Interview with Jay Sharice — Confused happy mistake maker
Jay Sharice is a 23-year old model residing in Denver, Colorado.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello readers,
I was born in Nevada but spent my elementary years on the Santee reservation so I guess you could say that’s where I grew up but I never stayed anywhere for long. My family currently resides in Nebraska. My mother is a stay at home mom and my father is retired. My hobbies include but are not limited to, longboarding, aerial dancing, creative writing, singing, acting, modeling, and learning acoustic guitar.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I was 16 and living in Yakima WA, my best friend’s father wanted to become a photographer and we became his practice models. His picture to this day still gets the most praise out of all my work. After the shoot my friend and I were infatuated with the idea and began chasing the dream.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
My personal goals are in 5 years to put a down payment on my first house and be certified in ASL -American sign language- so I can work with kids. Professionally as a model I plan to work my behind off until I sell one book and continue to model until my time is up in the industry.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
Not as often as I’d like. Being short limits me to print, although I have done the catwalk for charity shows. My strength is in acting so I’m more vigilant about pursuing those jobs.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
The best experience I’ve had so far is with my new photographer here in Colorado. We have similar ideas to how we want our portfolios to look and he helps promote me. It’s amazing to vibe that way with someone you’re working with on a shoot. I believe good energy shows in the photo.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
Yes someone contacted me for a shoot but had no work to show. When I declined he begged me for pictures of my feet which gave me the heebie jeebies. I think liking feet is fine as long as you don’t get too close to mine.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
If I could change anything it would be the measurement standards. People are constantly arguing over curvy or thin. Personally I believe it should be both curvy and thin. Beautiful woman shouldn’t be limited to one size option, we are thick, thin, short, tall, curvy, athletic, dark, light and lovely. Instead of creating a new standard I vote we eliminate the standard.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I don’t consider myself to be very sporty but I longboard and do aerial dance. I run occasionally but that’s only for the health benefits. I really eat whatever I like as long as it isn’t in the junk food category. I don’t have meal times I only eat when I’m hungry and until I feel comfortably full, unless there’s cheese involved.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I’m a very open and honest person so people know pretty much everything about me. I’m very chatty so if I had to guess people probably don’t know I spend hours a day dead silent in the middle of town just watching people and listening to their daily lives.
Would you change anything about yourself?
Small things but over all probably no. Small flaws make us unique.
Have you ever been fired from a job?
Yes, I was fired for sexual harassment. I was working at a skin care store when a young man walked in with bright blue hair. I whistled and said “That’s a great hair color. Can I help you find anything today?” He told me no so I returned to stocking. He called my company and filed an official complaint… So as you can see I can’t be trusted with compliments.