Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Owen.
Hi Jessica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I remember watching a fashion show at a young age & saying to myself I want to be those girls. I was about nine or ten years old & that feeling never left. I would walk in fashion shows for my sewing class in high school & everyone was always amazed at how I did. I knew I had natural talent. Over the years, I struggled with confidence in the fashion world. I wasn’t as thin as the models I saw, so a lot of fear held me back for years. Fast forward about 15 years later, I moved to Houston and decided that’s was time to put all that fear behind me. I started going to modeling classes to gain technique & knowledge. I was learning and growing as well as my confidence. I was booking gigs & started to see change. Now in my career, I still have my not-so-confident moments but I don’t let them hold me back for so long. This industry takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there & a lot of confidence in taking all the criticism. My journey is just beginning.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This has not been a smooth road at all! They say if it’s worth having, it won’t come easy. Modeling is something I love to do. I have fun doing it and I can’t see myself taking it out my life. On the flip side, there are a ton of things that I wish were different. Getting a job based off your physical appearance comes with a lot of rejection. It’s tough because you go into a casting thinking you are perfect but the client may want a completely different look. I’ve taken the rejection personally when I first started but I eventually understood that it’s simply business. Then of course the politics. Proving yourself to clients, photographers, MUA, & stylists that you are marketable isn’t a walk down the park. There are so many talented models out there. How do you create your own lane? Finding your own lane and staying true to yourself with consistency is key. It takes time since there are so many avenues to showcase your work. I’m still figuring it out but I’m getting to a place where I’m comfortable with being uncomfortable. I’m also a mom and I have a 9-5, so my time is limited. It’s definitely been an upward battle but well worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a model & an accountant. I get the best of both worlds. As I stated earlier, modeling has been a passion since I was young. My accounting love came early on as well. I currently work as a Gas/Revenue Accountant in the oil & gas industry. I truly enjoy both my job choices the same. I need both to function. In accounting, I’m known for my midstream work. Having that experience isn’t common. Modeling I hope I get know for my fight. I’m not giving it up. EVER!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Modeling advice, you have to be willing to work more hard than anyone around you. This business isn’t about “being pretty”. You must learn the business. Educate yourself on fashion designers and photographers. Practice your poses and facial expressions in the mirror. Exercise!! No matter what size you are, you want your body to have a definition and a toned look. Be yourself, you may be in a situation where you get booked because you have a good personality. You want to be easy to work with. No one wants to do business with difficult people. It delays the process. Stand up for yourself. Stand your ground! The entertainment world is full of good people & not so good people. If you ever feel uncomfortable in any situation, speak up and leave immediately. Lastly, watch out for scammers! Look at those email addresses when you receive offers and please don’t send out your personal information to anyone don’t trust.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Jessicaowen.net
- Instagram: @jessicaowen__
Image Credits
Accessories: @houseofbuke
Photography: @buke_productions
Retouching: @buke_productions
Styling: Krystal K. Obasa / @Mrs_Buke
