I am proud to present Ms. Jillian Grandison, Ms. Jamaica UK. That's right folks, Ms. Jamaica UK. Representing the beautiful island of Jamaica, Jillian has taken her skills way beyond the modeling world. She clearly rises above the mold of what people think the typical model is like, which is all beauty no brains. I was able to catch up with Miss Jamaica when she had a little bit of a break from her busy schedule of school, photo shoots, and various promotional events. Check the interview below.
DJ Grain: What’s your name?
Jillian: My name is Jillian Grandison.
DJ Grain: Where are you from?
Jillian: I'm originally from Jamaica, but I'm currently living in London.
DJ Grain: How many years have you been modeling?
Jillian: I've been modeling for five years now.
DJ Grain: What are the misconceptions people commonly have about models that are untrue?
Jillian: There are quite a few, but the main one is that models are just 'pretty faces' and are all academically challenged with no inner beauty or intelligence. I can say this isn't necessarily true at all as I've met quite a few models who are very smart and ambitious, most of whom have degrees or whom are currently studying like myself who is currently studying for a degree in Management Accounting and Public Finance.
DJ Grain: What shows, videos, magazines, etc. have you been featured in?
Jillian: Miss Jamaica UK Beauty Pageant 2008 (winner & reigning queen), KD Darlington Fashion show - London Fashion Week, Cover Girl for Flavour Magazine, Featured in 3 issues of Black Beauty & Hair Magazine Miss October on Flavour's 2008 Calendar.
DJ Grain: What photographers have you worked with?
Jillian: I've worked with quite a few photographers, but my favourites at the moment are Kosher (Femelle Studios), Matthew Hinchcliffe and Alexio Ferraro. They are absolutely great to work with, very professional with an overflow of creativity.
DJ Grain: What photographers would you like to work with?
Jillian: I would like to work with Regan Cameron, Solve Sundsbo and Steven Meisel, just to name a few.
DJ Grain: Can you describe the grind of a model trying to break into the industry?
Jillian: Modeling is very much an exciting career path, however it can be very difficult at times to get jobs or to even get noticed as it's such a competitive industry. Networking is the key and you also have to be very dedicated.
DJ Grain: Any words for the ladies out there that have aspirations of entering the modeling industry?
Jillian: First of all i would say, you have to be able to deal with rejection and taking constructive criticisms on board. Believe in yourself and stay focused on your goals. Never loose your self respect and above all make sure you have something else to fall back on, just in case your modeling career doesn't go as well as you hope.
DJ Grain: Where can we see you next/ what's next in the pipeline for you?
Jillian: My latest project has been my 2009/2010 Calendar which is out NOW! Working in conjunction with KOSHMO ENTERTAINMENT the creators of FEMELLE and FEMELLE DREAM TEAM of which I'm one of the dream girls. The calendar is filled with sexy, playful, seductive, and classy images.
Contact me on any of the sites below for more details of where/how to purchase your copy.
DJ Grain: How can people contact you for booking?
Jillian: I can be contacted through any of these sites:
Model Mayhem
Myspace #1
Myspace #2
Email w/full details