Jasmine Young is a dedicated and passionate Cal High senior, making her mark in the modeling world.
She first stepped into modeling at 16 when her grandmother took vacation pictures from her Instagram and sent them to a modeling agency.
“My grandma had taken pictures of me and sent them to my modeling agency,” Young said. “I had no idea this application had been sent.”
The agency later called her in for an interview. From that point on, her interest started to grow.
“I had been very surprised and never expected for something like this to happen.” Young said.
Look Modeling Agency in San Francisco later called Young in for an interview. From that point on, her interest started to grow. This agency is also famous for signing trending model Alex Consani.
“No one in my family has been into modeling before,” Young said. “I think this is kind of a new pathway, but I feel so beyond fortunate to have my parents and grandparents in my life because they give me unrelenting support.”
Young’s grandmother, Carol Young, explained how her granddaughter had no idea about the application sent to the agency.
Carol Young found the agency through a friend who spent her youth in the business.
“To say Jasmine was completely surprised would be a gross understatement,” Carol Young said. “So a happy grandma and a surprised granddaughter made their way to San Francisco, and she was offered a contract that very day.”
It was a happy ending with many possibilities.
Usually, Young does editorial and medium-lifestyle modeling, but she is waiting for more opportunities in runway modeling. She appeared on the cover of her first magazine, “PUMP Magazine”, on Jan. 10.
Recently, Young participated in a fashion campaign called Geometry of Glamour, which features unique and unexpected art styles like avant-garde. She found it quite challenging.
“That was really hard because I usually do more basic, non-patterned, and simple styles,” Young said. “But then I go to these avant-garde projects, and it’s all big makeup, crazy hair, and geometric shapes.”
Young said her modeling style is typically more basic, so this experience was very new to her.
Appearing on the cover of an international fashion and beauty lifestyle publication was unexpected and a big deal for everyone in Young’s family. To view the magazine photos, go to Young’s Instagram @jasmineyyoung.
Carol Young said The Academy of Art University students, a photographer and stylist, worked all day with Young and decided to send the photo shoot to “PUMP Magazine” for a chance of appearing in it.
“The magazine cover was a complete surprise,” Carol Young said. “No one was more surprised than Jasmine when the editors chose her poses to appear in the magazine with the bonus of landing the cover.”
When the cover got posted on Instagram, Young was excited to see herself on it, but she also was very surprised.
“I didn’t ever anticipate being in one [cover] but I think it was exciting to see.” Young said.
Young is very passionate about encouraging others to pursue modeling as a career or a hobby like herself.
“If I were to give advice to people that want to go into modeling, stay true to your own style and find things that you are confident about and that are unique to you,” she said.
Young thinks trying many different types of fashion and being open is key in modeling. For example, when she tried something really different from what she usually does with the PUMP Magazine campaign.
One experience Young looks forward to is working with more people in the future and gaining better experience.
“I think to be a successful model, you have to find your own unique style that you can bring to the camera,” Young said. “That’s what makes you stand out to different casting directors.”
In addition to modeling, Young is also passionate about dancing. Young has been learning hula dancing and professional ballet for more than 10 years.
“I think they both tie in together because dancing gives you an idea of body movement and awareness when you are modeling,” Young said.
Even though Young has worked hard to establish herself in modeling, she doesn’t see herself becoming a famous celebrity in the next few years.
She describes herself as a more reserved person and views modeling as something she does for herself. She prefers to take her modeling career slowly.
But Young’s younger sister, Jackie Young, has different plans for her.
“I support her because once she becomes rich and famous, I’ll use her money,” her sister said.
Young does want to continue modeling after high school but plans to focus on STEM subjects in college.
“It is definitely something I’d like to keep in my life, because I’ve had such a great time with it,” Young said.” But I’d like to go into something related to STEM, specifically biopsychology, or something in the pre-med field.”
Young said models fly to locations hosting fashion week and go through a bunch of castings, something she wants to do.
“I would really like to walk in a well-known fashion week,” Young said. “I would love to participate in one just for the experience.”.
Young looks forward to exploring different types of modeling. She knows it will be challenging but remains committed to working toward her dream.
“I think I need to build my portfolio more to achieve my dream, and I definitely need more experience in runway walking,” Young said. “When you go to these fashion shoots, sometimes what you are trying to conform to is a different style of art that you are not used to.”
Young thinks it’s important to try many different types of fashion and be open to new opportunities.
While some styles may feel unfamiliar, Young believes that being open to new experiences allows models to see the vision that a stylist or photographer might have.
Young offers advice to aspiring models.
“Stay true to yourself and find your own unique style because when you approach modeling agencies, that is what makes you stand out,” Young said.
