Jessica R is a stylist and model from the Northern (South) Bay Area of California. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Advertising and is busy developing a career and giving style inspiration as a fashion blogger with her popular site Hapa Time.

The term hapa is a recognised slang for mixed racial heritage with partial roots in Asian and/or Pacific Islander ancestry.

Where do you get inspiration from for your fashion sense? 

Other bloggers, celebrities, designer lookbooks.

How do you create your stunning photos? 

I style an outfit, my sister shoots it, I brighten the levels and crop then post!

When did you realise that modelling was your calling?

I never really planned on being a model, I still don’t really feel like I am a model, but I have always enjoyed taking a good picture of myself and have noticed others appreciate it as well.

How has your background shaped your life?

I grew up in an upper middle class background with a loving, good family. I am educated and live comfortably so I think it has built a healthy, solid foundation for whatever path I choose.

I look up to a lot of successful people and just hope to be as successful as I can possibly be. It’s as they say, be the best YOU can be.

Who is the most inspiring force in your career aspirations?

Nobody specifically – I look up to a lot of successful people and just hope to be as successful as I can possibly be. It’s as they say, be the best YOU can be.

What was your most memorable shoot and why?

Probably the shoot I did for my birthday this past year: I went all out with a red dress and red balloons. The background was epic and gorgeous, it was cold and the wind was blowing like crazy (my dress and my hair you can imagine) – the balloons got more and more knotted as time went by – people passing by stopped to watch and take pictures. It was just crazy but worth it. The photos turned out beautifully.

What sort of pressures, if any, do you feel in the industry? How have you overcome these?

I feel the need to be perfect. But I’ve always been a perfectionist and getting criticised from all angles doesn’t help. I honestly have just figured I am my own worse critic and no one knows me better than myself. So what everyone else says doesn’t really matter and if it does – I can only improve from it.

As a model, what style has had the most impact on you and why?

Well I have more of a blogger frame of mind than anything so I have shaped the trends to my style which is versatile, on trend and polished – always.

Tell us about your support network – who’s your rock?

My boyfriend first off – and my dad second.

What do you do to relax? 

I just try to get enough sleep. It also helps me to write lists of everything I have to do so I feel more in control of my life as I do stress about forgetting something.

What advice would you give to someone new to the industry? 

Never forget to take care of yourself and make sure that you are doing something you truly enjoy and is worthy of your time and talent.

What are your favourite foods? 

Nato and rice!

www.hapatime.com