Interview with Jen-yi
Jen-yi is a 24-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
I was born in Mountain View, CA, the hometown of Google!. My family immigrated from Taiwan when they were in grad school and I was raised here. I enjoy dancing, singing, songwriting, baking and any sort of active activity like hiking and running. I’m currently living in Los Angeles, CA and working on my music. I’m a songwriter and singer and getting ready to release my very first solo EP!
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I started in college modeling for the student fashion show, and then signed to Click Models while I was studying music in Boston. I got into it because I’ve always been intrigued by fashion and how it influences society and I wanted to be a part of the movement. I also just really like posing for pictures! It’s fun to create a character and get that outlet to express myself in a different way. In real life, I’m the most clumsy and awkward person I know. In photographs, I can be a graceful and fierce tigress warrior princess and nobody has to know that I just spilled coffee on myself on the way to the shoot.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
My personal and professional goals kind of go hand in hand; I see myself sharing my music with the world and venturing into service-driven activities–my ultimate goal in life is to help people. I love to sing, dance and model because I love sharing myself with the world, but I hope to translate that someday into something bigger than myself. I want to write for other artists, mix and produce, teach and maybe even go to medical school, who knows. I want to be bigger than myself and make the people around me happy.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I model part-time now that I am focusing more on music, but I very much enjoy the occasional catwalk or photoshoot. I mainly shoot fashion but I have done industrials as well; the most unexpected job I had was a corporate training video schooling employees on the definition of sexual harassment. It was the easiest job I’ve done, I wore a business suit and got paid quite nicely for reading my two lines.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
My best experience was working in Rodrigo Prieto’s short film, “Likeness,” as a model on set. The film discusses the dangers of obsessive beauty and image perfection that we see in media and the harmful effects it has on young teens. I really enjoyed working with Rodrigo, who was the cinematographer on one of my favorite films, “Brokeback Mountain.” We filmed in a haunted mansion in Pasadena and got to wear whimsical and dark clothing. The best part was being involved in such an important message to society–that there is a price to obsession over “perfection.” It is much more important to be happy with yourself and confident in all your natural flaws.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
Luckily, I’ve never tripped or lost a shoe on the runway, but I have had close calls with flashing the audience. I got thrown in a dress that was too big for me and there was no time to tape it before going onstage, so I just clutched my neckline the entire time. A friend said I looked like a church girl clutching my heart.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
Yes, I would love to see more body types and types in general–people of different ethnicities and background. I love fashion and the beautiful people in it, but there are many types of beautiful that I don’t think get featured nearly enough in media.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I dance, I run and I occasionally do some kickboxing. I don’t limit my foods to definite “good” and “bad” foods, but I do try to eat lean, natural and whole. Whole grains, unprocessed vegetables, and lots of colors. I am pescetarian and I love sushi. Nutrition and exercise are highly important aspects for everyone, since they are the building blocks of your body. It doesn’t matter whether you work in front of a computer for 8 hours a day or are a fitness instructor, it’s just as important!
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I have an M1 motorcycle license but I’ve never ridden on the road. I got the license in college because I needed a way to get around LA other than public transportation, but once my parents found out they lent me their car and I never had the opportunity to practice on the road. Now that I’m back in LA again I’m saving up to get one and start practicing!
Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?
We are always our own worst critics, and I could list a bunch of things that I’d like to improve, but why not just spend my effort on actually working towards those goals?
If you had only 24 hours left to live, what would you do?
I would go to Disneyland! It’s the happiest place on Earth, right?
Visit Jen-yi’s website for more photos and information