How a grandfather's secret launched Ronja Furrer's 20-year modeling empire

Ronja Furrer's journey from a small Swiss village to the global fashion scene began with an unexpected twist. At just 14, she moved to Paris after her grandfather secretly submitted her photo to a modelling competition. Now a top model, she splits her time between New York and Switzerland while honouring the family ties that shaped her career.

Furrer's career took off when her grandfather entered her into a modelling contest without telling her. The move paid off, and she soon signed with an agency. By 14, she was living in Paris, sharing a tiny flat with ten other aspiring models while adjusting to the industry's demands.

The early years were tough. Furrer faced harsh criticism about her looks and had to quickly learn how to navigate the competitive world of high fashion. Despite the challenges, she adapted fast, landing international campaigns, magazine covers, and runway shows over the next two decades. Tragedy struck when her grandfather took his own life two years after she left for Paris. The loss deeply affected her, but she continued building her career, always crediting him for her start. In 2020, she and fellow model Jenny Bachmann launched their own agency to mentor new talent, drawing on their years of experience. Today, Furrer balances life in New York with her Swiss roots. Married to American creative director Jack Becht, she remains close to her family while maintaining her status as a sought-after model.

From a shy teenager to a global fashion name, Furrer's career spans over 20 years. Her grandfather's early intervention set everything in motion, leading to a life split between modelling, family, and now guiding the next generation. The agency she co-founded continues to support young models facing the same pressures she once did.