TIB X Jjanga Weir

Without a doubt, Jjanga Weir is one to watch in today’s modeling and beauty world. As a Korean-American curve model and committed mother, she’s become a powerful voice for body positivity and might also be your next girl crush.

Jjanga often offers followers a genuine peek into her world. You’ll catch her intertwining raw snaps from her daily life, candid tales of motherhood, and messages about embracing all body types. And quite frankly, we’re obsessed.

Whether she is dazzling in the pages of Vogue, walking on the NYFW runways, collaborating with Fenty Beauty, or navigating the challenges of parenthood, she never misses an opportunity to convey a vital message: the importance of celebrating and embracing individual definitions of beauty.

But who is Jjanga? To truly understand the person behind the empowering posts and stunning photos, we sat down with her in an exclusive TIB interview.

From beauty ideals and the joys of parenting to the essence of authenticity, and her plans for the future, it’s clear she’s not done yet. So let’s dive into Jjanga’s world.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us what motivated you to start challenging unrealistic beauty expectations?

Hi! I’m Jjanga, I’m a Korean American curve model, mother, influencer, and entrepreneur. As a mother of a daughter and also being 29 when I first started my modeling career, I really was ready to push the boundaries of beauty expectations in the industry because I knew I needed to be the type of representation I wish I had seen and one that would make my daughter feel more comfortable in her own skin.

And how did you get involved in raising awareness for body positivity?

I really just showed up daily on social media and for myself. I made sure even on the hardest days I helped myself or someone else feel valid in their bodies. Social media really helped build a presence in the community because there were not many Asian women representing curvier bodies just yet.

True representation of diversity in beauty is both relevant and crucial to creating a world where everyone feels beautiful in their own skin. Can you share your perspective on just how important this is and why now is such a necessary time to address body positivity in our community?

I wish I had seen someone like myself or other curvier Asian models. Growing up in South Korea was incredibly hard, I’ve been 5’9” since I was in 3rd grade. I remember vividly after I had my growth spurt while in Korea I had to shop in the men’s section because nothing in the women’s shoes or pants wise would fit properly. I was “big” and as I got older I only got “bigger.” My size became something I obsessed over and coming from some a plastic surgery-loving country I remember trying to save up money to make myself look thinner. I shouldn’t have been spending my childhood years worrying about my size at ALL. I should’ve been out having fun. It’s absolutely necessary now for me to show up for the young me, to show others as a Korean woman I can be the complete opposite of what they expect me to be and be extremely successful at that.

Being a mom can feel like all the things at once - We're in awe of our bodies for their incredible journey of growth, birth, and nurturing, but the societal pressure to quickly 'bounce back' can add its own set of challenges. As a mum, can you share how your perspective of beauty and your body's transformation since becoming a mom has changed?

I’m so tired of hearing “bounce back”, you know you’d think in the year 2023 we’d let mothers be able to relax but it’s insane how much pressure there still is. If a mother wants to enjoy their postpartum body then society says they “let themselves go” but the double standard doesn’t apply to men. It’s exhausting to have to feel like you’ve always got to appease a crowd rather than ask yourself if you love how you feel and look. As a mother of three, my best advice: let your body relax. I just started to exercise again and I’m 8 months postpartum. Your body went through trauma. There is no need to feel like you’ve got to look pre-birth instantly. I didn’t and that's absolutely fine, I was beautiful then just like I am now.

Adding to that, motherhood is also full of lessons and realisations. What advice do you have for other people when it comes to changing bodies and embracing the journey we’re on in regard to body positivity?

Bodies fluctuate. Personally, I make sure when buying clothes I wear regularly I buy clothes that can grow or shrink with my ever-changing body. I don’t force my body into a size, I eat how I’d like, I exercise, and I’m an active person in general, my goal is never to be a certain size, it’s to be comfortable in my own body. I think focusing on a size is where the downfall begins because it can start to feel obsessive, rather than just focusing on how you like feeling and what makes you feel great.

What kind of world are you trying to create for your kids, and the next generation?

I’d love to create a world where there is more compassion, empathy, and kindness. Where the surface level isn’t where most people stop seeing others. People are so much more than just appearances and we’ve all been taught to not judge a book by its cover but by how many actually practice that. I think it’s always important to remember that no matter what we all should move forward in love and light towards others.

I saw that one of your images was chosen as Best Of Vogue - AMAZING! How did it make you feel to have such a platform — and what can brands like Vogue do more to support an inclusive community?

Oh man, that was awesome! Especially since it is such a raw photo with an amazing model friend of mine. Allowing my belly to be relaxed next to hers, showing that type of beautiful sisterhood, which I think was incredibly powerful and beautiful. The world needs to see more relaxed tummies. It would be amazing to see continued diversity in Vogue, I’m afraid the size inclusiveness only goes so far still and for representation in curve, it’s still the same gorgeous, sweet faces and I’d love to see other models get opportunities to be there as well.

The good thing is, that change is happening in the industry and we’re seeing people making a real difference. What kind of impact have you seen since starting your journey as a model?

I’m starting to see some change but unfortunately, as fashion likes to use bodies as trends rather than humans, I’m noticing the thin trend has made its way back around. Just as it felt there was progression I’m noticing regression. It’s why I fight harder than ever to make sure I show people that curvier bodies and tattooed bodies deserve to be in the luxury world.

You are an inspiration to ALL. What kind of feedback are you receiving from your followers and community?

It’s insane to me sometimes to think I’ve become and inspiration to others and I’m deeply honoured by that. I’ve had so many followers reach out to me to tell me how amazing I’ve helped them feel in their bodies. It’s funny just a few months back I even signed an autograph and that felt wild to me but also so fun! I’m thankful for this opportunity and to be able to help even just one person feel comfortable with themselves.

Success comes in so many forms in the modern world. How do you measure the success of your efforts in creating a world where people love their bodies for what they are?

That’s a hard one really. I think when I’m reached out to and confirmed by others that I’ve helped them feel more confident and love their bodies more, that is where I feel the success in what I am doing and trying to help others achieve.

What advice would you give to those who want to make a difference and challenge the way we perceive our bodies?

Be authentically you. In this journey, I’ve caught myself having moments of self-doubt in and try to change my own style to “fit in.” NEVER try to fit in, you’ll just start to look like you fill in all the beige gaps. If you’re colorful, be colorful. Never try to full your own shine.

Take us to a moment when you’re perhaps not having the best day. What do you do in these situations to shift your mindset into a more positive one?

Haha, my husband is who helps me. We are yin and yang. When I get overwhelmed he always knows how to calm me. If he’s not around, it’s silly but I’ll look at photos of my kids. It takes me to a happier place and I’ll also listen to my playlist I curated to help motivate me.

You've already collaborated with some pretty amazing brands like Marcella NYC and Savage X Fenty … We love it! But we also get the feeling that you’re not done yet. Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives that you are excited about?

Oh, I’m absolutely not done yet, this is just the beginning. My most recent project is with Good American and I’m excited for the photos and videos to come out from that, I’m also walking for NYFW for Tanner Fletcher and that I am incredibly excited about as well. Great things are coming, I just know this is only the beginning.

Is there anything else that you’d like to add that you think our readers should know?

I get asked a ton of advice on modeling and my biggest piece I always give is, to quit limiting yourself. If I had allowed how heavily tattooed I am, how old I am, my size, or motherhood to limit my dreams I would not be here. There is no limitation when it comes to believing in yourself. If you cannot believe in yourself, how can you expect others to?

And lastly, what is your definition of beauty?

Beauty is your soul. I do not care how beautiful someone is externally because that all fades as soon as I see mean and nasty behavior. You could be gorgeous and if your attitude is awful, it doesn’t matter. Beauty comes from your soul.

Feeling inspired? We thought so. Follow Jjanga on Instagram here.