Heading: An Interview with Jessica Shanel
Introduction:
Jessica Shanel’s journey to success is a powerful reminder of the importance of following your dreams, no matter when you start. Born and raised in Moreno Valley, California, and now based in Orange County, Jessica’s rise in the modeling world has been nothing short of inspiring. Starting her career as a hand model in 2021, she’s quickly made her mark, with two billboard appearances in Buena Park and a growing presence in the creative industry. Beyond modeling, Jessica is also venturing into acting and voice work, with exciting plans for the future. In this interview, we sit down with Jessica to discuss her career, the motivation behind her success, and her aspirations for what’s next.
Q: Jessica, thanks for sitting down with us today! You’ve had such an exciting start to your career. Let’s start from the beginning. How did you first get into the modeling world?
Jessica Shanel: Thank you for having me! My journey into modeling actually began a little later than some. I had always wanted to model and pursue creative work, but I put those dreams on the back burner while I focused on getting my degree in Counseling Psychology. It wasn’t until 2021, after the passing of my father, that I decided to honor his memory by following my heart and living life to the fullest. I started out as a hand model, and that was really my entry point into the industry.
Q: That’s such a powerful motivator. What was it like transitioning from a more academic path to the world of modeling?
Jessica Shanel: It was a bit daunting at first. There’s a lot of self-doubt when you step into a new world, especially one that’s so visual and external. But I think I approached it with a fresh perspective. I’d always been passionate about helping others, and I’ve found that with modeling, I can channel that same energy—whether it’s through my work or just by inspiring others to pursue what they love. Plus, I felt like I had the freedom to fully embrace my creativity and show up as myself.
Q: Your work as a hand model has certainly put you in the spotlight, with some pretty impressive achievements already. You’ve even been featured on two billboards in Buena Park, California. What was that experience like for you?
Jessica Shanel: Honestly, it was surreal! I never imagined seeing myself on a billboard so early in my career, especially as a model. The first time I saw my face up there, it felt like such a full-circle moment. My graduation picture was on a billboard in the past, but to see myself as a model on one? That was a whole different level of excitement. It’s also very humbling—it makes you realize just how far you can go if you keep pushing forward.
Q: That’s incredible! Beyond hand modeling, you’ve mentioned a desire to branch into acting and voice acting. What kind of roles are you drawn to in those fields?
Jessica Shanel: I’m really excited about expanding into acting and voice acting because they offer such different ways to express creativity. For acting, I would love to take on roles that are diverse and complex—something that allows me to show different sides of myself, whether it’s drama, comedy, or action. I think voice acting is a great way to play around with different characters and emotions. I’d love to do some animated characters or even voice work for video games. I think I could really bring a lot to those kinds of roles.
Q: With everything you’ve accomplished in such a short time, you must have some big goals for the future. Can you share what’s next on the horizon for you?
Jessica Shanel: Absolutely! One of my major goals is to sign with an international agency. I want to take my career beyond just the local scene and explore global opportunities. I’m also hoping to do more acting—maybe even start landing some speaking roles, whether in film, television, or voice work. On the creative side, I’d love to do another mermaid-themed beach shoot in the summer. And, just recently, I did my first Halloween shoot with fake blood and a darker vibe, which was a fun and different experience. It really pushed me out of my comfort zone, and the feedback has been amazing, so I’m excited to keep exploring that side of my creative work.
Q: You’ve spoken about your father being a major source of motivation for you. How does his memory continue to inspire you in your career?
Jessica Shanel: Losing my father was a huge loss, but it also gave me this profound sense of urgency to live the life I always wanted. He was someone who always supported my dreams, and I know he’d be proud of what I’m doing now. I carry that with me every day—his belief in me and my potential. It’s not just about honoring his memory, though; it’s about living fully, embracing every opportunity, and never settling for anything less than what you truly want in life.
Q: Your journey is so inspiring, Jessica. Is there any advice you’d give to others who are looking to follow their dreams, especially later in life?
Jessica Shanel: I’d say, don’t wait for the “perfect” time. Life is unpredictable, and there’s no reason to put off pursuing your dreams just because you think you’re too old or it’s too late. The right time is always right now. And don’t be afraid to take risks and step outside of your comfort zone. That’s where growth happens. Most importantly, stay true to yourself and surround yourself with people who support you and encourage you to keep pushing forward.
