One of the things that I love about this model is she is so
given or her art as a model. She is married and has two beautiful sons. She
doesn't let that stop her from going after what she wants.
1. Jessica when did you first decide that you
wanted to model and after you decide this how long did it take you before you
got into it?
I knew I wanted to be a model/actress since
I was 6 or 7. After trying some silly modeling thing at a hotel when I was 16
that amounted to nothing, I thought the industry was untouchable for a small
town girl like me. After marriage, and two pregnancies (that just about felt back to back) my body
had changed a lot! I never thought I’d ever be able to pursue my modeling/acting
dreams. I finally made the decision to
exercise and eat better! After some time I finally lost all of the weight but
still wasn’t sure if I had what it takes. After seeing the results from a photo
shoot I did in January, I was pleasantly surprised and started believing in
myself. A new friend of mine at the time
encouraged me to go to a fashion show casting this past February. I’m so glad she did. It was then I started
networking and introducing myself to every local person in the industry I
could. Including you! I had no idea what
I was doing but I decided I just needed to push myself… Now or never, has been
my motto!
2. What are some of the best and hard moments
you’ve had as a model?
Well, I’ve been turned away or not accepted
for jobs because of my physical stats. I’m not 6” tall, nor do I weigh 110 lbs.
But I say, if someone says no, I’m approaching the wrong person or job. I can’t take it personally
because if I do, I’ll be kicked out of the industry faster than I can blink!
This is a job… I am a brand… the right people will use me for their promotion
and I’m more than happy to promote what I believe in! I’m me, and won’t change
that for anything. It took me understanding this industry to understand the
turn down. I’m okay with that and it will not stop me from pursuing my dreams! The best moments I’ve had as a model are with
the amazing people I’ve met in this industry. I’ve made so many friends in such
a short period of time, it’s shocking! I love to have fun, get the job done,
and expand in my growth and knowledge! The first 3 photographers I’ve worked
with in this industry have been loyal and supportive friends to me… They’ve
expressed belief and taught me what I know! I have you/them to thank for that!
I’ve met so many more amazing photographers, designers, stylists, models,makeup
artists, hair stylists, boutique owners, etc, that I’ve worked with in the
short amount of time I’ve been in this industry… I’m just blessed and
grateful!
3. As a mother, do you find it easy to be in
the industry?
It definitely has its challenges but so far
so good. I laugh sometimes after I get off the phone with someone in the
industry and I think, if they could see me now! For instance, one day I was on
the phone with a stylist/jewelry designer and
was being asked to be interviewed for her blog, as well as being told
about some upcoming opportunities. As I’m on the phone, thankful and excited,
my kids open the front door, my dog runs outside and down two blocks. I’m
barefoot with my 2 year old on my hip, my 4 year old crying that his dog is
running away, and a fresh baked blueberry muffin in my hand trying to bribe my
big 90 lb black lab back home. It wasn’t until we were half way back home, when
I’ve got the dog by the collar, phone between my ear and shoulder, and kid
still on the hip, that the phone call ended… Successfully though! Another time was also on the phone,
coordinating details for an amazing photo shoot in Canada! In my robe, after
breakfast, I had one child clinging to the front of me, and one on my back…. I’m
walking from room to room carrying on a perfect conversation and juggling
(literally) my kids who were pretending they were baby monkeys! I got off the
phone and just laughed! Those were two rare cases and neither of the people on
the opposite end of the phone had any clue what was going on! I usually
schedule phone calls and meetings during naptime, but still…. it’s my reality!
I have an amazing husband, in laws, sister, and niece, who are a great support,
and help with the kiddos when I’m away on gigs. I’m blessed to have them! J
4. For a young girl or any woman who is also a
mother, who maybe wants to model, but thinks they can't, what would you tell
them?
Do it. If it is your dream, do it. BE
CONFIDENT! I didn’t think I had it in me… my body changed, I fought hard to get
it back. I had a few people that helped encourage me enough to believe in
myself. I was in a dark place with my self esteem at one point. If I can do it,
so can you! If you’re a mommy, push yourself to live out your dreams and balance
your babies at the same time. Your children will be glad and proud of you some
day that you didn’t throw your dreams away, just because you had them…. But
that you wanted to prove that in life, you never give up. If you get nothing
more than the most amazing experience (outside of being a mother) from this
industry, you will be so proud of yourself, and so will the people that are
genuinely supportive, encouraging and loving.
5. Do you have anything else you want to share
with everyone?
~Not everyone will support you! Some people
you think will, won’t. People will come
out of the woodwork to support you… people you never thought payed attention.
That will be enough to get your mind off the people that you thought would
support you, but don’t... or don’t genuinely. Don’t get discouraged, be strong
and prove anyone negative wrong by living your dreams the best you know
how! One of my favorite quotes is by
Colin Powell . “Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream.
Those that don’t increase you, will eventually decrease you.” So be thankful for the people that are
genuine and stay focused on your goals!
~One more thing… remember to be loyal to
everyone you work with. Don’t be backstabbing, don’t be dishonest, and be
genuine, loyal, and grateful for every opportunity and positive person!
~Best wishes to you! Please like my
facebook model pagewww.facebook.com/jessicalahr.model and find me on Model Mayhem #2681515!
“Those who say it can’t be done will be
interrupted by someone else doing it.” Harry Emerson Fosdick. SO DO IT! J
