VICTORIA’S SECRET AND SPORTS ILLUSTRATED MODEL

Jennifer Atilémile is an IMG repped model that has broken boundaries in her home country of Australia, becoming Victoria’s Secret’s first-ever curve model in AU. Now, a 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie, Atilémile, who holds a double master’s degree from Monash University in Journalism and International Relations, is standing firm on becoming a role model for young women. Her favorite thing to say is: “If you want to look at my body, you’re also going to listen to what I have to say” -Jennifer Atilemile

How do you maintain your strength and confidence in the modeling industry, and what words can you share with women who struggle with this?

My industry is full of rejection, so oftentimes it’s hard not to get in my head that no isn’t personal, a lot of times it’s simply a different creative direction. I have to constantly remind myself that I am beautiful and deserving of all the opportunities that are in front of me because I am like nobody else. Harnessing that belief, and celebrating diversity through being unique is what keeps me going. In a world where everyone is trying to look the same, there’s so much power in being different! So, embrace that.

In the early stages of your modeling career, what challenges did you face and how did you navigate through them to create a promising future for yourself?

For me, my biggest challenge was a financial one. There’s a lot of upfront costs associated with modeling, and that’s something that nobody actually tells you. My first ever agency sat me down one day when they had noticed me being irresponsible with my money and taught me how to budget - if they didn’t do that, I wouldn’t be here right now. I was able to save up for three months of living expenses in London. But, when I first moved away, I wasn’t working, and I blew through it quicker than I thought. I know what hard work is like, so I told myself I would do whatever it took to stay in London - same as New York during the pandemic - I’d take any odd job to keep my dream alive. I credit that work ethic to where I am now.

CAN YOU SHARE WITH US HOW YOUR TIME WITH VICTORIA’S SECRET WAS AS THE FIRST MIXED-RACE AUSTRALIAN CURVE MODEL?

Honestly, the experience was an incredible one. Especially after not having worked for almost two years during the COVID lockdowns - to re-emerge with one of my first jobs being Victoria’s Secret was really cool. But it was also a reminder that diversity isn’t happening nearly as fast as it should be, and even though I’m celebrated overseas for the work I do, my home country really struggles to showcase diversity still - both with size and race. So, while I was the first to do something major, there’s still so much more work to do. (This is one of the instances of rejection that is 100% tied to my appearance, and it’s really hard to stay positive in the face of it all). But I’ll continue being vocal, but it’s also hard to keep that fire in your belly when you’re constantly being told no!

AS A MODEL, HOW DO YOU ACTIVELY WORK TO PROMOTE MORE INCLUSIVITY IN THE INDUSTRY’S BEAUTY STANDARDS?

It’s really hard to actively critique the industry while simultaneously trying to succeed in the industry, especially as a Black woman. Especially in Australia, in calling out the industry, whether it’s been for lack of size inclusivity or lack of racial diversity - I have constantly been told to be quiet, not rock the boat, and simply not talk about race. When I see my peers doing incredible work, I love to share it on my social media feed, and when I feel like I have a good relationship with a client, I’ll tell them to hire my friends or gorgeous people I’ve worked with over the years. I also love to ask questions about the manufacturing process, for example, if a brand claims to be inclusive, it only goes up to a US 16, and I ask them what is stopping them from going higher. I’m always meddling, but I think of it as planting seeds.

What was your opportunity with Sports Illustrated like, and what impact does it have on your career?

The opportunity to work with SI was truly one that I’ll never forget. I have been modeling now for almost 7 years and have been waiting for a big opportunity like this. I genuinely feel like I’ve become part of a sisterhood of incredible women, and that is a true gift. I’m so excited for what’s to come, I believe that bigger and better things are on the horizon, and, finally, I feel like I have a platform to speak my truth — a truth I’ve been speaking even before I was a model, but now I have an even bigger platform to influence change.

What has been the most fulfilling and rewarding part of the work you do, and what can your followers and audience expect to see in your ongoing endeavors?

Some of the most rewarding parts of my career is feedback I get from people that follow me - that they see themselves in what I’m currently doing or they relate to what I’ve been through. I keep a folder of all the messages I get from people who say I inspire them. On my bad days (because I do have them) I read them and remind them of why I’m doing this and working so hard. I’m hoping those who’ve been there from the beginning, and those who are new to my journey see both my evolution as a woman, and creative, but also can see that I’m the same person I’ve always been - and that I’ve remained true to myself this whole time.

Outside of your career, what do you do in your free time?

What free time? Just kidding. In the time that I have, I try and spend it with my loved ones and doing things that feed my soul and my brain. I love going for walks in nature with my dog, cooking for myself or my boyfriend, and writing. Writing for me is my form of self-expression, and it helps me process what’s going on in the world and my head. I love just letting things flow on a page - oftentimes nobody sees it but I’ll revisit it weeks, months even years later and I’m reminded of what I was going through at the time or it reignites a spark of something I am really passionate about.

What influence do you hope to have over your audience as you share pieces of your writing with them through your newsletter?

I’ve been through a lot and made some really bad decisions, and some really great ones, but also overcome a lot to get where I am today. Growing up, I didn’t get much life advice from my family, so I found my advice through experiences. I was always a little bit of a black sheep. So whether it’s just speaking up about something I’m passionate about and having a voice, or sharing poetry, or a memory of my adolescence - I want to share my stories in the hope that it inspires people to just be themselves. Nobody is perfect, especially me, and making mistakes; the messiness of life is one of the most beautiful parts of what makes us human.

Article Credits

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Instagram: @jenniferatilemile
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