About Jayomi

Jayla Wilder, known professionally as Jayomi, is a Richmond, VA-born fashion & runway model and public figure from Henrico County. Her journey into the world of performance began at just six years old as a ballet dancer, later evolving into modeling by the age of 13. She was introduced to the industry through Sisterly Grace, a modeling and dance ministry, where she was able to perform at popular local Richmond events such as the 2nd Street Festival and the Southern Women’s Show. By high school, Jayomi had solidified her presence in the community, earning the title of Miss Virginia American Teenager 2017, a title that gained recognition in her hometown newspaper. The featured article highlighted her appreciation for the title, her background, and her personal motto, which continues to inspire her journey today. During her reign, she made public appearances, several acts of community service in the Richmond community, and inspired youth through speeches at churches, schools, and local events. At Henrico High School, she became a recognized figure as a cheerleader, dance performer in the band, and won Homecoming Queen 2018.

Her modeling journey started when she was selected to be a video model for a video promotion for #TheLavishWay eyelash brand, where she modeled various lash styles. She then had the opportunity to model for Rai Broadnax's Slay by Nay Hair, showcasing a natural curly hair wig while showcased in the brand’s signature t-shirt. In addition to this collaboration, Jayomi also served as a hair model for Niy B Salon in Richmond, working alongside other models to promote the salon’s hairline and its diverse range of styles and textures. These projects highlighted her versatility in the beauty industry, allowing her to showcase the artistry of hairstyling while embodying the essence of each brand’s vision.

Jayomi started to take her modeling journey even more seriously stemming from the look she was naturally blessed with—her long arms, legs, and height—paired with countless compliments from people telling her she looked like a model. These consistent affirmations led her to make a bold decision: she would leave dancing behind after high school and fully pursue modeling, even though she had already been introduced to modeling and dabbled in the industry prior.

Starting out, Jayomi creatively directed and set up her own shoots, determined to bring her visions to life. From there, she began working with local photographers in the area, and it was through those collaborations that her career truly took off. She’s incredibly grateful to the talented photographers who helped her refine her craft and showcase her vision, including:

Kodwo Photos
Phingu
CRG Photos
DreamShots757
Primus Productions
Don Flair
Canndid Productions
John Vision Photography
Sir Fluxe Photography
Sellers Media
Niqko
Velli Visuals
Walkers Photography
Osa Mars
And many more.

With their support, Jayomi continues to grow as a model and creative, ready to take on new challenges and bring her vision to life on even bigger platforms.

Through these collaborations, Jayomi continues to solidify her presence as both a fashion and beauty model.

Her career continued to soar as she was chosen to model luxury sunglasses for JaidaNari brand, bringing her unique style to the streets of Carytown in Richmond. A significant milestone early in her career was when Schecher's Sneakers featured Jayomi on their Instagram page, after posting a photoshoot she personally creatively directed that highlighted their shoes.

In addition to her independent work, Jayomi is also a brand ambassador for Body by Wilder, her sister’s swimwear line named after their family's last name. She has modeled the brand’s trendy swimwear and accessories, adding a fresh, personal touch to the line. She was also featured in the Black Cruze Magazine February 2023 issue in a photoshoot shot by Christover Glover (CRG Photos) where she exuded a sexy all-black fitted outfit paired with a long trench coat & with a striking Dober man dog to create a bold, confident look.

It was during these years that she established her unique model name, blending her given name, Jayla, with her admiration for Naomi Campbell, creating the iconic Jayomi. Continuing her education at Old Dominion University, Jayomi pursued a B.S. in Fashion Merchandising, graduating in 2022. Jayomi takes a lot of pride in graduating college through a pandemic as it is one of the biggest accomplishments in her life.

Throughout her college years, she worked with several local photographers in the 757, participated in college fashion shows, and secured modeling gigs for rebranding campaigns in local shops such as ColdPressed coffee shop in Norfolk, VA. Her versatility extended beyond the runway, as she was featured in multiple music videos for Richmond and Norfolk artists over the years, including Gov Regime, Dee Nice, Benzerkk, TH3, Rascal Grimez, TyGo, and YSN Capo. After graduating college, Jayomi quickly established herself in the fashion industry, walking in major runway shows such as RVA Fashion Week (2017, 2022) and Foster Beauty Fashion Show (2021, 2023). She has modeled for notable designers including Desire, No Labelz Apparel, Esther Lofley, The Liznel, and Aurious Lashan. In 2017, she earned the title of Best Female Model at the Teen Styling Event at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts runway show. Expanding her reach beyond Virginia, Jayomi has graced the runways of New York Fashion Week (2020, 2024), modeling for Omari Jade and Dechen Couture, as well as The Platform Magazine’s DC Fashion Show, where she was featured as one of the Top Models in the June 2023 issue after walking for Ferret Campos Resort Swimwear Line. In 2024, she was selected as a Very Ashley Angel, representing the Very Ashley boutique at the Ovation Fashion Show and Living Lavishly Brunch.

Beyond the runway, Jayomi has taken on the role of creative director, curating her own photoshoots and developing unique concepts that showcase her artistry. With her signature Jayomi chain, she has built a personal brand that blends confidence, creativity, and timeless elegance. As she continues to make her mark in the fashion industry, Jayomi remains dedicated to evolving, inspiring, and redefining beauty on and off the runway.