by MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
When you spy Jodi Tiahrt staring back at you from the cover of the December 2021 issue of Swedish Playboy, you’re staring at the fulfillment of a lifetime dream for the Las Vegas-based model.
“I’ve wanted to be in Playboy for a very long time,” said Jodi in a recent email interview. “I remember going to an open call casting many years ago and didn’t make the cut.”
She may not have made the cut for Playboy, but Jodi wasn’t ready to hang up the modeling dreams. And 2021 was a definite landmark year for Jodi.
“I’ve landed other big publications this year including Maxim and the cover of FHM,” said Jodi. “But being on the cover of Playboy has been my biggest accomplishment to date.”
The cover shoot was held in Laguna Beach, Calif.
“The weather was absolutely perfect that day,” said Jodi of the gathering to make Playboy magic. “I was lucky because I had a really amazing team helping me out that day.
Ryan Dwyer was the photographer. Luis Rodriguez on set to manage public relations and supply some behind the scenes peeks for fans. Hair and makeup were handled by Bridget Martinez.
“They created such a fun and flawless shoot,” said Jodi of the creative team. “I am forever grateful for the opportunity and their support.”
Playboy has a certain reputation that may cause some more prudish tongues to wag. But Jodi is letting the tongues wag. She’s going to live her life and pursue her dreams.
Besides, the shoot for Playboy is not what those unfamiliar with the publication would expect.
“People will always judge you for whatever you do in your life. It’s up to you to live by their standards or your standards,” said Jodi, who grew up in South Dakota before moving to Nevada.
Plus, Jodi said people don’t realize there is more to Playboy than just naked centerfolds these days.
“I think people have a misconception about Playboy that you have to be nude, which is false,” said Jodi. “All my published photos are tasteful bikini or lingerie photos.”
Jodi is a veteran of the modeling game. And she has been working hard to get where she is.
“I definitely paid my dues over the years,” said Jodi.
“Just like any other business, you don’t become successful overnight,” said Jodi. “You have to keep trying, keep getting your face out there and keep believing in yourself.”
“I got into modeling around the age of 21. The same time I started competing in fitness competitions,” said Jodi.
And fitness is another dimension where Jodi shines.
“Over the years, I did 42 fitness competitions, holding 76 titles in different categories,” she explained. “This started my career in fitness modeling. I started working for numerous nutrition companies along the way and I guess you can say the rest is history.”
When she’s not doing fitness competitions or modeling, Jodi has a body sculpting/contouring and health coaching business. She also works as a paralegal.
Jodi said she has an extensive list of goals for herself.
“I want to keep building my brand and help other women to branch into modeling as well,” said Jodi. To that end, she is looking to launch a modeling mentorship program in the new year.
“One of the downsides of modeling is that you will get approached by many agencies promising to get you work and help you but a lot of them make false promises,” said Jodi.
“I learned over the years that no one will work harder for you than yourself,” said Jodi.
To the models out there, Jodi said, “Discover your niche and how you stand apart, believe in yourself and keep putting yourself out there. You never know who is watching or who you will inspire.”
Follow Jodi Tiahrt on social media via Instagram @joditiahrtfitness. Her business IG is @snatchedbyjodi.
Jodi Tiahrt shot in Miami Beach, Florida by Mike Chaiken during the Miss Bikini US competition in July 2021
