Name: Jessica Stevens
Model name: Jeska Mae
Class Year: 2015
Major: Political Science, Pre-law
How did you get started in modeling?
I got started with my modeling shortly after turning 19 years old, when I was approached by a photographer and decided to start a professional portfolio and try to pursue a career in modeling. I had heard from many photographers that I had talent and potential and should pursue modeling professionally. I was so nervous at first and did not know what to expect and had no professional experience like most of the other girls had. I went to many shoots, mostly just TFP (Trade For Portfolio shoots between model and photographer) to try to build a portfolio for myself and gain experience and get my name out there. It took me about a year until I started to get offers for paid shoots and magazine submissions. It all kind of happened really fast, it was like one minute I was just a college girl trying to pursue a hobby and make some extra cash on the side, and then all of a sudden my work was being published on club flyers and other sorts of advertisements across the country in many major cities including Chicago, New York City, Miami, and Los Angeles. This past summer, I was chosen for the cast of an MTV show, but had to turn down the offer due to complications with shooting.
Recently, I have just found out that one of my photos that a photographer had submitted to a magazine is going to be published. I am very excited about this and realize that my hard work is starting to pay off. I was also just recently contacted by a modeling and casting agency that has sent girls to be published in big magazines including Cosmopolitan and Playboy. The same agency also casts models for roles in TV shows such as Law and Order, as well as casts girls for Hollywood films such as the recent movie The Wolf On Wallstreet where over 50 girls from PA were casted from this agency to be in that film. I just signed my contract with this agency this past weekend and am anxious to see what new and exciting things I’ll do next, and I hope to further my modeling career.
What’s your favorite thing about modeling?My favorite thing about modeling is that it lets me express myself and break out of my shell. It allows me to escape from my day to day life for a little while and my usual reserved self. I feel like when I’m modeling I can be whoever I want to be and it really empowers me. It started out as a hobby and a way to make extra cash, but in these two short years I’ve already accomplished more than I could ever even dream of accomplishing. And now that I am represented fully by an agency, I hope to do more with my modeling than I’ve ever done before.
Besides modeling, what are your other hobbies and interests?I have many diverse interests and hobbies. First of all, I love politics! It is my passion and I enjoy every aspect of it. I also love sports, I played volleyball, basketball, and soccer and high school and I am a die hard UNC basketball fan and a die hard Penn State football fan! I also enjoy fishing, target shooting, skiing, going to concerts and my puppy.
What are some things people would be surprised to know about you? I think people would be surprised to know that I am a huge Harry Potter fan, like I’m literally obsessed. My dream vacation would be to go to Universal Studios and visit Ollivander’s and get to pick out my own wand. Between the obsession with Harry Potter and my passion for politics, I’m quite the nerd.
How do you handle modeling plus school?I never sleep. No really, I’m a night owl. And modeling isn’t my only job that I have; I am also a server and bartender at Ruby Tuesday. But school ALWAYS comes first for me.
What are your non-modeling career ambitions?I actually want to go to law school after I graduate college and pursue a career either in corporate law or at a lobbying firm dealing with policy implementation. I actually just got offered an internship for this summer in Harrisburg; I’ll be working for the Department of Public Welfare dealing with policy.
What advice do you have for students who want to get in to modeling?Do not change yourself to fit the mold of society. The models that make it the furthest with their career are the ones who stand out from the crowd and accept their flaws and unique image with confidence. You’ll go a lot further owning your own look then trying to look like everyone else.
Describe your personal style.I think one of the best compliments I have ever gotten is when a woman once told me that I dressed and presented myself like I was 25 years old. I try to dress mature, classy, and sophisticated. My biggest fear is looking or dressing like I am a teeny bopper, I think that sends an unprofessional image no matter where you go.