OUR APRIL MODEL OF THE MONTH, JEWELS HAY, GIVES US A SNEAK PEAK AT HER LIFE AS A TRUE MODEL.

“Anything is possible. Never give up on your dream, because one day, it just may happen.”- Quote by Jewels Hay

Name: Jewels Hay

Social Media: Twitter & Facebook

TM: What charities are close to your heart?

JH: The Wounded Warrior Project, Catholic Charities of OKC and American Red Cross.

TM: What is one food or meal that you could never live without?

JH: I am addicted to SUSHI! I eat it too often. It is expensive so I learned how to make it myself and I enjoy making FAT rolls for guests who visit my home.

TM: What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of modeling?

JH: Art and music are significant passions in my home. We have microphones and sing, play guitars/bass and paint. I love painting! I find art therapy to be very cathartic and rewarding. I am learning more about art so I can teach fun, art therapy techniques to children whose parents are away from home serving in the military.  I grew up among many musically inclined people and there is a wide range of very talented musicians in my family. Growing up, I dreamed of being a professional musician and had a lot of fun practicing in recording studios even though the process did not lead to a career in the business.

TM: How do you stay looking so young & fresh?

JH: I love making my own mixtures for my skincare. My current favorite is made with Milk and Honey. It helps prevent break outs and keeps skin looking young radiant and smooth. Honey absorbs impurities from the pores. It is amazing! I’ve learned many skin care tips from model Dawn Gallagher and actress Salma Hayek.  Lemon and Cucumber waters are my favorite drinks that have an amazingly positive impact on the body, inside and out. Lemon water helps maintain weight and fights cancer cells. The smell of cucumbers are so clean and fresh. I juice my cucumbers with the skin and add it to my water with a couple fresh slices. Cucumbers helps reduce body puffiness. It is also a diuretic, encouraging waste removal through urination. I always make a big bottle of enhanced water to carry with me on the go.

TM: What is something most people don’t know about you?

JH: I was a model in my teens but due to multiple surgeries on my back, I was forced for many years to walk with the assistance of a cane and/or walker. I had to stop modeling and thought I would never work in the industry again. I was lucky to be blessed with meeting an amazing Orthopedic Surgeon and he set me on the road to recovery. After years of not modeling, I was inviting to a photo shoot with a fellow military wife and that day I got bit by the Modeling bug, again. I am so thankful to be modeling and have my active lifestyle back. The image below was my first cover page and inside the magazine, there is a story about my challenging journey and successful recovery.

TM: How and why did you get started in modeling?

JH: My folks enrolled me in Barbizon School of Modeling with hopes to train me to be less tomboyish. At that time, I loved playing in dirty sand boxes and didn’t know about skin care, proper posture or how to walk a runway. After completing classes, I was hired to model for local shows and campaigns. I was hired for more professional shoots shortly after my fourteenth birthday.

TM: What are your current career goals?

JH: My goal or mission is to show the world that PLUS models can be high fashion editorial models. I plan to be in campaigns that celebrate women with curves as well as amazing editorials that are more than just a bubble gum, happy style. I am excited for my future as a model and plan to be part of the movement to feature plus models in mainstream, popular magazines. Young women and the world need to see a variety of body shapes being celebrated in advertisements.

TM: What advice do you wish someone gave you when you first started out in modeling?

JH: Always save your receipts for things that apply to your job. Receipts are your best friends, when tax time arrives.

TM: Are there any other tips that you would you give someone who wants to be a print model and more specifically a plus print model?

JH: Practice makes perfect! You will feel funny practicing in front of a mirror but it is a good way to learn the angles of your face and to perfect poses. Be healthy and do your best to have a clean diet and exercise. Ask for honest feedback. There are many “yes” people in this industry but having an agent and/or coach point out your strengths and weaknesses can be pivotal to career growth and becoming the best model you can be. It may be tough to hear that you are not amazing all the time, but be resilient and grow stronger and smarter from other’s criticism and/or positive feedback

TM: How do you feel about the recent controversy with calling models Plus or Curvy or Full Figured? Should they have their own category or should they just be considered “Models”

JH: Well, in modeling there are different types of models: kids, print, commercial, editorial, men, runway etc. So with plus models being a larger size than historically standard, we need to be called something different to signify the niche we fill for clients. I honestly don’t care if someone calls me “plus size” or “curvy”, but it doesn’t sit well with some models in my field. Different strokes for different folks. Agree to disagree.

TM: You have worked with some amazing photographers during your career. Are there any you haven’t worked yet with that you would like to?

JH: I have worked with amazing photographers and take something away from every shoot/test. When you have a strong team behind you, your photos will be amazing pieces of art. I love Peter Lindbergh’s black in whites. His images capture the feeling and rawness about the beauty and I hope to have the pleasure of working with him. Annie Leibovitz is fantastic; a very magical and mystical photographer. Ellen Von Unwerth is another photographer I plan to meet. Shooting with her, would be a dream come true.

TM: Why did you sign with TRUE and what has your experience been?

JH: TRUE Model Management’s future is on the rise. It has all the attributes to be a major, renowned agency but feels more like a family. Every staff member at TRUE is a hard worker, is professional and gives their talent personalized attention. I look forward to growing with them and am thankful to have TRUE as my New York agent/manager.

Want to know more about TRUE Model, Jewels?  Leave your questions & comments for her below!

Yours TRUE-ly