Today we’d like to introduce you to Chaska Salmond.
Hi Chaska, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey in fashion began in 2015 during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. After the passing of my then spouse, I found myself navigating life as a mother of three young children while trying to rediscover my confidence and identity as a woman. I entered the fashion industry as a model, initially seeking connection, healing, and a fresh start. What began as a simple search for local modeling opportunities led me to a pop-up fashion event in downtown Columbia, where I modeled for a designer and was later discovered by a local modeling school. That experience opened the door for me to learn the fundamentals of modeling and grow within the industry.
By 2017, I began working as a freelance model and continued expanding my reach through mentorship, brand partnerships, and influencer opportunities. Along the way, I realized there were many women like me — women balancing motherhood, careers, grief, responsibilities, and complicated lives — who were often overlooked in fashion. In 2018, I founded The Model Institute, a coaching and development company designed to help aspiring models build confidence, sharpen their skills, and access valuable industry resources. Today, our community has grown to over 70 members, and we also offer an influencer program that helps creators partner with global brands and expand their opportunities.
In 2025, I launched Chic in Bloom in Aiken, South Carolina, to help introduce and build excitement around a new vision for fashion in the South. That vision became reality in 2026 with the successful debut of Aiken Fashion Week. Beyond fashion, my greatest joy is my family. I am a proud mother of seven children shared with my partner, and we continue to reside in Columbia, South Carolina. My mission is to create pathways for young creatives to recognize, utilize, and maximize their potential within the fashion and creative industries.
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?
Some of my biggest struggles were balancing grief, motherhood, healing, and rebuilding your confidence while trying to establish myself in the fashion industry. I entered modeling after the loss of my then spouse while raising three young children, which meant learning how to navigate personal pain and major life changes at the same time.
I also faced the challenge of entering an industry where I did not always see women who looked like me or lived lives similar to mine being represented. As a busy mother with real-life responsibilities, I often had to create opportunities for myself instead of waiting for doors to open. Building credibility as a freelance model, entrepreneur, mentor, and event producer required persistence, sacrifice, and resilience.
Another struggle was balancing family life with entrepreneurship and leadership. Growing The Model Institute, mentoring others, organizing fashion productions, and helping build Aiken Fashion Week all required time, financial investment, emotional strength, and consistency while still prioritizing my family and raising children.
Despite those challenges, my struggles became the foundation for my purpose — helping other women, models, and creatives feel seen, supported, confident, and capable of succeeding in the fashion industry regardless of their background or life circumstances.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Model Institute is a coaching, development, and creative community created to help aspiring and experienced models, influencers, and creatives grow with confidence, professionalism, and purpose. What began as a vision to support women and creatives who often felt overlooked in the fashion industry has evolved into a growing community focused on education, empowerment, and opportunity. We specialize in model development, runway coaching, confidence building, branding, networking opportunities, fashion productions, and influencer growth.
One thing that sets us apart is that we focus on the person behind the talent. We understand that many creatives are balancing real life responsibilities, family, careers, and personal struggles while pursuing their dreams. Our approach is rooted in mentorship, authenticity, and community rather than just appearance. We strive to create safe and encouraging spaces where individuals can grow both personally and professionally while learning the business side of fashion and influencing.
We are also known for creating impactful fashion experiences and opportunities that connect creatives, businesses, designers, and the community together. Through productions like Chic in Bloom and Aiken Fashion Week, we have been able to spotlight emerging talent while helping bring fresh energy and visibility to fashion in the South. Our influencer program has also helped creators expand their portfolios and connect with global brands to create new opportunities for exposure and growth.
What I am most proud of is the community we have built. Seeing members gain confidence, walk in their purpose, build careers, and discover their voice in fashion is the greatest reward. Many of our members came in unsure of themselves, and now they are walking runways, creating content, building brands, and pursuing opportunities they once thought were impossible.
I want readers to know that our brand is about more than fashion — it is about transformation, confidence, connection, and purpose. We are passionate about helping people recognize their value, maximize their potential, and understand that there is room for them in this industry regardless of their background or where they started.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Alot of opportunities and networking events/ sometimes it can be too saturated with fashion trends and creatives thinking they can’t succeed without competition or lack of support
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.modelinstitute?igsh=MWVvZDBleHNrOXJxag%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BJE5y1vxD/?mibextid=wwXIfr
