Hi Jasmine, it is a pleasure to have the opportunity to chat to you. Let’s start with where you were born. Where were you born in Sweden or Guinea? I am sure you get asked that a lot!

Hi, it is a pleasure to meet you as well. I was born in Sweden. Yes, I do get that question a lot - many people also think I am adopted - because my mother is Swedish. But I am mixed raced. My mother is Swedish and my dad is originally from Guinea, but grew up in France. I am born and raised in Sweden on the west coast.

I am from Gambia originally, born in Banjul. I have never been to Guinea but there are a lot of Guineans in Banjul, Gambia. Do you spend any time in Guinea at all?

That is great. I have some friends from Gambia! I have only visited Guinea once as a child. I remember how we went out to the islands and did eat a lot of mango. I remember I saw a big black spider in the roof in my hotel, haha!

I want to go to Guinea again in the future. I have always wanted to know more about my heritage, as I grew up in a mainly Scandinavian household. I have visited Cape Verde recently - which is an island group outside of west Africa - it was a fantastic experience.

How long have you been an international model and how did you get into the field?

I travelled by myself for modelling, outside of Sweden, for the first time when I was 16. I believe I wanted to be a model because of 2 reasons. The first reason was that I wanted to see the world and have the ”model lifestyle” - to work with different creators and travel around the world - it seemed like a dream for me. The other reason was that I wanted to make a change in my society. Where I grew up, my look was not represented and I wanted to change that. Representation is very important. I faced a lot racism when I grew up looking different - but I am proud of my heritage and today I see it like a strength.

How did you decide to go into modelling? And photography and acting? What inspired you? Who inspired you?

I remember when I was 14, and I saw Tyra Banks on TV and she inspired me a lot to start a modelling career. I always had a lot interest in cameras and art. I used to make my own movies as a child and I come from a very creative family with a mother who is an artist.

I would say it all started with the fact that I just enjoyed taking pictures with my own camera. Then I really had fun standing in front of the camera as well - so it was a good combo. Acting is something I have tried thanks to modelling. First you take pictures, then you do a commercial and then someone ask you if you can act - it all goes hand in hand. I have taken some classes and appeared in some films. I believe it is important to try different things in life to find out what you really enjoy doing.

How would you describe yourself?

I see myself as the creator of my life. I get inspiration from different people and locations around the world to go after my dreams. I am an openminded person therefore I have tried many different positions in life. I am a creative soul on a life journey and a student of life. I am everything I’ve learned and more, but still growing and learning.

Who are your biggest inspirations in life?

I get inspired from people who are in a happy place in life. I believe that life should be a lovely journey and well-being is something I believe is essential. Success for me is someone who enjoys whatever they are doing and striving in their fields - and this can be in different fields. I believe everyone wants to find their passion and make a living out of it - and people who have figured this out in a joyful way are my inspirations. Some of my inspirations, that are very well known, would be Alicia Keys and Will Smith.

What do you like to photograph? What’s your favourite thing to photograph?

I like to capture positive energy. Joy. Inspiration. Love.

It can be the ocean, it can be a joyful moment, it can be a creative beauty session. I like to share light - I want people to believe there is much light and love in the world.

I love the pictures of you by the ocean, especially the one of you immersed in the foam of a breaking wave. I’m sure you enjoyed posing for those, in what exotic location were they taken?

Thank you so much. I really appreciate your kind words. I believe the photo was taken in Bali, Indonesia. Bali is a beautiful place to travel to and discover - I really recommend you to go there if you want to meet amazing people, eat great food and discover beautiful nature.

And music, any plans to add that to your career?

Music is something I really enjoy doing and it fulfils me in a new way that I am still discovering. I want to make an album one day. So yes, it is something I want to do. I believe music it is a beautiful way to share your feelings and stories. Maybe the most powerful tool. I am still looking for a great producer who I can collaborate with. So if you know one - let me know!

And what was it like being in Tinie Tempah’s video, was it modelling only or a musical contribution?

I was booked as a model that time. It was a very sunny and great day in Cape Town, South Africa. Everyone was super kind and I just had a great time dancing and enjoying the whole vibe. I got some great friends from that day as well.

Let me end by asking you ‘Ms. Successful Multi-career Holder’, what are your plans and hopes for your next acting role? Photographic challenge and modelling feat?

I hope to keep on doing what I love and keep on traveling. I hope to inspire people to be brave and go after their dreams. Dare to try, dare to fail - life is not meant to be perfect it is meant to be lived fully. I want to continue modelling as long I can, keep on taking photos of all the places I am visiting and work with different creatives that makes my soul happy.

You can follow Jasmine at my instagram for latest updates @jasminesidibe or her website www.jasminesidibe.com

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Oremie Bidwell is a fashion designer turned personal trainer/life coach. She is also a writer & author of one book, Absolute Nightmare on Dartmouth Road. For more info please see: https://www.gettingoverpain.com

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