“Looking back, I was very shy growing up. Walking a runway or being in front of a camera brought something else out of me. I am a creative person, so the fashion, style, and different types of photos were very appealing to me. Modeling was fun and exciting, and helped me grow as a person,” reflects Jamie Ainsworth.
As a timid, but beautiful young teen in Magee, Mississippi, Jamie was intrigued with the modeling industry. “My dad heard a casting call on the radio and took me. It turned out to not be very professional, but it was a good experience and I walked away knowing I wanted to be a model.”
Jamie’s supportive parents helped her pursue her dreams. She signed with several modeling agencies, both locally and in Chicago and Atlanta. She traveled to New York City and booked Fashion Week shows, but always returned to her roots. “I’m a country girl,” she laughs. “I never wanted to move.”
Jamie began working for Libby Story and many of the girls at the company realized that Jamie had true modeling experience. “I was a real model in their eyes. The girls would come to me for advice to go further, and learn about runway modeling. I began mentoring many of the models, and suddenly I booked one of the girls for a job!” She reflects, “It kind of fell into my lap and I thought, ‘Why don’t I do this for real?’”
Jamie founded JEA Model Management (after her name, Jamie Elyse Ainsworth) and she now has a booming modeling agency. Through her personal contacts, experience and incredible hands-on approach, Jamie is changing the face of modeling in Mississippi.
JEA books locally and nationally, and has worked with magazines such as Premiere Bride, The Northside Sun, and Social South. JEA also works closely with boutiques such as Libby Story, 25 South, and Mulberry Dreams.
The faces of JEA are beautifully unique. “I love diversity within my agency. I do not have any models that look just alike. I try to keep refreshing and adding new talent,” says Jamie. Many of her models also have marvelous potential. “I have a girl signing with Major Models in New York City! I have another under negotiations. The ultimate goal is to get them great experience, develop their skills and get them further with their careers,” says Jamie.
Jamie personally coaches and trains her models. Refreshingly, everything is one-on-one; there are no group classes. “We do a portfolio shoot and perfect their look. We make sure we promote each client the way they need to be promoted.” They not only coach models for photo shoots, but also fashion shows, acting, and more.
JEA Model Management is the modeling agency in Mississippi. Through JEA, Jamie is extending the same poise and self-assurance to young girls that she received from modeling. “Seeing them build their confidence is truly rewarding, and is the best part of my job,” admits Jamie.
If you are interested in joining JEA Model Management, you can apply and submit photos here. JEA also has open calls, or Jamie might even spot you in a restaurant! “I have scouted around Mississippi. If I see someone intriguing, I will walk up to them and talk to them! I have found people on Instagram and asked them to come to a casting.”
Jamie, thank you for sharing your passion and expertise with models around the state. For more information on Jamie and JEA Model Management, please visit their website here.
{Blog by Mitchell Walters}
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