jacquelyn dufner

About  /  jacquelyn dufner

Jacquelyn Dufner was born in a small Iowa town, but her childhood was anything but small. Raised across the Midwest—and spending three formative years south of Beijing, China—she developed a broad lens on culture, style, and the world beyond her front door. Her family’s German and Norwegian roots run deep in American agriculture, but Jacquelyn always dreamed of a career in beauty and fashion. From the moment she could dress a doll or snap a photo, she was captivated by style. Sports were another defining thread in her youth. Encouraged by her family’s athletic streak, she tried nearly every sport before excelling in track & field. Today, she studies Retail Merchandising at the University of Minnesota, with minors in Marketing and Interdisciplinary Design. She leads the NYC chapter of the National Retail Federation Student Association, works to improve systems within her school, manages a Free People store, and interns as a bottoms buyer for the brand.In 2023, Jacquelyn made the leap she’d been preparing for—she walked into a modeling agency and was signed the same day. What began as a dream became a source of confidence and independence. Her first job was at a Minnesota bridal show; soon after, she had her runway debut at the International Aveda Congress Show. Recently, Jacquelyn added another global chapter to her story, spending a semester in Milan studying fashion and visiting 12 countries and 30 cities. When she’s not on the runway or analyzing market trends, she’s running, practicing yoga or pilates, exploring city streets, or traveling somewhere new. At home, she enjoys reading, creating YouTube content, experimenting in the kitchen, thrifting and styling outfits, and painting. With her drive, adaptability, and dual vantage point in both the creative and corporate sides of fashion, Jacquelyn is poised for the “big” career moments she knows are just ahead.