You know they say never judge a book by its cover. And when you assume well you know.. Today we spoke to Jazmine Lane an Instagram beach loving model.. and a Registered Occupational Therapist looking to help the elderly live longer and more productive lives. Her outlook on life is refreshing just like her style.
Jazmine who are you, what is your journey so far?
JL: I am Jazmine Lane, a free spirited and fun-loving girl who is currently in my final year of receiving my doctorate in occupational therapy. It’s been a long educational road but feel so accomplished to be finally achieving my career and seeing all the hard work I have put into it shape me into the person I am today. I am currently doing pediatric rotations in local schools and will be moving onto adult physical rehabilitation in the spring. Afterwards, I work on my capstone project, graduate and take my national board exams to finally become an OTR. (Registered Occupational Therapist).
Jazmine, Hawaii is a beautiful place. Do you feel the aesthetics and visuals of Hawaii, create a perfect backdrop for all your modeling photography?
JL: Oh yes very much. I feel that Hawaii is surrounded by such natural beauty and it is not a far drive to get to the beach or a hike where you can just immerse yourself in the tropical views. Fortunately, I live just 10 min away from one of my favorite beaches, so a good photo shoot is never too far away! The only downside is sometimes the beaches are crowded and so trying to get a good picture when people aren’t scattered in the background can be a bit difficult. I try to go the less crowded spots and during times when there shouldn’t be too many people.
What’s your take on Instagram in general? Do you like to curate your feed or keep it as close as possible to your authentic self?
JL: I feel that Instagram is a fun away to keep up to date with what my friends are up to, keep up with local events as well as stay up to date with brands and fashion trends. I also think that Instagram is a great way to support and spread the word about local businesses and I follow several local startups. I don’t curate my feed that much. I mostly follow my friends, meme pages, brands and local businesses as well as some aesthetically pleasing pages. Surprisingly enough I find that through meme pages I receive information on what is occurring throughout the world. I do try to unfollow pages that are not very active or are producing content that has become different from what I was expecting.
Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far through Instagram?
JL: I would say one of the most interesting people I have met so far on Instagram would be the boss of strategic marketing and promotions here in Hawaii. My boss (John) has introduced me into becoming one of the Millerlite/Coorslite girls and have worked for him for almost three years now. It’s been so much fun! Through IG I was able to be hired and work for his team. I have met and become friends with so many beautiful, strong and talented women through his team and am so thankful that I get to have this opportunity to do so. I have also been able to meet with up and coming event planners locally on the island and have been able to experience many fun and exciting local events. I have also been able to try new clothing goods and even eat some yummy foods from local brands on the island. I also found one of my high school classmates created a successful blog “coffeewithshay” that has taken locals to various coffee shops around Hawaii which I thought was cool.
Being part of an industry whose only emphasis is on the outside characteristics of a person, how have you stayed grounded?
JL: I feel like I’m pretty grounded in general. I do not think I am any more special than someone who doesn’t have an IG. I think what really keeps my grounded is my education because looks do not matter when it comes to achieving your degrees. It’s all about my hard work and perseverance. I also work at a local skilled nursing facility where many of the residents have dementia and that type of work helps to keep me grounded. These residents and their families have no concept of IG. All that matters to them is how well I am taking care of their loved ones and how I can improve their quality of life until the end of their life. These elderly people remind me to appreciate all that life has to offer and that all that really matters to these people is kindness and compassion in a world where every day for them is confusing.
What are your three favorite trends at this moment?
JL: Three of my favorite trends now are cactus plants and more drier weather plants coming into style for home decoration and just overall aesthetic. Many people struggle with trying to keep plants alive, so I’ve noticed these types of plants becoming more popular and definitely add for a more “boho” themed photo. I also think these types of plants are also boosting people’s confidence with plant caring. I think another popular trend is the athleisure clothing trend that seems to be taking over. I really like this trend because it emphasizes that we can still be comfy and look good at the same time, instead of having people feel the need to dress up and wear tight clothing and heels all the time. Tailored joggers, leggings with cool designs and cute hoodies are some of my faves. I have also noticed more workout Instagram accounts incorporating home exercise routines. I think this is a fantastic trend because so many people have difficulties making it to the gym or do not have extra funds for a gym membership. This way, people can exercise on their own time and in the comfort of their own room. This is also great for those who may feel intimidated going to the gym as well.
Let’s talk photo shoots. What do you look for in the photographer when you’re looking to schedule a shoot? What are the must haves to work with you?
JL: I try to work with those who my other friends have already worked with. This way I can see the how their photos turn out and directly ask my friend how this photographer was when working with them and afterwards as well. If a photographer I don’t know asks to shoot and my other friends also don’t know them, I may reconsider their offer. It depends on the quality of their photos and of course, the more clientele they have the better.
Is there work behind a photo posted on Instagram?
JL: I don’t try to edit my photos too much. I usually play with the basics of saturation, contrast, lighting (I try to make my photos a little darker actually) and try to emphasize some details that I want to play up on the photo. I try to post a photo that matches with the other two previously for that more “overall aesthetic” look but I honestly feel that I don’t follow that too often. If I like the photo, I am just going to post it!
Do you give importance to a healthy lifestyle / diet?
JL: Yes! I try to go to the gym at least 5x a week and if I am unable to make one of those gym sessions, I try to substitute it for swimming or hiking, just anything active! And doing it outdoors I think is always more fun. I try to in general eat healthy by staying away from fast foods or sweets (I don’t really have a big sweet tooth anyways) but I am tempted by carbs (sushi, pasta, bread). So, I try to limit carbs throughout the day by eating it in small portions. But also, just keeping a positive mind throughout my day even if I am not able to do something active or eat healthy. I know that I am where I need to be in life and that my thoughts influence a lot on my outlook towards life. So, I might as well make my thoughts positive.
Something you love and hate about Hawaii?
JL: Something I love about Hawaii is the beauty and how there’s soooo many amazing hikes and beaches to visit. They’re fun activities that are free and beautiful, just how nature intended. Something I also really love is the food! There are all different types of foods from all over the world because there’s so many different types of people that live here. Hawaii is literally nicknamed the “melting pot” of the pacific because so many people come together here. That’s why there’s so many people here from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Something I hate about Hawaii is the traffic. Traffic here is really bad. There are just too many cars for our small freeways. A regular drive that should only take 30 min sometimes takes 90 minutes because of traffic. Traffic going westbound from the east side between the hours of 3-7 sometimes takes two hours and vice versa in the morning rush hour.
Another thing I am not too fond of is the major development of ritzy apartment complexes, homes and hotels on the beach. Often, these places will try to limit public access to these beaches making it difficult for locals to get to. A prime example is Lanikai beach where parking is extremely difficult. You must park in the neighborhoods and people are getting ticketed left and right because the people that live in these neighborhoods do not like people parking too close to their wealthy homes. So many locals decide not to deal with this issue by not coming here. It’s very frustrating how many of these beautiful beaches are indirectly only being available for the rich that live in these areas.
Where do you get your taste in fashion?
JL: I honestly just like shopping around for good quality, low budget type of items. Thrift shopping is a huge now and many stores are taking notice of how shoppers will pay a little bit more for good quality. I feel my sense of fashion matches the lifestyle here in Hawaii, much “cooler” clothing that expose skin yet is still cheerful and laid back. I barely have any warmer clothing such as coats or boots, so I feel that most of the time I’m wearing sun dresses, rompers and jumpers. Cute skirts and a t-shirt I think always pairs nicely as well.
Where do you hope your Instagram journey takes you? What are you looking forward to in the new year? Anything we should be on the lookout for?
JL: I am looking forward to finally becoming an occupational therapist and working with the geriatric population. I want to work in a skilled nursing facility and help these elderlies become independent again as much as possible so that they don’t have to rely on their families to do everything for them. Even though I still have a whole year left I’m pleased with how far I’ve come and how quickly I know this year will pass by. I can’t wait for that feeling when I finish presenting my capstone and am able to finally get my last and final degree. Posting that final photo of me in my doctoral cap and gown will be my favorite post on my IG!
General words of wisdom to live by?…
JL: I think one of the biggest things to remember is that we need to forgive ourselves in our lives. People get so caught up in everything that they’re not accomplishing or comparing ourselves to others that it takes away our happiness. We need to forgive our mistakes and our pasts, learn from them and let everything that doesn’t help to grow you slide. Focusing on your own happiness and your own path is more important than becoming frustrated that you’re not on the same level as someone else. Everyone’s journey is unique and special, and we need to remember that trying to match up to someone else’s journey takes away from ours.
