Last week, I had the true pleasure of spending a morning with the lovely Jessica Mau. Surely you recognize her as one of our favorite models… but I wanted to give you all a deeper glimpse into Jessica’s dreamy life.
A closer interior view rather than the usual exterior, if you will. I meandered into to her studio in the Arts District in downtown LA — it’s 8am. I’ve just spent far too long in traffic. I open the door and within an instant, I am transported. Heaven? Is this you? Incense was filling the room with my favorite Nag Champa scent, the smoke mingling with the early sun in the most merry of ways. Niko, her sweet lil’ pup, was chasing sun speckles as Jess made her home brewed teas. Yes, all her own creations. After giving me an impressive list of options, I settled on lemongrass echinacea, a hard choice over the others, buuuuut… I really gotta thing for lemongrass. We chatted and lounged about as she shifted into three of her favorite go to looks for LA. Perfect they were… high-waisted red printed trousers, an easy loose dress, and a cotton skirt with a cropped tank… drenched in her sister’s jewelry to boot. I look at her bookshelf (we all do this in others’ homes, don’t we?) and see she is also a fan of my favorite book “The Elegance of the Hedgehog” — We both flip for a minute and then move on to more important things… juice. Jess takes out her fresh veggies and loads both Annie and I with everything your body needs for a good morning.
Beyond her stunning natural beauty, Jess radiates an honesty and ease that makes you feel like old friends instantly. Not an ounce of ego here… just pure and loving. Thank you for a truly beautiful morning, Jessica. Read on to learn more about this lovely woman…
Where are you originally from, Jess?
I am from the Bay Area. Alameda to be exact :)
What are your parents like? How would you say they raised you? I would describe my parents as very supportive and easy going. They are both such unique people. In the last few years my mom has become a certified yoga instructor/Dr. Gerson expert and my dad has mastered the art of ukelele playing. I am constantly learning from them.
If you could invite one designer, one artist, one musician and one writer to put in a room and have a meal with… who would come? Who would be eating what? I would invite Charles and Ray Eames, David Hockney, Nico, and Richard Brautigan and we would be eating Indian food family style.
Your morning ritual? Drinking tea while sitting in my sunny spot by the window.
What is the greatest piece of advice you have received… by whom did you receive it? Follow your heart, trust your intuition, and be yourself. From my dear friend Chloe Park.
If you weren’t modeling, what would you be spending your day doing? I would be living on a lush farm making tinctures and face masks.
In your next life… you’ll be happy coming back as… A Redwood.
Favorite meal… Sushi.
Best place in LA to chill? I love Elysian Park and the Daily Dose Cafe.
Favorite band/artist? I never get sick of Joni Mitchell.
Live anywhere in the world… where would that be? I would hop around between Hawaii and Joshua Tree.
Your greatest dream? To save all the doggies on death row at the pound.
How would you describe your style? Simple and loose with a touch of grandma and a hint of boyishness?
One thing you wish you could pull off… A visor.
Favorite items in your home? Tea kettle, cacti, endless stash of nag champa, and my pup.
Tell me about living in the Arts District? I love it. It has a great pioneering spirit down here. There are so many people with big ideas. New places are constantly popping up here and there. I also love Little Tokyo close by and how uncongested it is compared to other neighborhoods.
Three of your favorite current Free People items? I love the Slouchy Sweater Jacket, the Low Rise Relaxed Skinny Jeans, and the Ruffled Hem Button Down in white.
Thank you Jess! Seeee ya Nico!
Photos: Annie Edmonds
Oh my goodness she is perfect. Oh so beautiful, and her home and lifestyle are ideal. Lovely lady!
xo, Juliette Laura
http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com
Wonderful interview and I loved her home as well <3
xoxo Annejelina
Visit my shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrownofCreationShop
Ok, I will team up with her and we can save all the doggies on death row. My dream come true. xoxo
She seems like such a beautiful, calm soul. If possible, please post some of her tea recipes :)
Thank you so much for sharing this. I love her home and lifestyle! She’s very inspiring!
i love mau!!!!!!!!!!! she is off the charts. so kind and beautiful!
This is so pure. I can feel like Im actually sitting there too. X.
great post…she’s such a natural beauty and real! lover her pup & her loft…
Quite possibly one of the most beautiful spaces. Love those big windows!!
{ http://www.tlingram.weebly.com }
Could she be anymore beautiful and captivating? Everything about this interview was lovely!
She is so beautiful! I would also love to live on a lush farm making tinctures and face masks. ah, sounds lovely : )
http://www.seedoflifeacupuncture.com
She is stunning and so graceful in movement and spirit. Great feature, FP!
She is stunning and so graceful in movement and spirit. Great feature, FP!
http://foxandflourish.com
Wonderful interview! I’ve always wondered about this beauty! Stunning, inside and out.
The jewelry she is wearing is incredible! It says it was made by her sister?? Where can I find it?
So nice to see that she is beautiful inside and out. And what a lovely home!
Lovely interview. Angie “The jewelry she is wearing is incredible! It says it was made by her sister?? Where can I find it?”
I recently went to the launch of her sister’s jewelry and bought 2 incredible pieces! Her work is stunning. Those Mau sisters are sublime! :)
You can find her work here: http://www.mgracejewelry.com
LOVE her answer for greatest dream & love this idea for a feature. fun to get a glimpse inside cool people’s homes. <3
I love this space with the high ceilings and exposed brick… and the dog is super cute!
Love your studio. If I was younger I would never have given up on my dreams….I’ve always been so different…which is a Good thing :)…Thank you for sharing some of your life with us…you are Beautiful!
I love this skirt – where is it from?:)
She has my dream life <333333 you should do more house tours, i love them!!
Thank you Janice! Here site is gorgeous! (got myself a Christmas present ;)
Love her place, The Elegance of the Hedgehog is my favorite book too!
Wow what a stunning lady and gorgeous home!!
xx
MacK @ SoulMakes | Blog
Where can I get a dress like this? (red one)