by Maddy Figueroa-Jones
In just a few years Jasmine Edwards transformed herself from aspiring
model to working model. With clients such as Essence Magazine and
Ashley Stewart Stores, Jasmine is sure to become a very familiar face
in the modeling industry.
[Maddy] How did you become interested in plus size modeling?
[Jasmine] I didn't know anything at all about plus size modeling
until I watched the season of America's Next Top Model that Tocorra was
in. It sparked my curiosity and I started to research as much
information as I could on it. I ended up joining forums on websites
like plusmodels.com and curvychick.com which ended up being extremely
informative. But, it wasn't until I picked up a job working at Lane
Bryant that I really thought I should take a stab at this. The women in
these campaigns were always beautiful and so inspirational. They looked
comfortable with their bodies, and I felt like those images sent out
powerful messages. I wanted to become part of sending that type
of message out.
[Maddy] Have you always been secure in your own skin?
[Jasmine] Nope! Maybe recently, but I've struggled with my
weight, body image and self esteem for as long as I can remember – as
far back as the 5th grade. I was teased for my weight and dreaded
going to school some days. In high school most girls had cute
bodies, and cute outfits and cute everything. Not me. I focused mainly
on sports. People knew me as the big, strong girl who could hit a
softball 300 feet. I was like "one of the guys". I acted like I didn't
care, but on the inside, I really did. I wanted to be cute and dainty
like a lot of girls that age were. At the end of my third year of
college I hit my highest weight – it was a really hard time for me to accept
that I had let myself get so big. But I got it together and managed to
lose 50 pounds before the end of my senior year.
Even once I started modeling, and even after booking a
national campaign with Ashley Stewart, I still continued to worry that
my body wasn't good enough. It took me time to really love
and accept my body. Now-a-days, I focus more on my health than my
weight or size. I go to the gym 3 or 4 times a week. I have an exercise
regimen that I love, and I eat a diet high in fiber and protein. When I
want to indulge I don't stop myself. I'm really happy with where
I'm at now!
[Maddy] You're in great shape and your skin is flawless can you share some of your beauty secrets with us?
[Jasmine] Thank you! Well, I think my skin is far from flawless,
but I try to take great care of it. I have combination skin and my
skin's needs constantly change with the weather. I'm always
experimenting with different moisturizers and zit zappers. The main
product behind my skin care regimen is Proactive. I swear by the stuff!
It really helps to minimize really awful breakouts. I use a facial peel
once a week to exfoliate and keep my skin looking fresh. I also find
that having a good sweaty workout regularly is a great way to get rid
of the impurities and toxins that build up on the skin and clog your
pores. I try to drink lots of fluids throughout the day to keep myself
hydrated. And above all, I try to keep stress levels as low as
possible! There is nothing worse than getting a zit you caused by
stressing yourself out.
