A model's journey - Kara Jane

It's not about jumping from trend to trend, agency to agency; it's about learning who you are, finding your confidence, trusting the right people and the right process and communicating together as we all grow.

When we first started J'adore Models, we knew that our goal was to create the superstars of the future. We quickly learned that in order to really collaborate on a career and work step by step through all the many ups and downs of what that looks like, we were in the long game and that for us, a huge focus of our agency was going to be on development. We're so proud of our model retention and the longevity that we instil in our models that it's not about jumping from trend to trend, agency to agency; it's about learning who you are, finding your confidence, trusting the right people and the right process and communicating together as we all grow.

We've so many success stories of models that we've had working with us now since we very first started and Kara is no exception so we decided to ask her a few questions about her journey at this stage.

How did it all start?

I first attended a casting at J’adore when I was 15 after I'd done a couple of tests with a photographer. I spoke with J’adore and they explained that they felt it was better for me to wait till I was older. They invited me back in to see them when I was 16 and I joined them straight away! It was a great decision as it gave me time to mature and focus on school. 

How did you feel at the start of this process?

I wasn’t sure what to expect when beginning my journey into modelling with J'adore - I was just open to seeing where it would lead. My family were really happy for me and the friends that really counted were too. When it started really taking off, that came with different experiences which some friends found it hard to relate to and that was tough. It was a whirlwind being in college studying my A Levels one week then having a couple weeks in Paris during fashion week!

You're now 21! Where are you at now?

I feel like I’ve grown up with J’adore they are like my extended family. I’ve become more independent travelling alone to other countries and having so many new experiences. I’m naturally quite a shy person but through modelling I’ve had to overcome this and work at being more confident. Working with lots of new people and in new situations has increased my confidence in what I can achieve. 

What do you love about it most?

Getting out of my comfort zone going to Miami and walking in swim week shows. I’ve loved filming TV adverts I enjoy shooting film and it’s exciting to see the finished product. 

Are there any areas of modelling that are different to what you'd expected?

Well I definitely thought that all models are competitive and cold with each other! It's not true!

All the models I’ve worked with have been lovely and I’ve gained so many amazing friends through modelling. Another one is that agencies are just interested in money and actually don’t care about you - again not true! J’adore and my other agencies have always been really supportive and taken good care of me. I've been to every single party across the years and loved networking!

What might some people not know about you?

I wouldn’t say I’m just a pretty face there’s a lot more to me. I have big plans of what I want to achieve, art is my passion and in the future I want to develop my own work as well as sharing my love of art with others. I believe being creative is a powerful tool for wellbeing and I would like to help others to find ways to benefit from being creative. 

J’adore and my other agencies have always been really supportive and taken good care of me.

Modelling has its ups and downs as well as quiet and busy spells. Try not to compare yourself with what others are doing and stay focused on you. It’s important to find other outlets to keep you busy in quiet spells and help you to stay positive. 

Kara's art account @notion_k on IG

What's the most important message you'd give to new models?

Communication is key as that is how they get to know you and how best to support you. Having regular catch ups helps you to stay in touch and work better together.  

https://www.jadoremodels.co.uk/model/karajane/