Exclusive Interview: Jacqui de Jong on Redefining Success and Empowering Women Through Bold Choices.
Fashion model and actress Jacqui de Jong graces the cover of OTS Magazine’s January 2025 Women’s Empowerment Issue, embodying strength, elegance, and fearless individuality. Captured through the lens of acclaimed photographer Keith Stewart, the cover shoot is a stunning collaboration brought to life with the artistry of makeup artist Kellie Jo Poitra and the visionary direction of creative director Da’rrell Belton.
With her bold style and inspiring journey, Jacqui perfectly represents the spirit of this special issue, dedicated to celebrating women who redefine success and empower others to embrace their authentic selves.
From the boardrooms of Wall Street to the glitz and glamour of fashion and entertainment, Jacqui de Jong’s journey is a testament to the power of reinvention and fearless self-expression. A former corporate lawyer turned actress and model, Jacqui has carved out a path that blends intellect, creativity, and resilience—challenging societal norms and inspiring women around the globe to redefine their own narratives.
Growing up on a farm in rural Australia, Jacqui’s early life was rooted in hard work and determination. Her journey from those humble beginnings to earning a scholarship to Cambridge University and navigating the high-stakes world of Wall Street is nothing short of extraordinary. But it was her leap into the fashion industry that truly showcased her willingness to embrace bold choices, reject limitations, and craft a life driven by passion.
As a rising star in the worlds of fashion and entertainment, Jacqui has not only shattered stereotypes but also emerged as a beacon of empowerment for women. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering authenticity—a perfect fit for this women’s empowerment issue.
This feature explores Jacqui’s inspiring journey, her perspectives on blending intellect with creativity, and her message for women looking to reclaim their power and pursue their dreams unapologetically.
Jacqui, your journey from Wall Street corporate lawyer to the fashion and entertainment industry is nothing short of remarkable. What was the pivotal moment when you realized you needed to leave your successful legal career behind to follow your creative passions?
It wasn’t a need to leave but a need to also explore my creative passions. Basically, that moment occurred when I spontaneously decided to attend some NYFW castings one day.
You’ve shattered the stereotype of what a 'successful woman’ should look like. How do you balance the expectations of society with the authenticity of your own identity, especially in industries like law and fashion that often have strict norms?
I only align with the authenticity of my own identity. Societal expectations are only limitations on your creativity.
What advice would you give to women who feel trapped in a career or life path that no longer fulfils them but fear taking the leap to pursue their true passions?
Act first, think later. Follow your heart and what truly makes you happy. I never want to get to the end of my life and have enormous regret that I played it too safe.
How do you view the relationship between success and happiness, especially when you’ve experienced such a radical shift in your career?
I think you make your own happiness, which can be informed by success but not always. I am not driven by outcomes or results, or what can be termed “success”, by normal standards. Follow your inner passion and happiness, and usually the results will show up on their own.
What does 'empowerment' mean to you, and how do you embody this concept in both your professional and personal life?
Empowerment is being able to fully express what you really want to say. Speaking with my voice next to my heart is how I embody this.
In your journey from lawyer to model and actress, how did you manage to reconcile the intellect-driven world of law with the creativity and freedom of fashion and entertainment?
The world of law has blessed me with a very analytical mind, which balances out my creative impulses. I never actively tried to reconcile these two forces; rather, I ensured they both had a place in my life.
You’ve been celebrated for breaking boundaries—what are some of the societal ‘rules’ or expectations that you have challenged or even rejected in your journey?
That you can’t start your life over.
What’s the one thing you hope to teach other women through your career and your personal story?
Believe in yourself and make the journey. Follow your passion; you only have one life.
Your fashion choices are daring and bold. How do you use fashion as a tool for self-expression, and what message are you trying to communicate through your style?
My style expresses my love of vintage clothes and modern sophistication—it is always extra—which reflects my personality of never wanting to fit in.
Fashion has often been seen as a way to fit in, but you’ve used it to stand out. How do you think fashion can be a form of empowerment for women?
Wearing something bold and different signals to the world that you are not afraid of being seen; it’s a power move.
You blend Old Hollywood glamour with a maximalist style—what does femininity look like to you, and how do you see it evolving in the modern world?
Femininity to me is feeling beautiful as a woman in an artistic way. I think the more confident women become to express themselves, the more beautiful artistic fashion forms will emerge.
What do you say to critics who claim that models and actors in the fashion industry are ‘just pretty faces’ or that their appearance overshadows their talents and intellect?
“Look at me.”
How do you define beauty in your own terms, especially given the pressures to conform to a certain physical ideal in both fashion and entertainment industries?
Beauty is beauty from within as a person. Beautiful energy makes a beautiful person.
There’s often a dichotomy between strength and femininity. How do you reconcile these two seemingly opposite qualities, and do you think women are encouraged to embrace both?
There are so many strong qualities necessary to simply be a woman in this world that I think such a dichotomy is artificial.
What advice would you give to young women who are struggling with body image or feeling pressure to conform to societal beauty standards in the fashion world?
Be yourself and love yourself. Don’t look to the external world to fulfil yourself; fulfil yourself from within.
Growing up on a farm in Australia, your early life was quite different from the world you now inhabit. How did your upbringing shape your perspective on success, hard work, and self-determination?
I was always taught to work hard and embrace all opportunities, an attitude that has flourished in the fun, spontaneous world of NYC. I think this shaped my perspectives by showing me that just like growing up on a farm, nothing is promised, and you have to live for today and do your best in that moment.
Having earned a scholarship to Cambridge University, you’ve always been driven to excel. What are some of the core values or principles that have guided you throughout your education and career, and how do they continue to inform your work today?
Having the flexibility to roll with the waves of life and make the most of every situation.
As a woman navigating the competitive worlds of law, fashion, and entertainment, how do you stay grounded and keep a sense of perspective when the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming?
I always remind myself that everything happens in divine timing and what’s meant for me will come to me.
You’ve made bold choices throughout your career. What role do risk-taking and vulnerability play in your personal and professional growth, and how do you overcome the fear of failure?
If you try something new, there is never a failure. It all depends on how you define the success. If you are outcome-focused, then not reaching a certain “outcome” might appear as a failure, but really, the only failure is that of failing to recognise the enormous lessons you learnt in the experience.
Lastly, Jacqui, what does the future look like for you? What are your dreams and ambitions, and how do you plan to continue inspiring and empowering others along the way?
I am continuing to express myself creatively through modelling, acting, and fashion, and I look forward to sharing my journey with likeminded women as I do so.
Follow Jacqui de Jong via her social media platform:
Image credits:
Photographer - Keith Stewart
Makeup Artist - Kellie Jo Poitra
Creative Direction - Da’rrell Belton
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