Unique looks open a fashion door in the city for Canadian beauty Jennifer Steele.

Unique looks open a fashion door in the city for Canadian beauty Jennifer Steele.

Models may be abundant in Beijing but that doesn't mean that they're all the same. In a market that's craving foreign models, Jennifer Steele has found that her Canadian roots give her an edge in securing jobs.

"Most foreign models in Beijing are from the Ukraine and Russia. I'm the first Canadian girl who's worked with my current agency," she smiled.

With her piercing green eyes and dark auburn hair, this North American beauty stands apart from her European counterparts.

Steele came to Beijing on a business trip with her father last year. Curious about her chances of breaking into the Asian market, she stopped by the ilook Model Management Company. It was an inquiry that paid off. Her unique looks in the Chinese market have got her the exposure she's been looking for.

"There's a lot of work here and I'm looking for more experience," she said with an enthusiastic smile. "There's castings every day. Right now is a good time to be in Beijing. The agency I'm working for now is small but really pushes to make sure that their models have work."

Despite working in Beijing for only three months, Steele has already appeared in Chinese fashion magazines and catalogues for clothing. She hopes to be part of a fashion show before going back home to Canada.

"Right now, I'm mostly doing work for autumn and winter clothing - more sweaters, jackets and clothes for colder weather. The Asian market is great for catalogue work. There's a rapidly growing economy here."

But Steele is more than just a pretty face. She holds a college degree in business and a certificate in image consulting. Ever an entrepreneur, she plans to help other models break into the business.

"It's my life, my passion. I want to help other people looking to start their careers."

The Canadian beauty plans to return next year with ilook in the hope of getting more experience in the Asian modeling scene. She shouldn't have a problem turning heads in a market dominated by blue-eyed and blonde-haired foreigners.
POST: 2025-04-20