Alaska Roots and Humble Beginnings
Josiah Turner, affectionately known as the “Alaska boy,” grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska. Surrounded by snow, trees, and quiet wilderness, Josiah’s childhood looked nothing like the bustling world of fashion. Raised in a tight knit community with modest means, his dream of modeling felt far away. But Josiah was determined to make something out of his passion for creativity, style, and self expression.
He started experimenting with content creation on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Through raw, authentic videos and photos, he began to gain attention. His natural charisma and confidence stood out, and it wasn’t long before people noticed his potential. What seemed like a distant dream was quickly becoming a tangible goal.
Discovery and First Big Break
Everything changed when Josiah took a leap of faith and submitted simple, unfiltered snapshots known as “digitals” to top modeling agencies. His unique look and confident presence caught the eye of scouts at Wilhelmina Models, one of the most prestigious agencies in the industry.
Soon, Josiah was signed to Wilhelmina Models in New York, marking the beginning of his professional modeling career. One of his earliest major achievements was walking the runway at New York Fashion Week. For someone who just months before was trekking through snowy streets in Alaska, this was a surreal and empowering moment. Josiah’s debut was not just a walk, it was a statement of arrival.
Signed Globally Across Fashion Capitals
Josiah’s career quickly gained international momentum. He is now represented in three major fashion markets
- New York – Wilhelmina Models
- Los Angeles – Wilhelmina LA
- Milan – YU Models
These agency partnerships have opened doors to global runways, editorial shoots, and high fashion campaigns. His ability to move between fashion capitals shows his versatility and international appeal. Each city brings a new challenge, and Josiah embraces it all with grace and determination.
Life Behind the Camera
While the fashion industry can often seem glossy and glamorous, Josiah remains grounded. His Instagram @akjosii gives followers an inside look at what it’s really like to be a working model. From castings and fittings to flights and photoshoots, he documents both the highs and the hustle.
Josiah isn’t afraid to show the less glamorous side of modeling. Early call times, homesickness, rejection, and self doubt are all part of the journey. But instead of hiding these struggles, he shares them honestly. His transparency and humility make him not just a role model, but a relatable voice for young creatives everywhere.
A Story of Struggle and Grit
Breaking into the fashion world from a place like Alaska isn’t easy. Josiah had to overcome isolation, lack of local resources, and the overwhelming nature of a fast paced industry. Many doubted whether someone from a small, remote town could make it on the world stage.
But Josiah didn’t let that stop him. He leaned into his roots, using his story to stand out. His background became a strength rather than a setback. He embraced rejection as redirection, learning from each no and turning it into a better yes.
Today, his journey is a testament to resilience. For anyone who feels like their dreams are too big for where they come from, Josiah proves that passion, persistence, and self belief are stronger than any obstacle.
Career Highlights and Milestones
Josiah’s portfolio has grown rapidly. Some of his most exciting milestones include
- Walking in New York Fashion Week – a dream come true
- Runway debut in Milan – showcasing designs for top European fashion houses
- Social media growth – with over 220000 TikTok followers and millions of likes, he’s built a loyal digital community
- Editorial photoshoots – including creative and high fashion shoots across LA, NY, and Milan
What makes his work stand out isn’t just the aesthetics. It’s the personality and authenticity he brings to every frame.
What’s Next for Josiah
Looking ahead, Josiah has his sights set on London Fashion Week, more international campaigns, and possibly a move into acting or creative directing. He’s exploring collaborations with fashion brands, content creators, and artists to expand his portfolio and creative reach.
Josiah remains focused on learning and evolving. Each project is a step forward, not just in his career, but in his personal growth. His goal is to keep pushing boundaries and showing that success doesn’t have to come from conventional paths.
Staying Connected with Fans
For those looking to collaborate, Josiah can be reached directly at josi.collab@gmail.com. He actively engages with fans and creatives on Instagram, where he shares updates, travel diaries, and sneak peeks into upcoming projects.
Why His Story Matters
Josiah Turner’s story is more than a modeling journey. It’s a message. It tells young people, especially those from small towns or underrepresented communities, that their dreams are valid. It’s not about having the perfect location, money, or connections. It’s about showing up, believing in yourself, and putting in the work.
In a world filled with curated perfection, Josiah offers something real. His honesty, dedication, and quiet confidence make him not only a rising star in fashion but also an inspiring figure for the next generation.
Final Thoughts
From snowy streets in Alaska to the lights of Milan and New York, Josiah Turner’s journey is one of courage, transformation, and heart. He proves that the most extraordinary stories often start in the most unlikely places.
As his career continues to blossom, one thing is clear. Josiah is just getting started. And the world is watching.
Do follow him on Instagram
Read More: Sabrina Carpenter Hits Back with Cheeky Alternative to Provocative Album Cover
