Welcome To March!
What better way to bring in the month than with the amazing story and inspiration from this month’s #ModelOfTheMonth : Jennifer Steele . Hailing from Toronto, Canada Jennifer has become more than just a working model. From securing reoccurring clientele in Canada to international jobs and spreads to model scouting to lifestyle blogging Jennifer has done it all. Read below to take a look into her journey and grab some real life inspiration. Don’t forget to keep up to date with Jennifer and her endeavors here: @jsteelemodel, @jennifersteelephotography, @jsteelelife
Enjoy the story of March’s #ModelOfTheMonth : Jennifer Steele!
What or Who Inspired You To Start Modeling?
When I was a teen, my mother encouraged me to get into modeling to build confidence and to network with other girls. I also had a lot of other people encouraging me to get involved in modeling from a young age. It was something I always seemed to hear brought up in conversation or recommended to me.
What’s Your Modeling Specialty? (Runway, Beauty, Swim, etc.)
I would say beauty, accessories (jewelry shoots), advertising, women’s wear, television and catalogue. My look is usually referred to as classic, regal and timeless. I don’t think I have a super edgy look but I’m a little spicier than the girl next door – haha! feels strange speaking about myself this way but this is what I’ve gathered from other people’s opinions and feedback over the years. Sometimes I can play a girl in her early 20’s and sometimes I’m in a mother role. I’m lucky to have diversity and range in the business.
What Are Your Goals For Modeling (Agency signing? Starting your own agency? Other?) And Have You Reached Any Of Them?
I’ve been modeling a long time with agencies across Canada, US and abroad. I have reached many of my goals. I have traveled to cities internationally, met amazing models and worked on incredible projects with talented crews. I’ve also had the opportunity to help place models with agencies and teach aspiring models in schools. One of my largest goals was to get an American O1 visa, model in the USA, get to NYC and stay there to work. I have accomplished all this and am blessed to have made that experience a reality.
What Was Your Best Modeling Experience/Memory?
There are a few! First of all Canada is one of the greatest countries in the world. I have worked in Toronto and Montreal markets here mostly. I have very fond memories of working for Sears Canada for several years on their catalogues. I shot tons of covers for their books, flyers and web. The team at those studios were like family. I also have fond memories of shooting up north in Ontario for Roots, while joking around and laughing on set while being out in nature – who could ask for more!? I also worked on a collection in Quebec that shot at a safari. Here I was surrounded by exotic wildlife and spent the day very close to the animals.
International stand out memories include shooting on Mount Fuji while in Tokyo at the crack of dawn and watching the sun rise, shooting bridal out front of the massive malls in Singapore while hundreds of tourists stopped to take photos and watch, and driving through the valleys outside of San Francisco to work in a stunning inlet in Inverness. There are far too many gems to share here, but you get the idea.
If You Could Sum Up Your Modeling Experience In Three Words, What Would They Be?
Experiences,
Determination,
[and] Luck.
How Did You Get Into Photography?
I have always been passionate about taking photos with my phone and composing images to my liking. I’m inspired by people, relationships, faces, moments, etc. Anything could speak to me at any given time. Some of my peers in the business were taking their photography to the next level so I became more intrigued and learned a lot from talking to them. I was encouraged and supported by my friends to get my first pro DSLR a couple years back, and from there it started taking off. I’m lucky to be blessed with this opportunity to take photos for others and capture special moments for them. I’m forever learning in this business and improving my skill set. I love using the software and learning new tips and tricks from my peers. Photography has also created a new social environment for me. I feel like I’m part of an amazing sub culture now.
What Made You Start Your Lifestyle InstaBlog And Write For Other Outlets?
I have been writing and published since I was in business school in Waterloo. I find it to be a great creative outlet and also gives myself a voice in this world. It’s probably tied in to modeling and photography too, now that I think about it. All of those activities give you a certain presence where people stop and pay attention. For me, writing is fun and purposeful.
I enjoy giving people a message whether it’s my opinion or I’m simply reporting more factually on a new product or destination. It’s a form of inspiration and entertainment for those reading it, and that brings me joy! I love working with brands and companies. My Lifestyle branch has allowed me to do this at new heights. Check my new site out which will be launching soon. www.jennifersteele.ca
I See On Your Instagram That You Are A Coach And A Scout As Well. What Do You Look For In The Models That You Coach And How Do You Determine What Models You Scout?
I am always open to meeting new talent and helping place him/her with an appropriate rep if I feel they will have a good chance. Anyone who reaches out should have clear photos, head to toe and close up, as well as a great personality and dedication. You have to want it and be passionate about it, because it is a tough business not for the faint of heart.
How Do You Balance Your Many Hats?
I like to think of myself as a walking and living brand. There are many layers, components and applications that need tending to, but they all fit together cohesively. Every thing I’m working on now compliments one another. I am forever working on ideas, taking new steps, and bringing concepts to fruition, both day and night. There is no 9-5 mentality for me. When you’re self employed, that’s just how it goes. If you love what you do it doesn’t feel as much like ‘work’ in the traditional sense anyhow. To me, balance just occurs naturally because I live my life and also work on the projects throughout the day with ease. I don’t clock in and clock out, so to speak.
I stay organized with my phone calendar, creative apps, my cozy home office and many ‘to do’ lists.
What’s A Quote You Live By?
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
– Mark Twain
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