Jason Harris
Jamie Villamor admits that she has always been a bit of a tomboy. She had two brothers and five uncles growing up so she was never really into any girly stuff. She loves sports and being outdoors and in fact, she started training in Tae-Kwon-Do when she was just five years old. She eventually earned her second-degree black belt at the age of 13 and ultimately she became a Tae-Kwon-Do world champion! She also got offered her first modeling job right after she won her first national title.
StarCentral Magazine recently sat down with Jamie to find out more about her journey to entrepreneurship and here’s what went down:
Could you please provide background about yourself and how were you actually ‘discovered’?
I trained in mixed martial arts from the ages of 5 -18 – mainly in Tae-Kwon-Do. I am a 2nd-degree black belt and I got offered my first modeling job when I won my first national title at the age of 7. I did walk in a runway show for Macy’s at the age of 5 but I wasn’t a big fan of fashion shows at the time.
What does it mean to you to be a model?
I think modeling is a lot harder than a lot of people realize. I love being able to create so I’m always grateful when I’m able to work with other creative individuals. I love seeing other people’s visions and being able to share mine on certain projects as well.
What sort of person usually follows you? Who’s your main audience?
It used to be primarily men, however, recently I’ve had a large jump in female followers inquiring about firearm safety and wanting to learn how to properly train in firearms which I love – I’m actually a huge advocate for protecting our 2nd amendment.
What’s the biggest challenge to modeling?
I think traveling can often be a challenge and blessing in the same sense. Often I’m so blessed to visit so many amazing spots and see different cultures yet time seems to fly by and it can be difficult to be present and really appreciate the moment. It’s a go-go-go with not a lot of downtime before we are off to the next location.
Have you always wanted to be in the modeling industry?
No, modeling was not something I sought out. I’m more of a tomboy so I’ve always felt it was a little more difficult for me to fit in.
What’s your personal mission in life?
My personal mission is to continue to grow and give back as much as I possibly can. I want to visit new places and explore this amazing world we live in. There’s just so much to see that it just gets me so excited.
What has been the most memorable experience of your career so far?
I’ve had so many memorable experiences it’s hard to narrow it down to one. My favourite is honestly having the pleasure and opportunity to work with so many talented people. Mishawn W was one of the last photographers I worked with, he shoots for Guess, and not only is he extremely talented but his personality was so incredibly genuine. Listening to people’s stories and how they got to where they are today is just so inspiring at times.
Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?
I’ve signed a few NDA’s in my time so best to not disclose! lol
How active are you on social media?
Pretty active, I do my best to respond to all my comments. DM’s (direct messages) are harder for me so I tend to just stick to the comments.
What is your favourite social media platform?
Instagram for sure.
Are you currently in a relationship or are you single? How did your relationship cope during the quarantine period?
My quarantine period started in a relationship but it came to an end mid Quarantine. I think it can be a difficult transition for people who are not used to spending that much time together. We had a long-distance relationship before so it was definitely harder; however, I’m so grateful for my journey with him. It has been a positive transition for me. I’m such a lover/ explorer so I enjoyed spending time and sharing adventures with someone but I am loving my ‘me time’ now.
What will you advise other models who may wish to follow your footsteps?
Understanding early on that not everyone is going to like you and that’s okay. Keep trying if you want it bad enough you will create it.
What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.
To get a little more involved in shooting my matches as a competitive shooter – I want to incorporate my modeling career a little more in the firearm industry. It’s hard to tell with the whole COVID-19 what the future entails but I’m hopeful and I want to continue to be creative during this pandemic.
The ‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:
1. Last good movie/TV show I’ve seen: Ozark and Extraction with Chris Hemsworth. I don’t watch too much TV, I tend to be more of a reader and explorer, however, I did binge watch Ozark, all three seasons, In a matter of days.
2. What do you consider beautiful and why? Serving and giving back. It fills my heart with so much joy.
3. What haven’t you done yet that you wish you could? Visit turkey and see the hot air balloons.
4. Complete this sentence: “If I had no fear, I’d…” I don’t think I really have a legit fear. Some things do make me feel uncomfortable though, but I don’t have any ‘fears’ I can think of.
5. What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself? My nose to be brutally honest! lol
Jason Harris
