Jillian Knacke / @jilliank.xo
Photography by Olly Vento / @Olllyvento
MUA Antony Suarez / @antonystylist
Creative Director: Diana Piedrahita / @inspiredbydd
PR by LSA publications / @leo.alderman / @lsapublications
Happy to have you featured on FHM! Tell us what are some of the things you did to prepare for this shoot? So happy to be a part of it with you guys! I recently got a personal trainer who’s really been helping me hit my fitness goals in preparation for the shoot.
You’ve got an amazing figure and beauty about you. We’re keen to know what you would say is your favorite physical feature about yourself and why? Thank you! Today I’d say my best physical feature is definitely my legs. My younger self would never have answered that, but now I embrace my long extremities and being one of the taller ones in the room.
Being a glamorous model must have its perks. What are some of the most memorable experiences in your career? The travel aspect of being a model is one I’ll forever cherish. Being able to travel to different countries, exploring different cultures and foods, has always been a nice perk of the job.
What would you say sets you apart? Keeping a positive mindset is so important. There’s always the sunshine after a storm. Keeping my smile on when others don’t is my way of shining through life.
On the topic of men, what was the complete best, and worst first impressions you’ve got on a first date? Honestly I haven’t really had a “best or worst” first impression on a date. Humor and someone who can hold an intellectual conversation is something that always leaves the best impression on me.
What would you say is the most surprising thing about you that not many people know? I think my upbringing and where I was raised is surprising to most. I always get a shocked reaction when people find out that I’m from Victorville — it’s really the middle of nowhere.
If you had to choose, would you say money and wealth determines success, or is it one’s personal achievements and happiness? There’s so many different ways someone can view success. The pursuit of happiness through money, fame, or glamour can change you. If you hustle, stay humble, and move forward with integrity, life will reward you in all aspects.
On a more personal level and in an ideal world, where do you see yourself in five or ten years; time in terms of family life, career, or both? To be unattached from the stresses of working to live and living to work is what everyone should strive for. My hope is that my future family and I will be self-sufficient enough to enjoy everything life has to offer.
It’s been a challenging year for us all, what advice would you give to other models or aspiring models out there in light of all the challenges faced? I feel given the circumstances of last year 2021 is the year of opportunity. Say YES to things that scare you. Your mind is the only thing holding you back. Don’t let another year go by of wishing you did this or tried that. I say GO FOR IT.
Any final words to our readers on what to expect from you this year? If I’ve learned anything during my time as a model, and from the experiences of the last year in quarantine, I say expect the unexpected. This is my year of yes!
