Considered one of the OG darlings of Cebu, Jamie Herrell has conquered both local, national, and global stages, in a career spanning only a few years since she started. Some might call it beginner’s luck, but with the number of wins under her belt (or crowns), it was clear to see that she’s always been destined for greatness. When she became the second Filipina to be crowned Miss Earth in 2014, that title catapulted her to celebrity status, and opened up a new chapter in her life in the capital.
I had the pleasure of meeting Jamie before her pageant circuit run, and have kept a close friendship with her over the years—she’s family, really. As a stylist, I get to work with a lot of models-in-development or new faces, in a time-for-print type set-up, or basically pro-bono. I met Jamie through her manager Sven Chua, who at the time was shooting a photo series for their agency, which I also styled.
A few things stood out to me that time: her glowing radiant aura, undeniable regal posture, and the natural ability to nonchalantly speak her mind. It really didn’t come as a surprise that she won a major crown for the Philippines; it was only a question of when.
Jamie in Manila
Her life changed so much after winning: shifting gears from the laidback island metropolis of Cebu, to the lofty concrete jungle of Manila. I spent almost a week at her condo in Pasig, where I witnessed firsthand how bustling her schedule was. She’d be up at the crack of dawn getting ready for a TV appearance, while I was still off to dreamland. She’d be back around the same time I awoke, and we’d get ready to head to a shoot just before noon.
Imagine that life seven days a week, with two start-up businesses—Isla 7107 Slippers and Viaje Sunglasses—in between. It’s just simply astonishing how she was able to manage all of that, while still looking gracefully celestial, but more than that is how she was able to keep in touch with her Cebu crew despite her consuming workload.
We had a chance to catch up when she came home to Cebu for a couple of weeks, and in between dessert and coffee, we reminisced:
Edward: So, Jamie, describe your life in Manila after winning Miss Earth 2014.
Jamie: It was an eye-opener. I was only 19 years old when I moved to Manila and my life changed in an instant after winning the crown. I was invited to different parties and events with people that I thought I would never meet like famous celebrities. I wasn’t a social butterfly when I was younger so being out there and gaining that experience really brought me out of my shell.
Edward: You were always the workaholic type. What changed?
Dress from Suravilla
Jamie: Yes my dad was a workaholic and I think I got that from him. Growing up he really instilled it in our minds to work, especially his daughters. He always told us that the world isn’t always kind to women and the only way we can make a good life for ourselves is either we work hard or marry someone rich. I didn’t want to marry someone rich just to live the life I dreamed for myself. That would be a terrible reason just to be with someone and I always told myself I will love someone for the right reasons and not just for money. This is why I used to go crazy just to always find work, projects, and hustle. Last year during the pandemic I realized that I wasn’t living and I was just living the life that people wanted for me and I was playing the role of the person that people wanted me to be. Everything felt heavy. Although on the superficial side of society I was doing really damn well but on the inside, I felt lost and alone. I was working almost seven days a week for the business I used to own. I can say I lost the passion to run it after three years [I guess]. If not that then I would be working in the newsroom, attending or hosting events—the list goes on. I was a working machine but I forgot to be a human being. I wish I took the time to analyze my thoughts and feelings before 2020 but, it took the pandemic to give me a huge whack on the face to really show me the life I wanted to live. No regrets though! Better late than never. I think I am still somewhat of a workaholic but, this time I’m more balanced and self-aware.
Jamie Herrell 2021 Version
Edward: Describe the Jamie Herrell 2021 version
Jamie: More alive. More intact with her emotions. More empathetic. More balanced. More chill and less judgmental. I believe I grew a lot in the span of a year.
Edward: What advice can you give your younger self?
Jamie: To relax! I would never want anyone to experience certain things in life that I have gone through. Many people would want to live my life but they only see the charmed side of it. I would tell my younger self that everything will be alright so just relax and try to enjoy life a bit more. I would also tell her that she’s blessed compared to most and she should start counting those instead.
Edward: How does it feel to be back home (Cebu) after being gone for so long?
Jamie: It really felt like home. To be with family and friends that I haven’t seen in so long. I actually teared up when I saw my niece, Mia James. I felt like I hit a rewind button and lived a bit of the fun times of my life that I used to have before the pandemic all started. the good sides. Cebu will always have a place in my heart and you can take away the Cebuana from Cebu but, not the other way around. I was just over the moon to be home.
Swimsuit from Henry + Lucy
Edward: Tell us how Yoga and a Zen lifestyle shaped you into the person you are today.
Jamie: The Zen life has helped my mental and physical health during this pandemic. The fear of the unknown is my greatest fear of all. When things become uncertain in life, it gives me anxiety and the pandemic really pushed that button! Finding that outlet just to pause and let go of these fears really changed my mindset for the better. That’s why I fell in love with the practice of yoga. Now, I’m still active but more secure with my mental health.
Edward: Lastly, what nugget of wisdom can you impart to our dear readers, who are still coping with the changes that this pandemic has brought?
Jamie: I think the first step is to be easy on yourself. Give yourself some self-love and time to collect your thoughts. From there find ways to pick yourself back up. I’ve been there. In the first few months of the pandemic I believe I was experiencing depression. I can’t say I was diagnosed with it because I didn’t see a professional but, I would be hard on myself, randomly cry and sleep my life away. I’m telling you this because I want you to know that you are not alone and sharing these down experiences in our lives doesn’t make us weak. It actually makes us stronger and realize the things we need to do to be better. The time I started to feel better about the whole situation was when I looked within and started taking matters into my own hands. I opened up to people close to me and they gave me sound advice. Now I’m more me, a better me than I ever was. This is the time to explore oneself more than ever before! Just like me, I hope you could find yourself too.
As of writing this, Jamie has already left for Ilocos Norte, where she is currently based. She has some major plans in store, so follow her on Instagram @jamieherrell for regular updates.
Photography Matt Pingkian | Stylist Edward James Castro | Makeup Raisa Jan Bercede | Hair Cris Villarta Canoy | Location Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan