As an accomplished American model with a decade of experience under her belt, Jessica Strother continues to climb to new heights in the industry -- and she has her commitment to bettering herself from the inside out to thank. From what she eats to her daily routines, the NY-based beauty recognizes there’s a deep connection between feeling your best and looking your best. Her advice and delicious smoothie bowl recipe are sure to help you on your own journey to achieving greatness and living a healthier lifestyle.
How did your journey as a supermodel start?
Jessica Strother: I started modeling when I was 14 years old, after a teacher at my high school in LA discovered me. Three short years later, a fashion photographer saw me at The Cheesecake Factory and offered to help me get to the next level. He placed me with IMG Models in New York and I’ve been there ever since.
What is the biggest lesson you learned throughout your career so far? How did you learn it?
JS: The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to do what I want to do and remain true to who I am. I feel the industry pulls you in so many directions -- you really have to stay strong in who you are. I also found that being healthy and active leads to a good, happy life and that is key.
Who was your biggest role model and why?
JS: Ever since I started modeling, my favorite supermodel was Barbara Palvin. She showed me you don’t need to be a size 2 to be a successful model. I admire how she radiates pure joy, too.
You date surfer Koa Smith who makes balancing on waves look effortless. What does balance mean to you and how do you practice it?
JS: Balance to me means finding the balance between healthy living and “splurge living,” haha. What I mean by that is, I love eating junk food and going out with friends, but I wouldn’t feel amazing if I did that every day. I make sure I’m eating healthy and exercising, but I allow myself to have a cheat day every so often.
You frequently travel for shoots. How do you prioritize health and wellness even when you’re always on the go?
JS: I do travel a lot for work, which can make it difficult to maintain my healthy habits. I always bring my own snacks with me -- GoMacro bars and, of course, gr8nola! My travels are often to the same places which helps, since as soon as I arrive I’m already familiar with healthy places to eat or local workout classes.
Walk us through a typical day for a supermodel.
JS: Honestly, my life changes every week. For example, I’m off this whole week so I’m catching up with friends in NYC, working out every day, eating at home and handling some business. If I have a shoot one day, I wake up and prep by washing my face with cold water to decrease puffiness and putting my favorite face oil, Vintner’s Daughter, on. I always bring a Health-ade kombucha to set. I try to do something beneficial for my body every day. If I’m not working out, I’ll go to the sauna or cryotherapy.
What are some rituals/products/hacks you swear by to feel your most beautiful, both inside and out? Share a secret or two.
JS: My favorite ritual for when I’m not feeling my best is honestly taking a hot shower and rubbing coconut oil everywhere. And I mean everywhere! My face, my hair, my whole body. I drink lots of water, Tulsi teas, homemade celery juice and Health-ade kombucha -- it’s just as important to put good things in your body as it is topically. I have also found visiting the sauna and cryotherapy regularly to be beneficial.
What’s your number one tip for anyone who wants to achieve gr8ness in their lives?
JS: My number one tip for achieving gr8ness is to stay positive and focus on what you can control. I have anxiety and tend to stress a lot, so I really try to focus on the positives and happiness in life.
Just for fun: You're stuck on an island and can only take three food items with you. What would they be?
JS: I would take gr8nola, bananas and blueberries. You could make a perfect little bowl with those ingredients and chill on the beach.
What’s your favorite way to eat gr8nola?
JS: I love to eat gr8nola with oat or macadamia milk. My favorite gr8nola flavor is Coco Cacao (I live for chocolate and cacao), but I also love Golden Turmeric and The Original. I also love making smoothie bowls and putting some gr8nola on top. It’s the perfect finish!
Here’s one of my favorite smoothie bowl recipes: Start with a base of frozen banana, almond milk, vanilla collagen protein powder, maca, flaxseed, turmeric, cinnamon, maple syrup, camu camu, cacao powder and spirulina. Then top with gr8nola, coconut, bee pollen, goji berries, cinnamon, Himalayan salt, and cacao nibs. Enjoy!
