Training the Model. Defining the Experience.
Hosted by Runway Party, advised by If U Model, the Not My Eyes Fashion Academy is an exclusive extension of the annual Not My Eyes Fashion Showcase. Participation in the Academy is included for all models selected to walk in the show. Dedicated to breaking boundaries in style, our academy provides inclusive, professional development to help models of all abilities—including visually impaired, blind, and sighted talent—develop the skills needed to present themselves with confidence, professionalism, and individuality.
The Academy Experience
As a selected model, your journey includes hands-on training and community connections designed to prepare you for the main stage:
- The Not My Eyes Meet & Greet: Kick off your experience by connecting with fellow models, industry mentors, and the dedicated Not My Eyes staff. Build a supportive network before hitting the runway!
- Fashion Advising & Styling Support with Drew Felton — Work directly with Fashion Advisor Drew Felton, founder of If U Model, whose expert styling direction and runway insight help refine your look, elevate your confidence, and prepare you for the NME stage.
- Professional Runway Coaching: Model coach Jeanine Ferguson Goodlow guides participants through posture, stride, technique, and stage presence tailored to each individual’s unique strengths.
- Commentary & Presentation: Veteran host and commentator Tasha Monique Hill trains models on personal branding, posture, and captivating an audience.
Led by Industry Experts
Jeannie Ferguson Goodlow
Model Coach & Creative Visionary, who has spent more than two decades challenging traditional standards within the fashion and entertainment industries. Standing at 5’3″, Jeannie established herself as a trailblazing petite plus-size model, proving that height and size should never determine who gets the opportunity to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Her runway career includes appearances at New York Fashion Week, Full Figured Fashion Week, and Plus Night Out, along with acting and commercial work, including a nationwide Always campaign with her sister, Tasha Monique Hill, and a starring role in Cooking In Yesterday’s Grease. Jeannie also co-founded Confidence on the Runway and Runway Parties LLC, empowering young girls through self-worth, confidence, and runway training in schools and youth organizations.
Jeannie has been a valued part of Not My Eyes since its inception, bringing her experience, creativity, mentorship, and passion for representation to the organization’s work.Her continued contribution helps strengthen Not My Eyes’ commitment to creating opportunities, challenging stereotypes, and empowering people who are blind and visually impaired to recognize their confidence, individuality, and potential.
Tasha Monique Hill
Fashion Commentator Model Coach Media Personality, she has experience in fashion, media, and personal development to the organization’s signature fashion showcase. As a longtime Fashion Commentator, Tasha helps bring the runway experience to life by engaging audiences, highlighting participants, and creating an atmosphere that celebrates confidence, individuality, and inclusion.
Tasha has also appeared alongside her sister in a national Always commercial campaign and has brought her broadcasting and commentary experience to major fashion events and media platforms. Through her continued involvement with Not My Eyes, Tasha represents the organization’s belief that fashion can be a vehicle for confidence, visibility, connection, and opportunity. Her presence on the runway and behind the microphone helps ensure that every showcase is not simply a fashion event, but an experience that celebrates the individuals who make it possible.
Tasha is co-owner of Runway Parties LLC, which she founded with her sister, Jeannie Ferguson-Goodlow, in 2018. The company produces runway experiences, workshops, and events, including Confidence on the Runway, a youth program serving students in grades 6–12 throughout the New York Tri-State area that incorporates fashion, movement, and affirmations to promote self-esteem, body acceptance, and self-care. The platform also gives back through clothing drives that provide gently worn attire to students preparing for graduation and prom. In addition to her work in fashion and youth programming, Tasha is an entrepreneur, model coach, podcast host, and media personality. As creator and host of The “Now What” Podcast, she leads conversations about life transitions, entrepreneurship, personal growth, and navigating setbacks.
IF U MODEL – Drew Felton
Born in Niagara Falls, N.Y., Drew Felton is a visionary creative force whose career spans fashion design, styling, photography, runway coaching, and model development. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, where he earned a two‑year scholarship in Menswear, Drew also studied at Buffalo State University, Erie Community College, and under Ida White and Scott Pollard—building a diverse foundation that shaped his innovative approach to fashion.
Drew’s work extends across multiple disciplines. As a stylist, designer, photographer, model agency owner, and walking coach, he has collaborated with industry leaders including John Robert Powers, Ophelia DeVore, and John Casablanca. His styling aesthetic embraces color, texture, and fearless layering, and his designs have appeared in Hype Hair and Today’s Black Woman. He is also the co‑founder of Drew Mon Frere, a men’s clothing line rooted in retro style and bold accessories.
His career includes standout styling work for major music videos, collaborating with artists such as TLC’s Chilli, Jasmine Guy, Brandy, Neci Nash, Angela Simmons, Run DMC, B2K, Wu‑Tang Clan, Nick Cannon, and Isaac Hayes. Growing up in Buffalo’s harsh winters influenced his love of fall fashion and ultimately inspired his move to New York City in 1987.
Beyond styling, Drew has spent years shaping the runway. He worked as a professional model and instructor with Grace Del Marco, Bethan Management, and Hilory Beckford, and later designed for Donna Karan. He founded The Lab Fashion Styling and Fashion Design Co., expanding his portfolio to include womenswear, menswear, kidswear, outerwear, evening gowns, swimwear, sportswear, and retro coats. His runway coaching and choreography have been featured in New York Fashion Week, Silver Fox designer shows, New Day Associates in Paris, Lisa Nicole, D’Marsh, Nicole Miller, and the Miss Trinidad and Tobago pageant. He is also a licensed runway instructor for FIT.
Since 2024, Drew has served as Fashion Advisor for Not My Eyes, bringing his extensive styling expertise, runway mastery, and creative direction to the organization. His guidance elevates model confidence, strengthens presentation, and helps shape the signature movement and visual identity of the NME runway.
What You’ll Learn
Our curriculum builds both stage readiness and self-assurance through targeted training:
- Signature Runway Technique: Gait, turns, posture, and spatial awareness on the cat-walk.
- Individual Style & Branding: Expressing personal identity and projecting authenticity under the lights.
- Showcase Preparation: Behind-the-scenes professionalism, choreography retention, and live-event readiness.
Empowering Every Model
We believe that fashion belongs to everyone. The Not My Eyes Fashion Academy equips participants with lifelong skills that extend far beyond the runway—fostering self-advocacy, poise, and pride in every step.
“STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT”