Unique looks open a fashion door in the city for Canadian beauty Jennifer Steele, writes William Axford

Models may be abundant in Beijing but that doesn't mean that they're all the same. In a market that's craving foreign models, Jennifer Steele has found that her Canadian roots give her an edge in securing jobs.

"Most foreign models in Beijing are from the Ukraine and Russia. I'm the first Canadian girl who's worked with my current agency," she smiled.

With her piercing green eyes and dark auburn hair, this North American beauty stands apart from her European counterparts.

Steele came to Beijing on a business trip with her father last year. Curious about her chances of breaking into the Asian market, she stopped by the ilook Model Management Company. It was an inquiry that paid off. Her unique looks in the Chinese market have got her the exposure she's been looking for.

"There's a lot of work here and I'm looking for more experience," she said with an enthusiastic smile. "There's castings every day. Right now is a good time to be in Beijing. The agency I'm working for now is small but really pushes to make sure that their models have work."

Despite working in Beijing for only three months, Steele has already appeared in Chinese fashion magazines and catalogues for clothing. She hopes to be part of a fashion show before going back home to Canada.

"Right now, I'm mostly doing work for autumn and winter clothing - more sweaters, jackets and clothes for colder weather. The Asian market is great for catalogue work. There's a rapidly growing economy here."

But Steele is more than just a pretty face. She holds a college degree in business and a certificate in image consulting. Ever an entrepreneur, she plans to help other models break into the business.

"It's my life, my passion. I want to help other people looking to start their careers."

The Canadian beauty plans to return next year with ilook in the hope of getting more experience in the Asian modeling scene. She shouldn't have a problem turning heads in a market dominated by blue-eyed and blonde-haired foreigners.

Q & A

Are you doing anything outside of modeling?

I've started my own business doing image consulting where I teach clients how to dress and be professional. I also prepare them on how to travel from job to job. My experience in Beijing is great training if I ever want to go international with my business.

What's the most interesting thing that's happened to you in Beijing?

I was recently in an ad for the Chinese version of Vogue. I've also been living with girls from different countries, backgrounds and cultures.

You've been to Milan, one of the fashion capitals of the world. How does it compare to Beijing?

There's more work here in Beijing. I also like how the bookers here come with me to every job. They really push to get their models more work. In most countries, it's up to the models to find the jobs and to go out on their own.

You seem to be busy all the time. Does it ever get overwhelming?

I like to be busy. But I've also had time to go out and experience the culture. My favorite food so far has been the Peking roast duck. When I come back to China next year, I'll have a stronger book. I want to get more experience.

Is China the first country you've been to outside of Canada and Italy?

Not at all. I've been to a lot of different places, mostly for my own enjoyment. I've traveled all over Europe, the United States, Cuba, the Bahamas and Bermuda. I like to travel a lot.

Jennifer Steele says her Beijing catwalk experience will help her enter the International fashion industry. [Provided to China Daily]