Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanette Hoelscher.
Hi Jeanette, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It’s been a journey! During my time at UT Austin, I modeled for SPARK Magazine and made the cover my first semester, which is wild when you consider that I almost didn’t even apply. I loved how modeling was the missing piece of the puzzle that tied together hair and makeup, styling, photography, and any mood or theme that inspired the shoot. After I graduated, I focused on my corporate career even though I did want to keep modeling in some capacity. I watched the modeling careers of my friends and colleagues take off and regularly felt that funny feeling in my stomach because I knew it was something I wanted but didn’t feel that it was something that I could do at the time. With the pandemic, it was harder to network and get opportunities, and I felt stuck but did not know exactly what to do about it. I applied to and attended Coco Rocha Model Camp and learned how to pose, walk, and establish myself as a model from the queen herself – before I gave up on a modeling career, I might as well hear what the supermodel had to say. When it was time to do the hallmark CRMC photoshoot, my creative energies were firing on all cylinders, and my heart felt like it could explode (in a good way). It was exactly the jumpstart I needed to get back to business. Soon after, I signed up with Wallflower Management in Dallas and got to work. I have a strong relationship with one of my agents, Meghan Malanio, who has mentored me and pushed me to be a better model. I’ve been signed with Wallflower for about a year, and I’ve been honored to work with some great brands and even greater people. It doesn’t stop there, though! I’ve been taking dance lessons independently to gain fluidity and pose ideas and I’m even in the process of creative directing my own photoshoot dedicated to exploring expression and movement. I’m nowhere near done with my modeling journey, but I love the process.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t describe it as smooth – more so bumpy, full of twists and turns, and at some points unpaved. The biggest challenge I had to overcome was believing I could do it. I have severe clinical anxiety that went untreated for most of my life, making it very hard to go after what I wanted. Compulsive nail biting, panic attacks, and feeling like my thoughts could swallow me whole were normal for me, and the imposter syndrome I felt trying to break into the industry didn’t help either. Overcoming that anxiety and self-doubt was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it was also the best thing I ever did. After medication, encouragement from loved ones, and a million self-help books, I finally felt like my brain wasn’t working against me anymore, and my mind was now a lovely place to be.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Within modeling, my agents told me they signed me because they think I can be a chameleon and do all kinds of modeling – beauty, fashion, bridal, runway, ecom, etc. It’s been fun getting familiar with the different modeling niches and finding how I fit into them. I like not having a specialization and appreciating each type of modeling for its unique qualities. Bridal is so ethereal and dainty, the runway is a real-life display of art, and fashion has the most potential for experimental movement.
In terms of what I’m known for, I’m a model mom. I always have extra snacks and bandaids in my bag if someone else needs something, and I’m great at giving pep talks! I also know quite a bit about astrology and love being able to meet someone and tell them about themselves based on their birth chart. It’s extraordinary to show someone you just met that you understand them in a certain way.
What I’m most proud of would have to be a tie between actually going after my dreams of being a model and getting a dress named after me. One day I woke up to a text from my agent saying that a model had canceled and asking if I could be at a shoot across town starting in an hour. Having negative time to prepare, I showed up wearing a men’s XL Avatar t-shirt and my boyfriend’s slides. The client, House of Deane, was so satisfied with the turnout that she named a dress from her collection after me. To say I was honored was an understatement – she was already trusting me to be the face of her brand, but having a dress named after me is one of the cooler things I’ve had happen in my life. I’ve become friends with the owner, Diana Deane – I never expected to become friends with a client, but the universe works in mysterious ways!
Let’s end by discussing what matters most to you and why.
Kindness and authenticity. I have fond memories of the models in line with me at a fashion show gingerly adjusting my outfit for me before I go on stage. I know models and creatives I’ve met only once where we are consistently in each others’ comments and cheering each other on because there was a mutual appreciation and a genuine connection. As models, we get faced with a lot of rejection and criticism. I’ve developed a lot of respect for people who, despite this, show up authentically and in their way and are also kind to those around them. The fashion industry, like any industry, has its areas for improvement. Still, the friends I’ve made through the modeling world are some of the most kind, generous, and interesting people I’ve ever met. They both inspire and make me proud to be a part of this world.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanette_hoelscher/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeanette_hoelscher
- To book Jeanette, contact meghan@wallflowermanagement.
com
Image Credits
Personal photo: Monika Lis (@monikalis_) Additional photos: Skylaar (@theskylaar), Lucy Haigan (@ganlu_), Kaity Cox (@kaityphoto), LeeAnn B. Stephan (@leeannbstephan), Manny Roman (@bymannyroman), Brandon Gorrie (@brandongorrie), Max Kütz (@mxktz)
