Our stunning cover this month was photographed by Sabrina Suppers and features Jessica Isabella Schuimer, a Brazilian/Dutch resident whose face is becoming more and more widely known on and off the island. We had a quick chat with Jessica last month.
Where are you from, Jess?
I’m originally from Florianopolis in Brazil, but I was brought up in Eindhoven, in the Netherlands.
How long have you been on Lanzarote?
Nine years. I came to work as an intern and it felt like home. Now I work as a medical translator and administrator. I speak Dutch, German, English and Spanish.
The low sunlight and desert surroundings of the cover show have a magical Lanzarote flavour. Tell us a little about the photo shoot.
It was quite spontaneous. It took me about half an hour to get made up, and my hair was the same as when I go to work. Sabrina brought the goldand-black dress because she knew the colours would work well on a sunset shoot, and the earrings are mine. We drove out to the desert area between Teguise and San Bartolomé, and I was barefoot in the sand. The shoot took about 30 minutes – Sabrina calls this time the “golden hour” when the light from the setting sun is perfect.
How long have you been modelling seriously?
Just a few months! Lots of people told me I had the face and body for it. I’ve never seen myself as a model, and I was also bullied when I was younger because of my background, which damaged my self-confidence.
All the work I’ve got so far has come from my Instagram page or from word of mouth. I don’t have anybody who helps me with my preparations before and during the shoots, but I can always rely on my great friend Sabrina, who has a bunch of products I can borrow, depending on the photoshoot. But basically I’m my own make-up and hair artist, and my own stylist, too.
What are you working on currently?
There are projects with the Gran Hotel and others in Arrecife and Puerto del Carmen. I’ll be working with a German photographer for international brands shortly, and I do photoshoots most weeks with local photographers and small businesses.
Is a change of career on the cards, then?
I’m not sure if I have a future in the modelling world, so for now I’m keeping my head cool, but if I get more jobs, of course I’ll take the opportunities. Soon you may see my face everywhere!
What do you do when you’re not working or modelling?
I like to walk and explore the island, and go to the beach. I love reading thrillers, and I have an artistic side, where I make mood boards from interiors, and do abstract drawings.
Thanks, Jess and the very best of luck.
For information and/or bookings please contact Jessica via her Instagram page: @jessicamodel_lnz
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