Jessica Leahy is more than just a model—she’s a writer, producer, and a powerful advocate for diversity, women’s empowerment, and self-love. This Australian beauty has made a name for herself with her many accomplishments. Here are 14 facts you should know about this inspiring figure.
1.Her Heritage: Jessica Vander Leahy is of Australian and Papua New Guinean descent. Born in Australia, she spent her early childhood in Papua New Guinea, where her father is from.
2.Jungle Roots: She grew up in the jungle of Mount Hagen, a highlands town in Papua New Guinea. Later, she moved to Sydney, Australia, where she spent her teenage years in the Sutherland Shire.
3.Career Dreams: At 12, she dreamed of being a TV news anchor, finding it glamorous. By 18, she considered becoming a masseuse but quickly realized she didn’t enjoy touching strangers, even though she had taken some courses.
4.Modeling Aspirations: As a teenager, Jessica didn’t think a size 16 girl like herself could be a model because “plus-size models” weren’t as recognized back then.
5.Artist Inspiration: Jessica is a big fan of the iconic artist Frida Kahlo.
6.Favorite Book: One of her favorite reads is Wild by Cheryl Strayed.
7.Career Shift: Jessica began her career as a journalist in women’s media before transitioning into modeling. Her Instagram showcases her journey and makes for an inspiring feed.
8.First Modeling Contract: At the age of 19, she signed her first contract with a plus-size modeling agency.
9.Children’s Book Author: Jessica wrote a children’s book called Loved People Love People, which promotes body positivity and self-love, celebrating people of all sizes and shapes.
10.Advocate for Change: In 2017, while modeling in NYC, she wrote an article on being a woman of color in the fashion industry, stating, “Change is coming. It might be slow, but it could be for good.”
11.Project WomanKIND: Jessica started a platform called Project WomanKIND, highlighting and celebrating women’s achievements. The platform features a series of conversational videos, many of which include curve and plus-size models with a focus on body positivity.
12.Diverse Writing: Jessica has written articles on a variety of topics, ranging from testing bras for Serena Williams to exploring why smart women sometimes fall for the wrong men.
13.Fashion as Expression: For Jessica, fashion is a tool for self-expression. She told Elle Australia, “I’ve always had a keen interest in fashion. From a young age, I was encouraged by my mum and the women around me to express myself through clothing. Wearing an outfit isn’t just about clothes—it’s about showing the world how I feel that day.”
14.Unique Style: Jessica doesn’t follow fashion trends or dress to impress others. She enjoys getting creative with her outfits, often wearing clothes in unconventional ways—whether backward, sideways, or upside down.
