’ve also experienced setbacks and moments where things didn’t go the way I hoped. Looking back, I realize some of those experiences were lessons that helped me grow, mature, and become more disciplined and focused.
I also recognize there were times when fear, doubt, or hesitation may have held me back from opportunities that could have taken me even further. But instead of viewing those moments as failures, I see them as lessons that prepared me for the future.
For me, success has always been a combination of faith, prayer, hard work, and consistency. I believe you have to trust God’s timing while also putting in the work every single day. That mindset has helped me stay grounded, motivated, and grateful throughout my journey.
Pricing:
- Upon request with project details
Contact Info:
- Website: https://saralinton.weebly.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saralinton_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LoveSara25
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@loveearas
Image Credits
Musiqool Media
Donna Irene
Lana Fokina Studio
John David’s Photography
