Meet Jacqui de Jong

We were lucky to catch up with Jacqui De Jong recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacqui, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?

I overcome the haters by following my highest joy and excitement. I started modeling and acting as a creative outlet in addition to my career as a corporate lawyer, and I have faced significant backlash because I am combining two very different careers. However, when I feel attacked or criticized, I remind myself that I made a choice to only make decisions that genuinely make me happy, and when I am modeling and creating and acting, I feel alive and like my soul is on fire. Accordingly, my response to counter external negativity from others is to always recall the reason why I started modeling and acting: to follow my highest excitement, live in the moment, and create a life where every single day I wake up and feel inspired to live as if everyday is the weekend.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am an Australian and Swedish corporate lawyer who moved to New York City in 2021. Last year I spontaneously decided to attend some New York Fashion Week castings, and despite having no prior experience, I was cast in 10 shows. Walking in New York Fashion Week was such an empowering experience, as it showed me that you can do anything once you take a risk and put yourself out there. I have started training in Method Acting with David Gideon in NYC. I love acting as it has allowed me to tap into many latent emotions and channel these to create art.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Firstly, consistency—Everyday, I try and accomplish one thing, even if it is very small, in pursuit of my ultimate goal. Overtime, these small wins combine and gain momentum and can result in quantum leaps overnight.
Secondly, faith—You need to keep your mind trained on the positive, and have an overarching belief that everything always works out in the end. Repeat affirmations “things are always working out for me”.
Thirdly, adaptability—You may start a journey with a vision of how you think things will unfold; however, oftentimes, the Universe or God will present you with a slightly different path, which can be so much more rewarding than how you first conceived of the plan. Having adaptability to pivot to try a wonderful new opportunity that presents itself can unleash an avalanche of even more opportunities, some which may actually unlock your REAL passion, which may differ to what you initially envisioned it to be.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

Provided me with the best education. I am so thankful to my parents for investing in my education and allowing me the privilege to attend very established schools in Australia, which provided a wonderful foundation for me to think analytically, make reasoned judgements and ultimately become a corporate lawyer in NYC. My mum would always buy me so many books and encourage me to read. She would always repeat this saying to me: “give me the child that reads, for she will conquer the world”.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jacquidejong.com
• Instagram: @jacquibabydejong
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-de-jong-a1959418a

Image Credits

@85mmdurk
@byfatimagreen
@photoguy204
@collitonstudio
@paradoxicalangles
@blaine.photo
@sariahfelix_