“I am a Caribbean woman no matter where I live and I celebrate that every day by being just that.” ~Jessica Millin

Highly sought-after model Jessica Millin originally hailing from USVI, will make it nearly impossible for you not to be captivated by her powerful gait and stunning features on the runway or on the bustling streets of NYC where she currently resides. Having carved out a flourishing career, she has made an unerasable mark for herself in the modeling industry all while breaking barriers and swinging doors open for others to walk through.

As one of the main models of the hit reality TV  show “Project Runway” for multiple seasons, she has become a fan fave in the homes of fashion lovers everywhere, and among designers. Jessica has showcased her model artistry in a myriad of top designers such as Sergio Hudson, Pnina Tornai, Bishme Cromartie, HELLESSY, and Pyer Moss,  just to name a few!

At the age of 15,  her career was sparked in her hometown of St. Thomas when she was discovered by an intuitive runway coach who could see her untapped potential.  She went on to strut her way into a booming modeling career after moving to NYC, going on to glamorously globetrot by embodying her beauty and pride.

With The Big Apple being her home away from home she continues to represent the richness of her Caribbean culture showcased by her bold take on fashion and flavorful personal style.

From finding ways to stay grounded to launching her own business empowering individuals off & on the runway, Jessica Millin opens up about her journey and the woman behind the culture, creativity, and confidence.

 

Living out your dreams always comes with taking the first step! How did you begin your modeling journey? Who or what inspired you to begin modeling?

I was discovered in St. Thomas at the Tutu Park Mall by a runway coach when I was 15 years old. He approached me and said, “Walk for me.” I was caught off guard but he went to get me a pair of shoes from a store and I walked for the first time. My walk was not the best, but I had potential, and soon after, I took my first trip to NYC.

My inspiration for modeling started when I walked into my childhood living room and I saw my sister watching America’s Next Top Model. Even though I was still very young, all I remember thinking was, “I look like those girls!” I guess I indirectly manifested growing up to be 6 feet tall and slender.

Being from USVI surrounded by such a vibrant culture, how does the culture influence how you view fashion & style?

Being able to grow up on such a vibrant island definitely influenced how I view fashion in many ways. For example, taking risks with my personal style, being bold and unapologetic.  I tend to gravitate to designers who think out of the box and are unique in every detail of their collections.

 

Confidence drips off every step you take on the runway! How did you learn to unapologetically be comfortable in your skin and build your confidence?

It took me some time to find my confidence but once I did I embodied it in all aspects of my life. I didn’t have any coaching, I taught myself by watching some of my runway idols including; Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Yasmeen Ghauri, and Kate Moss just to name a few. I am heavily inspired and influenced by 90’s style of runway. The poise, the attitude, the sass and the way they would glide down the runway had me mesmerized. I would practice at home and eventually, I got my signature walk down to a science.

“It took me some time to find my confidence but once I did I embodied it in all aspects of my life.”

 

 

Now residing in NYC, do you feel it’s important to celebrate your Caribbean culture?

Living in NYC is such a benefit to remaining in line with my culture. NYC is full of many different walks of life, Caribbean culture being one of them. The food isn’t spot on but it’s pretty close! I am a Caribbean woman no matter where I live and I celebrate that every day by being just that.

 

 

 

Being a featured model on the top-ranking show Project Runway for numerous seasons along with strutting down countless high-fashion runways,  how has the journey from when you first began to now shaped you? The biggest lesson learned?

Being one of the main models for the hit reality show, “Project Runway”, and walking countless runway shows has been a long journey. Runway is an art and being an artist, I use it as a way of expression. It takes lots of confidence, balance, self-awareness, attitude, and technique so It took me some time but I reflect on my growth with the runway so much. I am thankful for every opportunity that has presented itself to me and I take my job very seriously. One of the most important lessons I really had to learn was, “ A model’s job is to make the garments come to life.”

What do you love most about the modeling industry? What’s one of the major improvements that you would like to see shift in the industry?

What I love most about the modeling industry is; the diversity, meeting amazing creatives (most models are artists in many ways), the sense of community with other models, the amazing opportunities to see someone’s vision come to life, the self-care (being a model has taken my self-care to a whole other level), meeting other creatives outside of models (photographers, designers, make up artists, videographers, directors, etc.).

One of the major improvements that I would love to see in the modeling industry is the relationship between agencies and models to become fair. Models have to wait up to 90 days for payment from jobs, and actual guidance for new models. To sign a model should mean that you truly believe in them and want them to meet their full potential but I don’t see much guidance from managers and agents.

 

What have been the most impactful words that have said and stuck with you over the years as you were blossoming in this industry?

Some of the most impactful words that I have received were, “don’t get caught up in the competition of a casting, use it as an opportunity to network, learn, and grow. Once it’s over, forget about it and move on to the next one with confidence.”

“Reflecting on my journey helps me stay grateful and remain my biggest fan. “

 

Dealing with the fast-paced schedules and pressures of the modeling industry can feel overwhelming, how do you manage to keep yourself grounded?

The way that I keep myself grounded, humble, and motivated is by remembering where I started. Reflecting on my journey helps me stay grateful and remain my biggest fan. I am proud of everything that I have accomplished thus far. Also, keeping my goals in the forefront of my mind to never forget that I must keep going, no matter what.

It’s one thing to have a killer walk that turns heads,  it’s another to share those gifts and knowledge to help up-and-coming models break into the industry! Kudos! Why was it important to you to launch a platform as a runway coach?

First, thank you very much. I take a lot of pride in my walk so that means so much to me too. I started my business “Model Formation” for the simple reason of wanting to see this industry grow with the tools to master a great walk for the runway and for everyday life. Agencies don’t typically offer runway courses to really help an aspiring model grow into their full potential, so that’s where I come in. I teach confidence through the art of runway. I also like to mention that my classes aren’t only for models, they’re also for anyone who needs that confidence boost. To learn how to walk into a room with the ability to demand attention and respect. These classes can be for individuals in the corporate world, kids in school or students in college, etc. Every and anyone can benefit from this 3-day course.

You can only have 3 items in your bag for the day, what are your must-haves?

My 3 must-haves in my bag would have to be, my journal, my comp cards/business cards, and some Blistex!