Meet Jaelynn Del Carmen | Model & Holistic Health Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaelynn Del Carmen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaelynn, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
“You can achieve anything you set your mind to”. Okay Okay Okay—within reason, of course. While ambition and perseverance are invaluable, there’s also wisdom in recognizing when a path aligns with your natural strengths and when it might be time to pivot. For years, I embraced the ‘I can do anything’ mindset with no limits, but I’ve since learned that this approach can become unhealthy if you start sacrificing your well-being for goals that may not truly align with you.

When I first started modeling, I faced immense pressure to shrink my hips to fit the high-fashion standards for markets like Milan. At just 17, I was determined to do whatever it took to please my agents and break into those coveted spaces. That drive, however, led me down a dangerous path. I developed an eating disorder, battled body dysmorphia, wrecked my metabolism, and—ironically—ended up gaining weight, losing clients, and stalling my career entirely.

It wasn’t until I took a step back, healed my relationship with food and exercise, and embraced the parts of me that came naturally that my career began to thrive. By leaning into what felt authentic rather than forcing myself into an unrealistic mold, I not only grew my career but also, funnily enough, eventually landed in those very high-fashion markets I once chased—without having to lose inches.

There’s no denying that hard work and dedication are essential, I mean I still slept in my car and drove 500-1000 miles per week eating canned foods and fruit while waiting on checks that only come every 3-6 months, so yes GIVE IT YOUR ALL, but I’m just saying that true success often comes when you align with what feels right for you. Sometimes, the best opportunities come when you stop chasing and start being yourself.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a full-time professional international model, but my journey began humbly back home in Indiana. At the time, I was working as a photographer at JCPenney Portrait Studio when, of all things, my senior photos on my mom’s Facebook caught the eye of someone at a local magazine. They invited me to model for their prom-props catalog, and I was thrilled—though I had absolutely no expectations of where it might lead.

I came prepared with my own makeup and clothing options, only to find that their “makeup artist” was… well, let’s just say questionable. She shared the same beauty blender and mascara wands among everyone and used those infamous spongey eyeshadow applicators from dollar store palettes. It was a disaster! Thankfully, I had brought some of my own makeup, so I washed off her work with bathroom hand soap and gave myself a quick refresh.

Despite that rocky start, I had a blast on set and was thrilled to make $25/hour—a huge jump from my $10/hour at JCPenney. That small taste of modeling sparked my curiosity and my hustle. I went home, Googled “top modeling agencies in the U.S.,” and immediately sent my senior photos to Ford and Wilhelmina Chicago, the nearest big markets. To my surprise, both invited me to interviews the next day! Ford even offered me a contract on the spot.

I’ll never forget telling my JCPenney boss, “Please let me off for this interview. This might be my job, but modeling could be my career.” She let me go, and that decision changed my life.

At the time, I didn’t know what Ford or Wilhelmina even were, so I spent a week carefully reading over the contract before signing. From there, I threw myself into the grind. I did everything Ford advised. I was driving 8-hour round trips to castings just for a chance at being booked. I often slept in my car before upgrading to a bunk at the Holiday Jones hostel in Chicago. I didn’t mind—it was all part of the hustle.

One thing about modeling is that you often don’t get paid for 3-6 months after a job, so you need a strategy to manage the upfront costs of building a career. Juggling immediate expenses, day jobs, and school while pursuing modeling was a challenge, but it was worth it. Fast-forward to today, and I’m writing this from my beautiful new home in Highland Park, Los Angeles, where I’m preparing to marry the love of my life.

A few key lessons have stuck with me along the way:
• Be grounded in something higher than yourself. For me, that’s God. Staying connected to a higher purpose has kept me steady through the highs and lows.
• Catch yourself before you burn out, not after. When your values start slipping, it’s a clear sign to realign and set better boundaries.
• Balance is key. A love-work balance is crucial for long-term sustainability. Short-term wins might feel good, but long-term investments always pay off more.

Looking back, I had no idea what I was getting into when I first said yes to that prom-props shoot, but every step—even the messy ones—was part of the path that brought me here.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
UGH I don’t want to say it because honestly I want to gate-keep. I love Highland Park where I live…. But I don’t want it to turn into Silver Lake……. But yes.. Highland Park. I also love all the nearby hikes—— I use “all trails” to find hikes and i love the ones in Topanga or Malibu or of course Griffith observatory or Culver City steps. For food id go to Cafe on 27, Great White, Highly Likely, and a good sushi spot in little Tokyo or roll call. For matcha I’d go to Kodo, Maru, or honestly the alchemist. The laugh factory is so great for comedy shows and “the nudge” is a great resource on finding random activities. I also love taking people to beach volleyball sundays in Santa Monica.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to take a moment to express my gratitude and give a huge shoutout to some very special people and influences in my life:

1. My agents at Ford Models—specifically the teams in Los Angeles and Chicago. From day one, they believed in me, supported me, and navigated my many lessons and missteps with unwavering patience. I’m especially grateful they didn’t cut me loose despite my melodramatic email subject lines, like “I’m balding,” followed quickly by, “JK… but I want to be, can I shave my head?” Ford has been more than an agency; it’s truly felt like family. Cheers to 8 incredible years of growth and partnership.

2. My mom—the unsung hero of my journey. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today. She was my unwavering support, driving four hours back and forth for my first interviews at Ford and Wilhelmina, carefully combing through my first contract with me, and chauffeuring me to my first shoots while I blissfully snoozed in the passenger seat. She’s been my rock, and I owe her so much.

3. The book Start with Why by Simon Sinek. This gem has been a game-changer for me, reminding me of the importance of staying purpose-driven. It’s an easy read that I recommend to anyone who wants to align their passion with their purpose.

4. Last but certainly not least, Jesus. He is the foundation of my life, the one-and-only reason I’m alive today. Through every high and low, He’s been my source of peace and love, carrying me with unwavering grace.

These people and principles have been instrumental in shaping my journey, and I’m so grateful for them all.

Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/its.baby.jae

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/c/danieldelcarmen

Other: https://fordmodels.com/los-angeles/profile/jaelynn-hinton/portfolio/?board=women

Image Credits
Dylan Perlot
Jeremy Chou
Owen Devalk
Monica Baddar
Wolfe and Von
Ashley Montague
Brian Sorg