Age: 18

Measurements:

Waist: 24

Hips: 34

Bust: 32

Height: 5’7

Weight: 108

Hair/ Eye Color: Red/ Blue

Tell us about yourself (where are you from, age, whatever you want to add)

Hi! My name is Jillian and I grew up and still live in North Tonawanda, near Buffalo, NY. I’m 18 years old and I’m currently studying Psychology at Niagara University. I love to sing and play volleyball in my free time, and of course I spend most of my day watching America’s Next Top Model re-runs.

Tell us about your modeling experience.

I am just starting out as a model, and I have done a few shoots which have allowed me to feel more and more comfortable in front of the camera!

What is your biggest dream?

My dream is to be an inspiration to all girls and help them to realize that they are uniquely beautiful just as they are! Also, if it comes back, I have always wanted to walk to Victoria’s Secret Runway.

What does it mean to be your own kind of beautiful?

Being your own kind of beautiful means letting go of the pressure we put on ourselves to fit into the mold that is considered the “beauty standard.” It means coming to the realization that there is beauty in everything and everyone and it cannot be measured or determined. The only opinion that matters is your own and as long as you can see and believe in your own beauty then you are right where you need to be.

How would you describe your fashion style?

I would describe my fashion style as trendy, yet still geared toward what I feel best in. I think fashion is such an important factor in helping you feel confident and comfortable. I have always had a love for dressing in a way that is expressive and unique, which gave me the title of “best dressed” as my high school senior superlative. I’m very open in terms of my wardrobe and love to experiment!

Who or what inspires you?

My sisters are my biggest inspirations. They have gotten through many hardships in life, and have done so with grace and strength. They are both very successful in their careers and goals due to their hard work and independence, and I strive to follow in their footsteps. Also, the model I am most inspired by is Gigi Hadid.

What is your advice to someone who is just getting started with modeling?

The advice I’d give to someone interested in modeling is to just put yourself out there and be true to yourself no matter what anyone says or does.

Describe some obstacles you have overcome in your life and how that has changed or shaped you.

One of the biggest obstacles in my life has been my struggle with anxiety. I have had anxiety nearly my whole life and it has affected me in more ways than I can count. Living with anxiety can feel very isolating and it can be difficult for others to understand what you are going through each day. Growing up, I was bullied for being very thin and that only made my anxiety worse. Looking back, though, I can see that these experiences have made me stronger and much more confident. If you told my middle school self that I was able to work through my anxiety and gain the opportunity to become a model, she would have never believed you. I want all young girls to know that no matter what you are struggling with, you are not alone and although it may be hard to see now, there are brighter days ahead.

What makes you beautiful/handsome?

I am beautiful because I was created with love and strive to show that love to everyone I come into contact with. Outward appearance is just a small part of the beauty in each and every one of us. As One Direction said, “That’s what makes you beautiful!”

What would you say to another girl/guy your age who is struggling with their confidence?

To someone my age, or anyone at all, that is struggling with confidence, I would say that I understand. I totally understand that we live in a judgmental world and at times it can feel impossible to even be good enough. But I want everyone to know that there is only one person that decides how beautiful you are, and that is you. There will always be differing opinions, but the one that truly matters is your own. If you believe you are beautiful, then you are beautiful.