Jarry Lee is an agency-signed model, actor, musician, influencer, and former journalist originally from England, Wales, and Connecticut. She has immense following on social media channels, and has appeared as herself on the Netflix show Dating Around (season 1), and in commercials for AT&T, Dr. Brandt skincare, and various L’Oréal brands. As a model and actor, she has worked with Maybelline, Lancôme, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Revlon, Apple, Google, Ben & Jerry’s, Nike, and many other companies.
She has been featured in VOGUE Italia, POPSUGAR, Mic, Elite Daily, NY Daily News, AM New York, Authority Magazine, The New York Times, Cliché Magazine, Thrive Global, StarCentral Magazine, Fem Founder, TMS, MESS Magazine, MOVER Magazine, NALUDA Magazine, and other publications.
Previously, she was the Deputy Books Editor at BuzzFeed for about four years, covering books and culture. She is alum of Choate (prep school) and NYU (university), where she graduated summa cum laude as a Phi Beta Kappa honoree. She has also worked in digital marketing for publishing houses HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, and Simon & Schuster.
Women Fitness President Ms. Namita Nayyar did a candid interview with Jarry Lee, a model, actor, musician, influencer, and former journalist where she talks about her workout, diet, hair & skin care, and her success story.
Namita Nayyar:
You are originally from England, Wales, and Connecticut and now are based in New York City. Your first major breakthrough in modeling was when you walked at New York Fashion Week F/W 2018 as a Runway Model in February 2018. This propelled your modeling career to the height where you have been at the top of the world of fashion and glamour modeling. Tell us more about your journey of hard work, tenacity, and endurance?
Jarry Lee:
I started modeling and acting as a hobby on the side — in spring 2018 and fall 2017, respectively. I found that I really enjoyed the creative aspect of collaborating with photographers to make images that looked like art, especially when they involved unique editorial makeup looks and high fashion styles. Eventually when I started booking more and more paid shoots with bigger brands, I quit my job at BuzzFeed and my career in media in general to pursue it full-time. I didn’t have any prior knowledge or experience in the industries I’m in now, which was a challenge at first. But keeping open-minded and adaptable helped me become a quick learner.
I believe you can be successful in an industry you know nothing about as long as you are determined and committed to putting in the work. Another reason I decided to pursue it was because there are few Asian models in the industry — I’ve had young women reach out to me and express that they felt inspired to see someone who looked like them working and succeeding. Representation matters! I never saw Asian models when I was growing up, so I didn’t even consider it as a possibility.
Namita Nayyar:
You have run a half marathon in 2019 and are also an avid long-distance runner & weightlifter. Elaborate about your passion for sports and what you do to build stamina for long-distance running?
Jarry Lee:
I was on the cross-country running team at Choate Rosemary Hall and grew up playing badminton, tennis, and some golf. I took a break from sports while studying at New York University, but after I graduated, got back into running 5k and 10k races in New York City. I also started weightlifting and strength training with different personal trainers a few years ago.
In 2019, ASICS sponsored me to run my first half marathon, and while it was challenging, the weightlifting really helped to build up my stamina. These days, I try to maintain a balance of both cardio/running and strength training. I also drink protein shakes after every work out and try to cook most of my meals.
Namita Nayyar:
You are a world-leading media personality, model, actress, musician, journalist, and brand ambassador. How do you manage such a remarkable multi-dimensional lifestyle?
Jarry Lee:
I love many forms of art, so I work to express myself creatively in many different formats. I’m interested in learning to do everything! It can be difficult to maintain work-life balance because I don’t have formal workday hours, so I’ll find myself working all day and night if I don’t set breaks for myself.
Establishing a consistent hard stop to the workday helps. I also set aside time each week to visualize my current goals and the precise steps I must take to make progress towards them. Writing down a to-do list of these small next steps helps me stay motivated and narrows down my focus.
Full Interview is Continued on Next Page
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2020 Women Fitness
Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine that you may wish to share?
Jarry Lee:
I alternate between strength training with weights at home, and running outdoors. On an average day, I’ll typically aim to do between 4-6 miles. I’ve also been working out at home with some new weights I got from BALA that I really like! They make a 10-pound exercise ring called the “Power Ring” and colorful weighted resistance bracelets that make my workouts more fun.
Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Jarry Lee:
I don’t stick to a specific diet but generally try to limit my sugar intake, and also eat plenty of lean proteins and vegetables. I cook frequently (which is typically healthier than eating out at restaurants or ordering delivery) and run a cooking blog: www.instagram.com/cookingwithjarry.
Namita Nayyar:
You have glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Share with us your hair care and skincare routine.
Jarry Lee:
I love so many different products but the two most essential ways to take care of your skin and hair are also the simplest: sunscreen, and drinking water. I used to be constantly dehydrated and underestimated how much something as simple as drinking water could affect my skin, body, and even mood. Sunscreen is also critical for anti-aging and protecting your skin on a daily basis.
Namita Nayyar:
It is a dream comes true for a model to appear for Vogue Italia. Tell us more about your experience of working with Vogue.
Jarry Lee:
The photos were taken by a wonderful and talented photographer named Bochun Cheng in a studio in Brooklyn — I remember there was a very cute black cat on set! I didn’t know the photos were going to be submitted to Vogue Italia until they were accepted, so it was a lovely surprise!
Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding fashion model girls, who all are your fans and shall like to know from you for their climb to the ladder of success in the field of modeling?
Jarry Lee:
My advice is to think deeply about what you really want, and if you find that modeling/acting is truly it, then commit to putting in the work. And then work even harder. Push yourself every day. The fashion and entertainment industries aren’t rewarding for most people for a long time, and they definitely won’t be rewarding for anyone whose heart isn’t in it.
I also believe in the importance of building up your brand — take the time to grow your social media presence because it can be helpful in the long run. Learn what makes you unique and then use that to market yourself. You don’t want to look like everyone else. Embrace your quirks to stand out.
Namita Nayyar:
You have been associated as a celebrity ambassador for the #MeToo movement and was on the cover of AM New York in February 2018 for walking in a New York Fashion Week show in honor of the #MeToo movement. This cause is dear to your heart, tell us how you have been able to achieve and quench your thirst for giving back to society through this endeavor of yours?
Jarry Lee:
I walked in that #MeToo-themed NYFW shows because earlier that year I had gotten stalked and harassed by a stranger who I had to file a police report against. It was a really scary time in my life where I had to have someone escort me from my office into a car home.
Taking part in the show and openly talking about the experience felt like taking back some of my power and control in a very powerless situation. It was important to me to stand up for the movement alongside other inspiring survivors of harassment and abuse.
Namita Nayyar:
You have done bold photo-shoots for a number of commercial campaigns and as a model. How you are so body confident and advice to your compatriots?
Jarry Lee:
Confidence comes from belief in yourself. To me, it means accepting and loving who you are and standing by your own beliefs, decisions, and integrity.
Namita Nayyar:
You have been deputy editor of BuzzFeed News’s Books vertical from 2014 to 2018 and was listed as one of “The Asian American Women Writers Who Are Going to Change the World” by Electric Literature in 2017. You have also contributed to Reader’s Digest and McSweeney’s, and your tweets have frequently been featured on Huff Post and The Washington Post. Tell us more about your passion for writing and as a journalist?
Jarry Lee:
I’ve been motivated by creative expression from a young age — growing up, I was obsessed with reading and writing poetry, and had private tutors for piano, art, violin, etc. and that helped shape my passions. In childhood, I actually wanted to pursue poetry and screenwriting as a career.
I was the poetry editor for NYU’s literary magazine for a couple of years before I graduated, and I also edited my prep school’s lit mag. And in prep school, I had written a play for (and performed in) a playwriting festival, which later on spurred my decision to pursue acting in New York City, so it has come full circle!
Namita Nayyar:
As an actress you have acted in a number of Films, Television Series, and Music Videos. Which platform of acting quenches your thirst as an actress the most and why?
Jarry Lee:
I would like to do more film work, especially indie films. I’ve mostly done TV and commercial acting so far. Film acting feels more intense and immersive.
Namita Nayyar:
What do you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.net and message for its visitors?
Jarry Lee:
I appreciate Women Fitness’s holistic approach to fitness — that it’s not just about exercise, but also a healthy diet and lifestyle. People often take their health and wellness for granted, so I’m glad Women Fitness acts as a reminder to live a multi-dimensional healthy lifestyle.
Namita Nayyar:
Today social media plays a vital role in putting your message across to your followers and fans. What is your message for the 700k+ followers on Instagram?
Jarry Lee:
I hope to show young women that they are not limited to traditional career paths. These days, it’s more possible than ever before to create one’s own dream job and career, especially with the self-marketing opportunities that social media provides. I hope my path inspires others to take the risk and leap of faith to pursue their own passions.
Jarry Lee social media presence
- Instagram @jarrylee
- Facebook @jarrylee
- Twitter@jarry
- Official website https://www.jarrylee.com/
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2020 Women Fitness