Upcoming: Aberami Jaishana aka Jay
You may not know this lanky and fierce model by her birth name - Aberami Jaishana (standing for Aberami the Hindu Goddess who is attractive at all times, and Jai means victory) - but how about Jay from reality TV show Malaysian Dreamgirl. That should ring a bell.
Sassy, classic, and with a darker skin tone; she stands out from other models on the runway. I definitely sat up when I saw her strutting out, she reminded me of Tyra Banks. Jay knows what she wants, and being a successful model is but just one on the list.
“I would describe myself as being very determined and motivated but realistic. I prefer to keep talk on my plans and goals on the low though, call me weird if you want to but I'd rather work on it (my plans and goals) while no one is aware,” says Jay, who mentions that NYC suits her personality.
She booked her first ever job as one of the models for Project Runway Malaysia Season 1. Since watching her, I knew she would be pursuing it further. An admirer of Malaysian supermodel Tengku Azura, Jay reckons that Azura’s walk is so strong, her mere presence lights up the stage.
TiC: How did you get “discovered”?
Jay: Ever since my pubescent times I have been told by many that I would make a great model so it was only natural for me to eventually try it. When I was working, I got more pressured! Being in a creative academia I came to know a few people who encouraged me even further. We even did test shoots at work! Eventually I used those shots and sent them to a few agencies. Then a couple of months later Simone Teh called me. She had got my pictures through Andrews Models and would like to see me in person.
"Wear a white baby-T or singlet and jeans,” she said. I was ecstatic! So I went. She scanned every inch of me from top to bottom and took my measurements. 36-27-39. She looked at my face under the light and said "Nice big eyes, sharp features, very beautiful face but you really need to lose weight. Can you do it?" I said "Yes!" 3 months later I had shed 7kg, was in model condition and she was proud of my determination.
TiC: Why did you choose to be part of the modeling industry?
Jay: Isn't it every little girl's dream? Well, to me it is more of the question when than why. I guess I just like the idea of being the centre of attention. I had always wanted to be part of the industry but my parents always told me that I should use my brains and not my looks. Being a virtuous daughter I complied. I got my university education and worked for two and a half years.
Then one day I thought to myself do I want to be 40 and say "I should have ... (studied harder, become an artist, traveled, told her that I love her, etc)"? There are a lot of people I know, mostly women who go through that. Do it while you still can. Whatever your passion is, now is the time.
TiC: What is your highest achievement in the modeling field so far?
Jay: I guess I would have to say becoming the winning model for Project Runway Malaysia. If I didn't win it and didn't get on the cover of Female Magazine it would have definitely taken much longer for me to be known.
Cover of Female Malaysia, February 2008
TiC: Can you share any experiences regarding backstage at a show?
Jay: Its organized chaos! That’s how I see it. If you are unlucky you might even get a butt or two in your face! The keyword is alert. You can't afford to delay as it would affect the whole show.
TiC: What do you think about the modeling industry in Malaysia?
Jay: We have many talented local models whom are often under used. Most big shows use foreign models. The pay is very much higher as well. I think that is a quite a problem. As it is, modeling is a very unstable career and when your playing field is so small, it is very discouraging especially for up and coming models. I think in order for the industry to flourish there needs to be a call for a major paradigm shift. I feel we still have a long way to go in terms of that. The majority of people tend to think everything foreign is good or better.
TiC: There are only few Indian models in Malaysia, what are your thoughts on that?
Of course one way of looking at it is that we have less competition among each other but on the other hand it is quite sad. There are many Indian girls who have potential to be models but it is very rare that any show would a higher ratio of Indian models to others unless of course it is an Indian fashion show. I have never been in a show where the ratio is 5 Indian girls to 3 non-Indian girls.
But if you look at the big picture, the number of Indian people in Malaysia is small compared to the other two major races so I guess it isn't that abnormal that there are only a handful of us. Another reason why there are less Indian girls interested to be models is the Indian society's view of modeling. It is not considered a real job or career by most of them.
TiC: It is hard to be a full-time model in Kuala Lumpur; don't you want to try outside from KL, where and why?
I guess if you want to model in Malaysia then KL is definitely the place to be, but it's quite challenging to model here because we don't have that many jobs (shows/shoots) compared to bigger fashion capitals like the ones you mentioned earlier. The peak season is usually mid-year and the end of the year. I am still considered fairly new to this industry but I would most definitely like to model outside of KL simply because it would be a dream come true and of course the pay as well.
As of now I don't really have a preference of where I want to go as wherever it is, I'm sure it would be a good experience. I don't have an exclusive agent in Malaysia so I am sending my profile here and there but ... well lets see shall we? Hope something works out for me. If I do get a chance to go overseas I promise to make you all proud.
TiC: What's your beauty secret?
I have a small fairy godmother that I hide in my pocket! Actually its eating right and drinking sufficient water. It is also very important to cleanse your face properly especially if you wear make up. Always use eye make-up remover for the eye area and be sure to remove any and ALL traces of make up left. I always use toner and moisturizer every time I wash my face.
TiC: Where (career-wise) do you hope to be in 5 years time?
I want to have my own Brand. You can say sort of like Kimora Lee but not as diva as her though! I am not only looking at the fashion industry and am open to any other viable options. I have a long "To Do" list, there are so many things that I can do and want to do that I don't want to tie myself down to one field.
My thirst for new experiences is almost insatiable. I do get scared sometimes, like when will it stop but when I take a deep breath and think about it, things fall into perspective that it’s OK to get side tracked every once in awhile. With no side tracking, life would become boring. I do have a goal (to have my own business) but will not pass off other opportunities that come by.
So that being said, besides wanting to be my own boss here is a list of things that I wish to achieve in the next 5 years: release a single (even though I can't sing!), write and illustrate a surrealistic book, distribute my special yummy chocolate mint coconut candies (my own secret recipe), and get a masters degree.
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All pictures courtesy of Jay.
Jai also has a blog at absolutabsynth.blogspot.com
