Life & Work with JoJo Gendemeh of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to JoJo Gendemeh.

Hi JoJo, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I technically began modeling when I was 12 after my dad passed away. There were times when I lost the desire to do modeling but I became interested in creative direction when I was 19 and that’s when things started to get serious for me. Over time, my passion for modeling grew and I have been working with different photographers, creative directors and even a sculptor. Two of the many sculptures we worked on actually ended up in a museum in Mansfield, Ohio in 2025 and that accomplishment has been one of my proudest moments on this journey.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road definitely was not always smooth. There were times when I had self doubt and even people that I had around me were being a bit pessimistic and projecting their feelings about my career choice onto me. I’ve always been someone that viewed things from a more positive perspective and refused to let other people’s thoughts shape my life.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I model and I’m a creative director but I’m known more for my modeling side. I do a lot of print modeling but because of how tall I am (5’10’’), i’ve been wanting to transitioning to runway. Im proud of how far i’ve come in regards to my confidence. Im also proud of how i’ve been able to bring ideas to life. I feel like what sets me apart is my ability to remain optimistic, even in the most unlikely or unfavorable circumstances. One quote that I love to go back to is when Kanye West said “Why would I listen to you ?”. I think of this whenever people try to bring their negative thoughts and projections to me. I genuinely believe I can accomplish anything I put my mind towards.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I feel like risk taking is needed, especially in the creative world. I don’t think you can grow out of your comfort zone if you don’t do the things that make you nervous or scared. As a person with social anxiety I can say that if I didn’t push myself to do certain things or have conversations with certain people, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://canva.link/2cpuy12y68tkguq
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_gnarly.jojo
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jojospinelli14

Image Credits
Cameron Reed
Malik M. Photography
Sam Worley (Sculpture)