INTERVIEW BY INÉS TELL
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JESSIE LI

Jessi is a natural. In the best sense of the word. The model grew up surrounded by music, acting and art. She was discovered in a bookshop and the rest is history. We talked to her about inspiration and lifestyle, but most of all we talked to her about values and a much-needed conversation: her fight against the rising asian-racism.

First things first, how are you?
Good, thankfully! My husband and I just bought a house in Connecticut. Between work and settling in, every day has been slammed. It has been 100% worth it. The commute to work is great and we get to feel so much more connected with nature - and our dog loves it out here, too (although, she’s gotten a little wild with all the space…).
How would you describe yourself using the least amount of words?
Uhhh….Slightly awkward extrovert.
We want to know how you got into modeling? How did that happen? Was it something you were looking for or were you discovered?
I just started college at Juilliard to be a pianist and a group of my friends decided to go downtown to check out The Strand bookstore.

I remember that it was raining and I was slightly annoyed having to go out in that weather (- I come from Southern California and it only rains like once a year there). I was approached by a modeling scout while there in the middle of squatting by some books in pajamas, an unimpressive puffer, and wet hair; I thought I was for sure getting scammed! Luckily, my friends studying at a nearby fashion school said to give it a go and I was able to make a career out of it. 

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