THE MODEL JOURNAL : JELKA

“The past few months have been tough for me when it comes to my mental health to be honest”

Welcome to the ‘The Model Journal’. A platform that reveals what is going on behind the faces at BEC Models. From side hustles and campaigns, to industry knowledge and advice, find out what the day to day life of a model is really like.

This month we speak to JELKA, our stunning model at BEC models to talk all things mental health, which ties in quite nicely with the Mental Health Awareness month of May.

Jelka Lepever is a Belgian born international model. She has been working in the industry since the age of 10. At the age of 17, she started flying all around the globe traveling to places such as China, India, Miami, Milan, Barcelona and Bangkok. Today she is based in London and is a strong advocate for the mental health and she explains how we should be making this a priority in our everyday lives. She shares her own experiences through lockdown and tips and tricks on how she stays positive.

Hi Jelka, How are you? How are you feeling about life lately and how is your mental health?

Hey! I'm doing very well, thank you. What a ride it has been... I'm feeling very good about life right now as we're getting out of lockdown.The past few months have been tough for me when it comes to my mental health to be honest, I really struggled during the last lockdown as it felt like there was no end to all of this. But right now, I feel like I found my mojo back and I'm ready for anything coming my way!

You’ve recently started up a 'mental health check in' on lives, Instagram exploring the diverse range of mental health issues; tell me how this all came about and how did it start?

I've always been very passionate about helping others and starting conversations to break the stigma around mental health. One day, I was chatting to one of my close friends who's also a burnout coach, Rayen, about what of an impact the pandemic has on our mental wellbeing. We wanted to do something together to break the stigma and hopefully to also inspire and help others with their own wellbeing. Some people struggle to reach out for help or to find their support group and with our chats, we hope to bring a kind of comfort to them to let them know they are not alone and they are loved.

Why should people be checking in with their mental health more than ever lately?

We have gone through so many changes past year, changes that are out of our control. A lot of things that bring us comfort and happiness have been taken away. Not to forget that we have been isolated for such a long time...So don't underestimate the impact these things have on your mental wellbeing. It's important to take the time to check in with yourself and to be completely honest with yourself about how you are currently feeling. Knowing that there is no good or bad way to feel and that all your feelings are valid, will help you to understand your mental health better and allow you to take actions if required.

What has the past year of lockdown taught you about yourself and do you have any daily habits/practices that keep your mind healthy?

Past year of lockdown has taught me self-awareness and acceptance. The lockdown has been a good time for me to self-reflect and become aware of certain things about myself or bring certain things to the surface that need some more healing.

I do have a morning routine I try to stick to daily because it's the perfect way to start my day and helps me immensely with my mind.

I wake up around 6AM every day (I'm an early bird and absolutely love mornings), right away I'll meditate, journal and speak positive affirmations. Then I go in for my cup of coffee to then head of for a morning walk, walking is like therapy for me. Once back home, I make myself breakfast and get started with my day.

How did you get into modelling, what has your journey been like so far?

It's been such a beautiful journey already and time goes so fast! I got into modeling when I was 10 years old. I signed up for a make-over in a Belgian teen magazine, the photographer that day suggested me to sign up with some agencies. After convincing my parents, I signed with my first modeling agency and started working right away. When I was 17, one month after finishing high school, I left for my first international modeling contract to China. Ever since then I have been traveling around the world and now for almost 2 years I have based myself in London. I'm so so grateful for the journey, it has allowed me to see so many beautiful part from the world and get to know so many loving people as well.

What advice do you wish you were given when you first started out in the industry?

Rejection is redirection and the industry doesn't define your worth as a person. You just keep doing you and what makes you happy. If something makes you feel uncomfortable or unhappy, don't do it. You are a person and your feelings are valid.

How do you think the modelling industry has changed since you started?

There is definitely more diversity, something the industry really needed. So I'm happy to see these changes happening. But I think the industry definitely can do better so I'm excited to see what's ahead.

Do you miss travelling? What has been your favourite place to travel and why?

As much as I miss traveling, I have also learned to appreciate to be where I'm at right now. I'm using this time to actually discover the UK a bit more.

My favourite place to travel to must be somewhere in Asia. It's hard to pick one country because I love all of them! They all have a very special place in my heart and I appreciate each country in a different way. But I'm a huge Asia lover!

What are you most looking forward to in life right now and for 2021?

I'm currently studying to become a certified life coach, so I'm really looking forward to getting my certificate and start my own coaching business to help others. I'm really making it my life plan to help as many people as possible because that's what makes my heart full and makes me happy.