A model since the age of 15, Jessica Minh Anh, now 25, graduated last year from Birmingham University with a masters in Marketing and Communication. She has worked for various multinational companies, including Colgate Palmolive. Originally from Hanoi in Vietnam, Jessica recently set up her own company J Model Management, a model and creative agency in Birmingham, where she currently resides. Despite being a keen pianist and having a history as a vocalist in various independent bands in Malaysia, the fashion world is where she finds her passion.

Have you always wanted work in fashion?

Yes definitely, working in the fashion industry has always been my biggest dream. I first walked the runway at the age of 17 and I knew instantly that was where I wanted to be.

How did you get to where you are today and would you do anything differently?

I am currently managing models and creatives with J Model Management and organizing monthly fashion events in the West Midlands. I always organized major events whilst at university and corporate events in the companies that I worked for, and I believe that this helped me to build up the essential skills to handle chaos! There isn’t anything I would like to do differently as the past 10 years have been an amazing adventure.

Who helped you along the way?

My family have contributed the most to my success, especially my talented little brother who is also my graphic designer. The Birmingham students who coordinate with me in events are brilliant and everyone else that I’ve met along the way has been so helpful in one way or another. Photographers always give critiques that really work, makeup artists are so creative and absolutely lovely, and my models are multi-talented. I frequently find good qualities in people I work with and believe that I can always learn something from them.

Who inspires you?

My father, as he is the most knowledgeable man I know. He’s travelled the world and he is the Director of Education in the Vietnamese Government. The most interesting thing is that he is also a musician who has composed songs for Vietnamese artists. I guess I inherited his creativity in art and music.

What do you think is the biggest problem in British society today and what is the most positive thing?

I think that young people in Britain drink way too much. It’s cool to chill out and have fun but if they just reduced the amount of alcohol that they consume it would be much better for their health.

I love living in England as the people here are very friendly and helpful. So far I have not bumped into the “quiet, reserved” British people that I heard about before I arrived in the UK. I guess the kindness of people here warms up the cold weather!

Do you feel European or Asian?

It’s hard to say. I stayed in Europe for a while when I was little then went back to Asia and now I’m back in Europe. I think I feel a bit of both. I adapt well to things, so I feel comfortable mixing the two cultures. I definitely look Asian though!

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Pop, Rock, R&B.

What couldn’t you live without?

My mobile phone. I need to stay connected to the outside world.

Dream purchase?

A Dior car (if they ever make one!)

Favourite movie?

Definitely ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’. I just love the soundtrack!

Favourite European city and why?

Paris. I went there once during my European trip and I would love to open a J Model branch there. It is the city of fashion.

Desert island book?

Donald Trump’s Entrepreneur book.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I would love to see myself owning at least three branches of J Model Management, two in Europe and another in Asia.

Can you run in heels?

I always run in heels, and it hurts. All the fuss about people saying you’ll get used to high heels after a while is not true. Yet I wear heels every day!

To find out more about J Model Management, visit www.jmodelmanagement.co.uk