Meet Marckson François of Kansas City, Missouri

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marckson François

Hi Marckson, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began modeling when I was 17 years old. I signed up for what I thought would ‘just be an elective’ class to get my credits in order before I graduated high school. The class I signed up for was a photography class. What I did not know was that walking into that classroom would change my life forever. In this class, I got to learn about depth perception, angles, lighting, editing and so much more.

At a time where sports were my main source of relief, photography slowly started to give me that same feeling inside. At that time, I really just enjoyed the process of taking pictures in general, but never did I actually put real thoughts into being in front of the camera. Until one day, a friend of mine took a picture of me on the tennis courts at Oak Park High School. I specifically asked them to take the picture from behind a fence because I wanted to play around with the camera and just see what it would look like.

When I got to see that image, I honestly was shocked. I knew I had a mood (teenage mood swings) that morning and I knew things were bubbling on my mind, however I did not know how to fully express myself in that moment in time. I used to bottle everything up inside but, in that moment, that is when I took a look at the image, and I could actually feel my emotions through the lens. This was the very moment that I decided I wanted to try this modeling out.

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?
Honestly, it has not been a smooth road by any means. I think that in any situation where you are broadcasting your passions out for the world to see, you sort of have to mentally prepare yourself in ways that you may have never imagined. I say this with a lot of transparency because looking back on my journey so far, it definitely has not been an easy one. Some of the struggles that I have faced included: racism, doubts, belittling, and so much more.

I honestly still cannot believe a younger version of me had to go through all of that. I have experienced that feeling of being left out and not being considered in rooms where I felt like I could fit in. I had to learn at a very young age that I did not need anyone’s opinions or validations to feel like I needed to fit in when I was born to stand out. This mindset truly has helped pushed me out of dark times in my life and I know that with strong faith and great courage, anything is possible.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have been modeling for nearly eight years now, with the past two years being professionally, as I am represented by Voices And Models, LLC. While I specialize in fashion modeling, I thrive on variety and enjoy exploring different styles, using modeling as a powerful way to express myself.

I am known for bringing authenticity and positive energy to every project whether I am on the runway or in front of the lens. A standout moment in my career was my first fashion runway show, hosted by Alpha Couture, which earned our group a feature in the Lawrence Times. This experience was a turning point for me, showcasing my dedication and hard work.

What sets me apart is my commitment to being genuine in my craft. I am a firm believer in staying true to my roots and representing diversity in a way that feels real and relatable. My Haitian heritage is integral to who I am, and I strive to incorporate that into my work. The statement on Haiti’s flag is “L’union fait la force,” meaning “Union makes strength” resonates with me deeply, as it reflects my belief in community and support.

I strive to stay grounded and approachable, showing that you can pursue your passions while staying true to who you are. For me, modeling is more than just about fashion—It’s about inspiring others to break barriers and follow their dreams.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I would say something a lot of people may not know about me is that I truly admire listening to a symphony performance. I used to play the cello growing up and my favorite composer is Yo-Yo Ma. This is very ironic to me because my mom considered naming me Beethoven before my dad changed those plans. So, in a different world, I do see myself playing the cello in a symphony, but time will tell. Maybe I should pick the cello back up soon? We will see.

Most people might be surprised to learn that alongside my work and personal brand, I’m also a full-time grad student at Park University. I’m in the second year of an MBA program, specializing in Management Information Systems (MIS). It’s definitely a balancing act, but I’m passionate about both the creative and tech sides of what I do, and I enjoy finding new ways to blend them together. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, and I can’t wait to see how these passions will shape my future endeavors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFixD4QVR4/UeaaxUGH37SV46n7y2apEQ/watch
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modelingmarckson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/viDw2tAkWPhwc5Ux/

Image Credits
@ltfrenzel, @heathchurchmusic, @imagineervaughan, @zoe.optics