Interview with Fashion Model, and Author-Jearlean Taylor
I have been inspired by her story since, I connected with her on social media. Even though she developed a type of cancer at 3 years old and has left her with ostomy bag for the rest of her life. She didn't let that stop her with pursuing her dreams as a model, author, and a motivational speaker. She is defintely a example of strength, courage, and resilience. I know you will be inspired by her story.
Q. Tell us about Jearlean Taylor. You have an inspirational story. How did you get started?
A. I am Jearlean Taylor a Baltimore native. I grew up in a loving family with both parents and five other siblings. I love to model, write, spend time with family/friends, watch T.V., and worship God. I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at the early age of three. As result of cancer I was left with ostomy bags for rest of my life. From that point on, my life would be nothing short of a miracle. My life has proven to be a journey of unexpected challenges. My outward appearance is one of beauty, high fashion, grace and charm. However my inward existence was one of low self-esteem, shame, insecurities, and chronic medical complications. I found it hard, embarrassing, and painful to be “different”. Through my faith and even through my pain I learned to be a survivor. It is a blessing to have my desires and passions come true. I have been a fashion model for over 17 years, yes with two ostomy bags. Additionally, I am among top editorial models in my state. I am showing others that we can be over comers.
Q. What was the influence or the motivation behind creating your brand?
A. The motivation behind my brand is to show others that we are not defined by our circumstances. Life happens to us all, but my story says I am not supposed to be a model. I am not supposed to be a fashionista. I thought I would be limited in following my passions. However my brand is being survivor, over comer, and living my life with a purpose as a cancer survivor, fashion model, CEO, and entrepreneur. All things are possible when you believe.
Q. How important is it to have a mentor?
A. I believe it is important to have a mentor to give you guidance, advice, and someone who can give you wisdom on your road to following your passions or dreams. We should expect “the great” in everything we do and a mentor can help be guidance.
Q. Being that you are into the modeling industry… How do you fell about the representation of how it being portrayed from the runway to the clothes?
A. I have been in modeling industry for 18 years. I have seen a lot styles, fashions, and participated in countless fashion events. I feel it is and will always be what people see, imagine, & portray. Everyone interpretation is different. That is what makes us unique, our differences. I see change in runway. It is more creative, business savvy, & more intentional in its presentation. My view on designers or stylists is they are more cohesive and creative with their clothing. I see array of fashions and styles. I respect they have an eye for what they believe in.
Q. What advice would you give to someone who wants pursue being a fashion model?
A. If anyone wants to pursue being a fashion model, my advice is to know who you are, do not comprise your integrity, and don’t allow your no’s to be no’s. There are many yes’s waiting for you to open that door in this modeling industry. What God has for you is for you and no one can stop that.
Q. What’s next for Jearlean Taylor.?
A. What’s next for me is to continue building my brand of inspiration. I am working on my second book. In addition I am looking forward to hitting more runways, staying in front of a photographer’s camera, following my dreams, and not letting go of my passion of being a better me. When you know better you do better. When you see better, you soar. When you believe in yourself, your possibilities are limitless. "FASHION ON MOVE"
Photo Credit: Vernon Davis
Black Dress: Rachel Hickson- (first pic)
Wardrobe Stylist: Carolyn Marie Phillips (Second pic)
Makeup: Takia Ross