Today we’d like to introduce you to Jabria Howington.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Thank you for having me! My name is Jabria Howington aka Ella Siobhan. I am a 29-year-old, Filipina/African American model and lyricist living in San Diego, CA. Originally from Outer Banks, NC, I now have a full-time job as a legal specialist and a master’s degree in public health from George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health.
Ella Siobhan is an alias I created meaning “light and grace of God.” I’ve been modeling for over ten years and have been writing music for over five years. To make extra money I began modeling while in college and it quickly turned into a passion. Music has always been a part of my life but I didn’t start developing my sound and brand until after college. While living in D.C, I started to branch out into the modeling and music industries, growing 10K+ followers after only six months of starting my Instagram profile; catching the attention of many.
After gaining momentum, I was casted for a Reality TV Show, released my first single and album, and was featured in various magazines and blogs. I was also featured in Last Day Deaf as the video vixen for Footwerk’s Music Video called Glass House. Eventually, I moved to California to formalize my resume and connect with major agencies and creatives in San Diego and Los Angeles. Since my move a few years ago, I’ve been published in over five international fashion magazines, casted in several music videos, booked major commercial campaigns from Bumble to Hyper Skin, and walked a fashion runway back in April for a local high fashion brand.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While it seems like life has been nothing but glamorous, I have overcome a lot of obstacles along the way. I survived a domestically abusive household, the foster care system, sexual abuse, and had firsthand experience with the racial struggles that come with living in the South. All of these experiences made me independent, empathetic and unstoppable. Over the years, I have overcome smaller obstacles in comparison but not irrelevant. As a first-generation American and bisexual, multiracial women, my identity contributes so much to my perspectives about the world and how I strives to make an impact on it. Being a woman of overlapping identities is no easy feat but as they say, pressure makes diamonds.
For those who may be struggling, I say this: Above all else, believe in yourself even when it seems like no one else does or when you hit an unexpected bump in the road. Trust the process! Spend time getting to know yourself (your look, brand, etc.) and not letting anyone or social media rush you. When you start living a life built upon confidence and perseverance, you shall never crumble. As someone who believes in human design and auras, the vibration you put out into the world is extremely important. Be known not for how you look, or how you made things appear on social media, but for how you made someone feel. #bekind #buildempathy
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In my day-to-day, I work as a legal specialist for one of the top law firms in the country. My diverse background in health, law, and policy has made me an effective and vital asset to my firm. In my various roles as a paralegal, policy intern, and now as a legal specialist, I have worked closely with highly esteemed professionals to address health-related casework and policy. I am also involved in philanthropic causes dedicated to increasing access to justice, as well as the quality of healthcare for vulnerable and underrepresented communities. As an API, Black, and Bisexual woman, I hope to increase visibility to those who often feel voiceless.
Currently, I volunteer as the executive assistant to the Chair of the Law Track for the United Nation’ (UN) AI for Good platform. In this role, I researched content for their global webinar series, assisted in the creation of a non-profit to support the Law Track’s mission and values, and will be helping to organize the Global Summit next year in Anaheim, CA. Artificial Intelligence is being explored in the U.S. Healthcare System and in other countries, so it is important that we analyze and address any legal and policy issues that may arise.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Although pandemic slowed down momentum for many, I didn’t let that stop me. I have often used my modeling and music platforms to advocate for BIPOC brands & artists like myself, but I think there is more that I can do. Although I have been thoughtful in keeping my professional career separate from my modeling and music career, hence the use of an alias, I hope to soon combine these passions to create an educational platform in the next five to ten years. I want to take what I’ve learned from social media marketing and my master’s in public health to increase online awareness to relevant health issues and policy.
Pricing:
- Base Rate (Modeling): $150-200/hr
- Music Video: $600/half day; $1000/day
- Ghost Writing (Lyrics): TBD on project basis
- UGC/Promotion: TBD on project basis
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linkr.ee/ella.xo.siobhan
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ella.xo.siobhan
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/theellaxosiobhan
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4yE3LGMKunoBD9MW4kyHcN
Image Credits
Nelson Labadie
Christopher Tran
Brandon Curry
Daniella Steele
