Interview with JustJenny
JustJenny is a 25-year old model residing in Denver, Colorado.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
I was born and raised in Colorado in a suburban town south of Denver. I’m the youngest of three at 25, and I have a medley of hobbies. From video gaming to cooking, writing fiction to modeling, I always have something to invest my time into! I’m passionate about volunteering and have done so both locally and internationally. I’ve waited tables at Waffle House, turned a wrench at a quick lube, and have been working as a sales operations analyst doing forensic data investigation for the past five years.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
Growing up in the 90’s, it was hard to ignore Tyra Banks’ show America’s Next Top Model. I was fascinated with all the contestants from each cycle, and my mom said I would make a great model. Introverted as I was back in high school, it took a letter from John Casablancas’ Model and Talent Management program to get me excited and fully committed to learning all I could about the trade. My parents enrolled me in Casablancas’ modeling and acting program in 2007, and by 2008 I graduated with such confidence and self-respect for myself that I pursued modeling without the help of an agency. I know with certainty that I would be a completely different person today if I hadn’t enrolled in that program, and I’m grateful every day for deciding to join it.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
I am currently involved with writing a science fiction trilogy, and aspire to be at least a part-time author once I publish the series. Writing, like modeling, allows me to creatively express myself with no boundaries. Without those two hobbies in my life it would be a lot more dull! I’m very family-oriented, and I want to settle down and start a family soon, which is within reach. Each of these goals wake me up in the morning and make me strive to do the best that I can to achieve them!
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
Majority of my modeling is through photo shoots and runway or fashion shows. I am open-minded to any genre you can think of, yet I respect myself and my body enough to have nothing to do with erotic, implied or full nude, and anything that I will tell you right away would make me feel uncomfortable. Modeling is something I have fun with and want my friends and family to be proud of, so I firmly stand beside the decisions I make.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
I’ve had my share fair of good and bad experiences, but one of my best ones was actually the first photo shoot I was involved with after graduating from John Casablancas. I did some networking online and found a group of photographers who set something up around some of Denver’s unique graffiti sites open to all models. I was so excited, and my confidence shined through in all my photos. Each of the photographers I cycled through were pleasantly surprised when they asked me how long I had been modeling, and I answered with only a few months. Hearing their compliments on how fluid my transitions were on posing, and how keen a sense of the lighting and angles I had really helped me realize that I had found something that can truly make me feel accepting of myself. In all honesty, it freed me of any negative views I had about myself on top of being a creative outlet, and I’ve never looked back since.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
I went to New Mexico for a photo shoot once and shot out in the desert. It was my first time working with that photographer, but his portfolio held the type of pictures I wanted in mine, so I went out on a limb to work with him out of state. I was nervous and anxious, but after we shot my first outfit I was overwhelmed with how candid and magical the shots turned out. There was this one where I had to jump as high as I could and open my eyes into the blinding sun, and I felt like it was something we’d have to go at over and over to capture the right moment. After the first take the photographer said that we got it, and when he showed me the shot I couldn’t agree more! The movements we both envisioned actually happened on the first take, and it just felt like a connecting moment between the two of us.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
When I first started out, it seemed like a majority of people assumed that I would be okay with shooting promiscuous or nude photos, just because I’m a woman with a decent figure at 5’7″. It gets under my skin when someone in the modeling industry doesn’t look past your features and makes assumptions off of your look alone before getting to know the genres you enjoy shooting, your own inner creative ideas, or how your work ethic measures up. If I could change anything it would be those preconceived misconceptions about models just in it to look pretty.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
Throughout high school I played volleyball and kick boxed, and I even joined a fencing club. I have exercise-induced asthma so anything that involves running I avoid like the plague! Nowadays I enjoy hiking around Red Rocks and Green Mountain, and I play volleyball just for fun. My boyfriend is a jiu-jitsu fighter so he’s gotten me into that quite a bit. I don’t currently practice under a gym, but it’s a gentle art that I really appreciate and enjoy.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I’ve held a career-worthy job for five years, and it still comes to a shock to people when I tell them I haven’t gone to college. It was on my to-do list out of high school, but it just wasn’t in the hand I was dealt. An honest mistake for them, assuming I have a higher education because I have a stable job. I love anything to do with food, cooking and eating and socializing, and I wholly believe I was born with two stomachs by how much I can put down. All-you-can-eat-sushi? Bring it on! Endless buffet? To the front of the line! I’m also a bookworm and read whenever I’m not busy writing. I’m a hardcore RPG gamer too, and yes, my level 84 Orc on Skyrim will throw you into next Tuesday with her ebony battleaxe!
Would you change anything about yourself?
Ever since puberty I’ve struggled with cystic acne, and still haven’t gotten to a content place with the health of my skin. It’s gotten better over time, but I still have some pretty bad scarring. My goal is to look healthy without the aide of makeup. The path I’ve laid out for myself to reach that goal is coming along nicely, but as always will be a work in progress.
Are you currently in a relationship? How would you describe your partner?
Yes! I am happily taken, going on two solid years this upcoming February! He’s the coolest, silliest guy I know, and I’m blessed to have randomly met him at a Jamba Juice when he tried to take the smoothie I ordered. Each day he inspires me to push my limits, to always have as much fun as humanly possible, and to be thankful for all that we have in life. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have even started writing my book. We’re a nice mixture of partners in crime, romantic lovers, and the most awesome fans in each other’s lives!
Visit JustJenny’s website for more photos and information