Jon Stojan
Image credit: Kuinton Elliott
Kuinton Elliott has lived through more than many others have. From a young age, he faced diversity as a child of an interracial couple and a victim of generational poverty. Elliott’s life has been about overcoming obstacles. Now, with a budding career as a model and plenty of life experience, he is spreading the word about struggling with mental health and how to live a more prosperous life. His journey is an inspiration to many who face similar hurdles.
Image credit: Kuinton Elliott
Elliott has always been interested in sports and keeping himself physically fit. He played football at a high level as a college student. He was the first person from either side of his family to graduate from college, something he is very proud of. Elliott graduated from the University of Windsor with a degree in psychology in 2016. His life significantly turned when he enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces at 16. He served as an active infantryman until 2015, keeping up with his studies in college and football responsibilities while also staying active in the military. All these accomplishments were necessary for Elliott to have a future different from his parents.
Image credit: Kuinton Elliott
After working twice as hard as his peers, Elliott still faced obstacles in finding a job after graduating from college. An injury prevented him from being drafted by the Canadian Football League, and he could not get a job in the psychology field despite applying anywhere he could find. His mental health was poor, and he did not know what to do to support himself. Elliott says that 2016 was his rock bottom and left him feeling suicidal and facing homelessness. He was officially diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder in 2019 and has become an advocate for mental health, specifically in men.
Image credit: Kuinton Elliott
In 2017, Elliott knew it was time to make a significant change. He left North America for New Zealand, where he could reflect and regroup away from all the triggers in his home country. His sister suggested that he try modeling. A model herself, she posted a picture of him on her social media, and agencies expressed interest. Elliott faced adversity in the modeling world because of his race and background, but he could make it work. In 2020, he walked in Ron Tomson and opened Los Angeles Fashion Week for BlessbyBless.
Today, Elliott is a successful model with a flourishing career. Always prepared to be a leader, he uses his platform to promote men’s health and mental health awareness. He hopes to be a role model for young men experiencing the same hardships he faced as a child and teenager. Elliott will continue to bring these messages to the masses and educate others on how they can live better lives.