Luxurious Magazine founder Paul Godbold sits down with beauty queen Sarah-Jade Schipper, discussing the ‘ups and downs’ of modelling and what inspires her.
Luxurious Magazine: Hi Sarah, thank you for taking some time out to talk to us; the first thing that we notice is aside from being both attractive and tall, you are also of mixed race, Dutch/Malaysian. Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
Sarah-Jade: Thank you for your kind compliment! I was born here in Malaysia and have lived here my whole life. I grew up in a small town called Taiping. Life was really simple but really fun as I grew up in a “kampung”; thus, climbing trees and running around barefooted was one of the fondest memories of my childhood
LM: Have you been back to Holland much, and do you speak Dutch or any other languages?
Sarah-Jade: I have visited Amsterdam a couple of times and enjoyed my trip, but I don’t think I would like to live there permanently. And no, sad to say that I do not speak a single word of Dutch, but I do, however speak quite a number of different languages and dialects, i.e. Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien, English and last but not least, Bahasa Malaysia
LM: You won second runner-up for the Malaysia model of the world in 2006. What are your memories of the moment when you found out you won?
Sarah-jade: I was very surprised as I did not expect to even get through to the finals as I was not a model then, and I was seriously on the heavy side, and I was competing against senior models from Kuala Lumpur!!
LM: Did you have any specific duties during your Miss Malaysia Model of the World year?
Sarah-Jade: Well, since it was not such a well-known title, I didn’t have to do much, which in a way was a blessing as I was still in college at that time, but I did need to attend events and openings of outlets and all.
LM: Do you model full-time?
Sarah-Jade: Modelling is something I have a great passion for, but I do not model full-time as I do not see myself in the modelling scene 5 years down the road. Thus I am focused on my current job with a property company here in Penang.
LM: Is there one modelling assignment that sticks out above all others?
Sarah-Jade: Yes, there is one particular job I had just done recently: a bridal shoot for a wedding company in Penang. The reason why it is so memorable was that I had someone very dear to me doing the shoot with me!
LM: There are lots of Modelling shows on TV, and they portray models as being a little difficult. Is that your experience?
Sarah-Jade: Well, I have worked with a lot of girls from a lot of different backgrounds, and yes, I have had my fair share of difficult characters, but there are also very humble and nice girls. I guess wherever you are, you will meet people who are just plain difficult. As for me, I just ensure that I do my best in what I’m paid to do, have fun, be nice and ignore the rest.
LM: Do you have to watch what you eat due to the perception that models have to be thin?
Sarah-Jade: I am someone who loves food too much to actually follow that silly “rule”. I think one is most attractive and outstanding when they are comfortable in their own skin, and that goes for models. Some girls just try so hard to stay skinny that they neglect their health. I have spoken to some designers that insist that I go on a diet in order to be in their fashion show, which I nicely declined as I think I am great the way I am.
LM: What was the last assignment/show that you did?
Sarah-Jade: A bridal shoot about a week back. It was GREAT FUN!
LM: Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?
Sarah-Jade: Me being a small-town girl, I see myself (hopefully) living in Australia with a family of my own. And yes, I love kids! OH! and also running a small pet business!
LM: Thanks for giving us your time; if we can ask one more question, a somewhat cheeky one. Do you have a boyfriend?
Sarah-Jade: Yes, I do currently have a boyfriend!
Read more exclusive interviews in our dedicated section here.