When Bianca Jean, a 19-year-old born and raised in Dix Hills, was searching for the perfect prom dress, she had all but the princess experience.
“I refused to wear any dress except the Sherri Hill two-piece,” she said. “I just had to have a crop top.”
Jean spotted the beaded two-piece in the Estelle’s Dressy Dresses catalog, ripped out the picture, and headed to the store in Farmingdale. Only to discover that the dress was sold out and her size was no longer in stock, she opted for a different size and placed an order.
“I knew it was going to be too big, I figured I would alter it and everything would be alright.” she said.
When she went back to the store for alterations a few months later, she was told that her dress was accidentally ordered in a size eight. Being that it was over three times her actual size, Jean had no hope that the alterations would work out. While looking in the mirror the lady helping her asked if she modeled and suggested that she model for the store.
“I figured they were just kissing my ass because they messed up my dress,” she said. “So I said yeah sure, I’ll model for you, not thinking much of it.”
By the end of the month Jean was in Estelle’s mansion (Yes there’s an actual Estelle!) doing her first photoshoot and the pictures were going to be featured on the company website. Since she was completely new to the field, walking into a dressing room full of experienced girls was quite intimidating for Jean.
“I remember being introduced as the newest model and then I felt a pit in my stomach,” she said. “I had no idea what I was doing. I just threw myself into it. I look at those pictures now and think oh god my arms are so awkward!”
Jean says that her biggest struggle was finding comfort in front of the camera.
“It was something that took time. Each photoshoot I would watch the other girls and learn from them,” she said. “I’ve learned how to hide my insecurities with certain poses and lighting. I get myself into a certain zone and the nerves go away.”
Fast forward 2 ½ years and Jean is a free-lance model taking the industry by storm. Opportunities come her way from the connections she’s made through Estelle’s. Some of her proudest moments include modeling for Jovani, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Anthony Defranco Salon, and being on a billboard.
On top of modeling, Jean is a sophomore studying business at Adelphi University. Finding a balance between classes and work is something Jean is always doing.
“I never stop. I am never in one place for more than an hour,” she said. “I am a total type A personality and will never pass up an opportunity.”
Sometimes Jean is skeptical with sharing about her modeling because she feels that people could think she is cocky or that it isn’t real work.
“People underestimate it. They think modeling is pretty girls standing in front of a camera and playing dress up,” she said. “But, I’m telling you, after I’m at a shoot for two hours my feet are blistering, I’m tired, and the last thing I want to do is put on another dress. It gets exhausting and then it isn’t as fun anymore.”
Jean wants to continue doing free-lance work. Currently she is working on modeling for a new clothing line called K.N.O.W Apparel.
“It is way more flexible for a student,” she said. “I can do things the way I want. Part of me wants to sign with an agency but for right now, I am fine. If down the road the opportunity presents itself, I will take it.”
Jean hits the gym three times a week where she walks four miles around a track and does various ab workouts. Exercising also helps her de-stress and have some time to herself. When she’s not doing a shoot or working out, she enjoys quality time with her family. Some of their traditions include traveling, going to dinner every Saturday, and attending the Merry Knicksmas basketball game.
As for the future, Jean does not see herself becoming a full-time model.
“My dream is to work in the fashion industry,” she said. “I want to be an independent business woman who can take care of herself. When I was younger I would tell people I wanted to be a rich bitch.”
Jean is working towards obtaining an internship at Estée Lauder or Marie Claire.
“I work my ass off to do the things I do and make it all happen,” she said. “My dad always tells me to take it day by day, worry about today and the rest will follow.”
Interesting Facts
- Bianca is Polish and Spanish
- When she was little she appeared in a communion advertisement that was posted all over the newspapers. “My mom was bugging out! She went and bought all the copies!” says Jean.
- She could be hysterically joking behind the scences but when it’s her turn in front of the camera she gets in the zone. “Its like a face, a zone I get in, we have so much fun. They all laugh at me,” she said. “I’ll have a straight face and do my thing, but when I get off the runway and backstage il start dancing and joking around.”
- One of the coolest experiences she’s had was modeling for Jovani becuase it was her first designer strict show.
- Two of her favorite designers are Jovani and Sherri Hill.
- She dorms in New Hall B and is a member of various on campus organizaions. She loves to be busy!
- She works on campus for admissions as a transfer ambassator.
- One of her model inspirations is Kendall Jenner!
- Someday she would like to walk in the VS fashion show.
- She has always been very independant and has no problem going to photoshoots right after classes!
- She loves to read Cosmpolitian.
- She looks forward to sleeping in on sundays!
- She has a sweet tooth and loves almond cake/cookies.
- To relax, she just enjoys chilling in her pajamas with a cup of tea. She might be watching Bravo.
- She has her boating license and can operate a yacht.
- Her mom is one of her biggest influences, they have an inseparable bond.
- While on vacation with her family in London, she got mistake for Selena Gomez while exiting her hotel!
- Her and her family love to go on cruises.
- She always wanted to work when she was younger. Her love for FoodNetwork got her interested in being a waitress and hostess. Sometimes she works over breaks from school at resturant in Huntington.