By: Katina Rice-Davis, Staff Writer
Woodruff native Moranda “Mo” Floyd-Beaty, a 2018 graduate of Woodruff High School, is quickly becoming one of the Upstate’s most dynamic rising talents in fashion, beauty, and creative arts. Although her journey has taken her through multiple lanes of modeling, cosmetology, styling, and natural hair care. Mo says the path unfolded naturally.
“Modeling actually found me before I ever went looking for it,” she said. “Someone something in me in October 2024 that I hadn’t yet recognized in myself. I believe God places a purpose on your life long before you see it, and modeling has proven to be exactly that for me.”
Since stepping into the industry, Moranda has flourished with remarkable speed. In just one year, she has completed more than 150 photoshoots, and she walked in New York Fashion Week in September. She is signed with Lens of Atom (LOA), a Spartanburg-based agency led by creative director Calvin Byrd, known professionally as AtomBlk. “Being part of LOA has pushed me to new levels,” Moranda says. “Calvin motivates us to reach our highest potential, and our team really feels like family.”
Moranda’s love for fashion and beauty didn’t begin on a runway, it began at home. Growing up in Woodruff, the Floyd family was widely known for their stylish presentation and bold personalities. “Fashion, confidence, and creativity were things I saw every day,” she said. “Being around family who were always put together and expressive made modeling feel natural, ” she proudly states.
Her versatility is one of her strongest assets. She moves seamlessly through editorial, streetwear, runway, and high-fashion modeling, and she is working to expand into commercial modeling, an area that would allow her to bring more acting and storytelling into her craft.
In addition to modeling, Mo is also a talented stylist. She began cosmetology school at Paul Mitchell The School in November 2024 and is set to graduate in December 2025. Along the way, she became a certified makeup artist, another creative skill that helps her stand out.
She often works on both sides of major fashion events: on the runway as a model and backstage as a hair and makeup stylist as she did in Greenville Fashion Week. “It’s the best of both worlds,” she said. “Seeing a model walk the runway with hair and makeup I created is just as meaningful as walking the runway myself.”
Mo prides herself on being a trendsetter rather than a trend follower. Before styling any client, she prioritizes understanding their personality and the message they want to convey. “When you know the person and you understand their hair, you can create anything,” she said. Her ability to style all hair textures is a source of pride. “Hair is hair,” she explained. “Once you embrace that, everything becomes easier and more beautiful.”
Mo also shines as a loctician, an interest that began with her own loc journey during high school. She has worn, cut, and restarted her locs over the years, gaining firsthand experience with natural hair and its unique needs. “There’s a misunderstanding that locs are low maintenance, but that’s far from the truth,” she said. “Healthy locs require consistent care, moisture, and attention.”
Educating clients is one of her favorite parts of the work. She loves showing the artistic possibilities of locs, from braids to fishtails to extensions. “Locs aren’t a limitation, they’re a canvas,” she said. “If someone told you a style can’t be done, you just haven’t met the right stylist.”
While many know Moranda for her modeling and stylist work, they are often surprised to learn how many creative roles she has mastered. She has experience in photography, videography, interior design, catering, event décor, and even baking, a talent sparked by a middle school gift from her aunt. “Nothing was ever handed to me,” Mo said. “I work hard for everything I have, and I’m grateful for everyone who has supported my journey.”
Returning home to Woodruff after time away, Moranda hopes to strengthen ties with the community that raised her. While she appreciates every message, like, and comment online, she hopes more residents will get involved – sharing ideas, collaborating on creative projects, or simply asking questions. “I want people to feel comfortable approaching me,” she said. “If someone wants to learn photography, modeling, or styling, I’d love to help them grow.”
Mo’s short-term goals include expanding her network and deepening her understanding of the fashion industry. Long-term, she dreams of being published worldwide and opening doors for other young women and men interested in modeling or creative arts.
She also has eyes on major collaborations. When asked if she could collaborate with anyone in the world of her choice, Moranda replies, “Savage X Fenty and Rihanna are at the top of my list,” she said. “I’d also love to work with Anok Yai or someone like Christian Siriano.”
Within the next five years, Moranda envisions her brand reaching national and international audiences, creating spaces where people feel confident, inspired, and empowered.
For anyone stepping into modeling or the beauty industry, Mo emphasizes patience, authenticity, and spiritual grounding. “The industry isn’t always easy,” she said. “You must pray, trust your instincts, and stay true to yourself. Never imitate but be the best version of you.” She also stresses the importance of professionalism. “Staying calm and composed keeps your image strong,” she said. “Your integrity is everything.”
“I’m Just Getting Started,” Moranda states. Everything you’re seeing right now is only the beginning of what God has planned for me. I’m grateful, I’m focused, and I’m excited for every door that’s about to open.
Above all, Moranda hopes people remember one thing: every step of her journey has been intentional and rooted in purpose. “Modeling found me, beauty shaped me, and creativity has always lived inside me,” she said. “Everything you see right now is just the beginning of what God has planned.”
With faith, undeniable talent, and a heart for her community, Moranda Floyd-Beaty is on track to become one of the region’s most promising creative forces, proving that when you embrace who you are, there’s no limit to where you can go.
Author: Vareva Harris
