Cynthia Bailey Shares a Look at the Essence Cover That Launched Her Career

Cynthia Bailey has accomplished so much during her career as a model. The Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member has walked in fashion shows all over the world and appeared on the covers of magazines, and now, she’s sharing a look back at the shoot she says started it all. 

When Cynthia noticed a significant number of Black creatives were participating in the Essence Challenge on Instagram, where they use their own photos to create magazine covers, she “had to respectfully jump on” the challenge, as well. The Essence Challenge has been a response to celebrate Black culture in response to the Vogue Challenge, which was originally created to promote diversity in the magazine industry. Instead of creating her own, Cynthia shared her first Essence cover, and explained its significance. 

“My first cover of @essence magazine basically kicked off my modeling career in NYC years ago,” explained Cynthia. “It was actually supposed to be a beauty editorial, but after we shot it they later decided to use it as a cover.” 

“I remember calling to tell my mom and flipping out with excitement! I grew up reading Essence magazine, and I always dreamed of being like those beautiful Black, successful women that graced their covers,” she said. 

Cynthia has actually appeared on the cover of Essence twice, an accomplishment she is extremely proud of. 

“I was blessed to go on to have two covers, which I still treasure to this day. Thank you Essence magazine for always displaying different examples of beautiful, strong, powerful, classy Black women,” she added. “Proud to be a part of the family.”