Swimsuit

Get to Know 2023 SI Swim Search Finalist Adison Justis

The 21-year-old model is passionate about the beauty and fashion community.

SI Staff

Adison Justis.

Adison Justis.

Adison Justis is a 21-year-old model from Rockford, Ill., currently residing in Los Angeles. She was scouted by Wilhelmina Models at 17 and has been modeling full-time since. Justis recently completed her two-year college degree online while working as an intern for producer Lori Rothschild Ansaldi, specializing in criminal justice reform and wrongful conviction cases. Justis has been researching innocence claims to determine the viability of wrongful conviction cases, pushing cases for media exposure in hopes of finding a law firm to take the case pro bono. She often shares her beauty tips and tricks across her social media platforms.

Hometown: Rockford, Ill.
Occupation: Model
Age: 21 

Please list five fun facts about yourself.

  1. My little sister is my best friend. We’re so similar that most people think we are twins, but we’re 4 1/2 years apart. 
  2. If I start a book and like it, I will finish it in half a day. I’ve been super into thrillers lately.
  3. During COVID-19 I became obsessed with learning about makeup. I started practicing more and posting my own makeup videos. It’s now one of my favorite things to do and I love being able to show people my own tricks and tips. Talking to my followers while doing my makeup on live or on TikTok has inspired my confidence so much, and I’ve built a following of makeup lovers who inspire me as well.
  4. I fostered four puppies over quarantine and recently adopted my pit bull, Harlow. I love him more than anything, even though he’s in his teenage phase.
  5. Believe it or not, I’m a sleep texter. Sometimes I’m scared to look at my phone in the morning, but luckily I’ve only sent texts to my parents and my best friend. 

What inspired you to try out for SI Swim Search?

“The moment I was introduced to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, I knew I had to be a part of the SI family. It has been my biggest goal since I started modeling. I admire MJ Day, the models and the entire SI team’s passion for creating beautiful images and creating a platform to highlight everything that it means to be a woman. I actually printed out a few photo shoots I’ve done and edited them as SI Swim magazine covers. I’ve been manifesting this for so long, I’m ready for it to become my reality! I knew I had to apply this year as I truly embody the confidence inside and out that I’ve always admired within the SI community. I’ve never been so proud of myself both personally and professionally. I’ve struggled with being extremely shy my whole life, but I was always inspired to overcome this because I knew it would lead me here. This year, I’ve been lucky to book many of my dream jobs with some of the most talented, creative and beautiful people who constantly encourage me to push myself to my full potential. I finally have that Sports Illustrated passion and confidence that I have always admired in the models and team. I no longer let insecurity stop me and now here I am, living out my No. 1 goal as a part of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit team.”

What would it mean to you to win SI Swim Search?

“Winning SI Swim Search would be life changing. The SI Swim team has always inspired me to be unapologetically myself. Not only do I want this for myself, but also to inspire other young girls just as the SI models inspire me. Women are not one-dimensional. When I started modeling, I thought that shooting swim and being sexy was all people cared to know about me, but I am so much more than that. SI has always broken the barriers and to be a part of that would mean the world to me.”

What has been the best part (so far) about being a part of The Swimfluence Network community?

“It has been beautiful to learn about so many women of all different backgrounds. The Swimfluence Network community has brought together thousands of women from all across the globe and it’s amazing to hear everyone’s stories. It is a blessing to be a part of a community of strong and supportive women who are all rooting for each other.”

Who was the first person you told the good news to?

“I immediately called my mom. I hadn’t even had time to process that this was real, but the moment I heard her voice we both started crying. She is truly my best friend and my biggest supporter.”

What is your favorite SI Swimsuit memory?

“I first fell in love with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit after Gigi Hadid’s 2016 photo shoot in Tahiti with Yu Tsai. I initially was intrigued by the gorgeous photos, but when I watched the Uncovered Behind the Scenes video with MJ and the team, I fell head over heels in love with Sports Illustrated. There was a beautiful energy on set that was unlike anything I’ve seen before in the modeling world. I had never really seen anything more than a model’s beauty being highlighted. I loved Gigi’s personality and I saw myself in her. She is so passionate about her job while having fun doing it, which is key to getting those perfect shots. I admire her work ethic and the support the entire team gave her. You could hear MJ, Yu Tsai and the whole team cheering her on while she was shooting, and right next to her laughing, dancing and hugging her when she wasn’t. What I find so special about SI Swim is that it’s not how good the model looks, but how good the model feels. When describing Gigi, MJ not only highlighted her beauty but also her passion, work ethic, kindness and energy. Being four years into modeling now, I appreciate these Uncovered videos even more. I’ve always made sure to give everything I do my all while also being kind, having fun on set and embracing the SI energy, which is easy since I’ve fallen so in love with modeling.”

What advice would you give to your younger self?

“Never put yourself in a box. You can be beautiful while also being extremely smart, kind and confident. There is nothing wrong with you for being shy, but don’t let it stop you from going into every day as the greatest version of yourself. Also… don’t be embarrassed to post your makeup routine, outfit videos or photo shoots. Look at us now!”

What changes would you like to see in the world?

“The world is a beautiful place, but it can also be unfair for many people. I would especially like to see a change in the U.S. prison system. Studies say between 2% to 10% of people incarcerated are actually innocent. Until that percentage becomes zero, I will not stop fighting for prison reform.”

Read more about the 2023 SI Swim Search Top 12 here.

Published
SI Staff

SI STAFF