Jaqi and her husband, Kevin, felt blessed when they welcomed healthy twins in 2010. And it soon became apparent that their baby girls were far from ordinary – everywhere they went, mom and dad got comments and questions about their newest family members. They realized that Ava Marie and Leah Rose Clements have an unmatched beauty about them. Fast forward to today, and they’ve become professional models (with much help from their mother). So, let’s see how these lovely twins enchanted the world.
An Early Arrival
Jaqi and her husband were preparing for the arrival of their baby twins. The twins, Ava Marie and Leah Rose were born on July 7, 2010. Four and a half week earlier than expected. But as time went on, Jaqi started to understand why it happened that way.
“They came four and a half weeks early but knowing their personalities now it makes total sense that they would show up early, unannounced, and ready to take on anything,” Jaqi said.
Mesmerizing Everyone From the Start
It wasn’t long after the birth of twins that family and even strangers started to notice how beautiful the twins are. Since birth, the natural beauty of twins is simply undeniable
Thanks to their smooth skin, symmetrical faces, and silky texture of hair, the twins looked out of this world from the very start.
“They Should be Models”
With such beautiful kids, it is not hard to imagine how much Jaqi and her husband heard one compliment over and over again: “they should be models.”
According to Jaqi, strangers would always mention one thing: “Wow they are so beautiful, you should really think about getting them into modeling.” She decided to give it a shot.
Modeling Stint Added Pressure on Jaqi
After being persuaded by so many people to get the twins involved in modeling, Jaqi did it and the decision turned out to be a fruitful one as the twins were only six months old when they were signed by an agency in Los Angeles.
However, it added more pressure on Jaqi as she also had to take care of her two-year-old son. The first attempt did not last longer than 3 months. “It was hard enough to get out of the door most days so my attempt back then was short lived and I decided it just wasn’t the time,” Jaqi said.
Living a Normal Life
Although it seemed like an enticing idea to help her daughters become models at such a young age, it wasn’t the right decision at that time.
Jaqi thought that it would be better to bring her daughters alongside their peers. With time, things slowly started to change.
Going with Children’s Wishes
As Jaqi was busy taking care of her three children, the idea of modeling started to fade away. However, the twins weren’t ready to let it go yet.
Jaqi didn’t want to pressurize her daughters into doing something they didn’t want to do. Hence, she made sure her daughter had a say in this matter.
The Wait Game Begins
Jaqi knew that she couldn’t ask the girls about it as they were still toddlers and not old enough to make their own decisions.
So, she waited for the right time to allow her beautiful and innocent daughters to make their own decision.
Lucky Number Seven
Jaqi believes a lot in signs. According to her, seven is her lucky number. So, it can be considered more than a coincidence that twins came into this world on 7/7.
As the birthday of twins was approaching, the thought of her daughters turning 7 years old set Jaqi’s brain ablaze.
Presenting Her Idea Forward
As the girls were turning seven, they had developed their own personalities over the years. They were already doing several extracurricular activities like dancing and swimming.
Jaqi Clements/theclementstwins
On their birthday, Jaqi said, “I presented my idea to the girls that, if they were up for it, in addition to their dance classes and swim team practices they had every week, they could give modeling a try.”
And They Said “Yes”
According to Jaqi, the twins really love performing for almost everybody. From their neighbors to even strangers, they didn’t mind performing for anyone.
Jaqi said, “I was not surprised at all when they started jumping up and down and couldn’t wait to begin!” The twins were all in for modeling.
Starting Again
Jaqi’s neighbor had recently opened a children’s boutique and she was looking for models to help market her new business.
Ava and Leah immediately got the job. “Plus, I needed some new photos if I was going to get them an agent so I figured this would be a great opportunity for all of us,” Jaqi said.
Taking Things Slow
Jaqi took things slow from the start as she knew that girls were still young and wearing a lot of clothes and putting on loads of makeup could be unfavorable to their development.
“I dug out my 10-year-old Nikon camera from a bin in the garage, put a few waves in the girl’s hair, dabbed on a little blush, and out we went to take some pictures,” said Jaqi.
They Needed a lot of Polishing
Although Ava and Leah had amazing looks, it doesn’t mean that they naturally know how to model. Jaqi learned during her first shoot with the twins that some things take time.
Jaqi recalled on her experience “Ava would look at the camera while Leah would stare off into space… Leah would accidentally bump into Ava who of course thought it was on purpose and would shove her back.”
Getting Back with An Agency
Jaqi was excited yet worried at getting her girls back with an agent. After all, they were finding a modeling agency after six years.
“I still had a handful of contacts, so I decided to start there,” she said. “To my surprise, I heard back from almost every single one asking to set up a time to meet the girls.” Although they signed two agencies and were excited, trouble started to brew behind the scenes. Keep on reading to find out more about it.
The Double Agency Problem
Jaqi was looking for more opportunities for her twins and that’s why she thought two agencies representing her daughters would be a great idea.
It was going fine until she got a call from one of the agencies. “Hi, we wanted to let you know we were able to get the girls straight through to a callback for a Barbie Audition tomorrow,” the agent told Jaqi. She started to panic as the girls had gone to the same audition with the other agency. Instead of making up any story, Jaqi told them the truth and it didn’t take long for the matter to resolve.
Entering The World of Social Media
Jaqi created an Instagram account for the girls to gain a fanbase and also to serve as a portfolio for agencies.
The account called clementstwins was created in – yes you’ve guessed it right – July. The page started to blow up and gathered 300,000 followers in a short time.
The Secret to Gaining Followers on Instagram
Although the beauty of the twins was one of the main reasons behind the success of their Instagram account, another major contributor was a tactic used by Jaqi.
“Now, a little over five months later, the girls have over 380,000 followers,” she started. “One thing I know for sure if it’s ALL about the pictures… so don’t settle for an average photographer because you want to save a few dollars.” Want to gain followers on Instagram? Take quality pictures!
2017 Belonged to the Twins
Jaqi had a hunch that 2017 was going to their year and it was. The year was excellent for the twins and the family.
She explained: “Aside from the fact that I’m a huge believer in signs and have been told by almost everyone that 7 is a lucky number, I just had a feeling that this year was going to be a fun and exciting year for them.”
A Talented Family
As Ava and Leah were gaining popularity through modeling, their older brother was also showing his talents to the world.
He also signed the same modeling agencies as his sisters. Aside from modeling, he has also acted in a few commercials as well.
Job Offers
It didn’t take much time for everyone to know that the twins had the nature for modeling.
They got six jobs in just a week. It might have tired most little girls, but the twins were eager to do more work.
Learning With Time
Jaqi had no prior knowledge before entering the modeling industry and she is still new to it. She says that she is still learning and there are highs and lows that everyone needs to consider.
On her blog, Jaqi mentioned the most important thing she learned so far “is before trusting someone to guide you, make sure you know who you are getting involved with.”
Facing Challenges with a Smile
For Jaqi and her twins, one of the major challenges in their new lives in the modeling world is LA’s traffic (which is, by the way, the fifth worst traffic in the country).
As they have to go into downtown Los Angeles several times a week, their trips can turn into 5 to 6 long tiring hours of traveling.
Getting Guidance From Others
Jaqi is on board with the idea of taking guidance from others, but getting the right advice from the right people is what matters the most to her.
She believes in going with her gut feeling and doing thorough research before working with someone.
Ignoring Negativity and Staying Positive
Jaqi has to deal with all the negative comments and backlash that is directed at her and her daughters.
Although she knows that it is best to ignore the negativity, it isn’t as easy as it seems.
A Comment They Frequently Receive
“They look sad” is one of those common comments they receive most of the times. Some even went on to comment that the girls are forced into doing all this.
After receiving such similar comment again and again, Jaqi responded by saying that some photoshoots require to be more solemn than others. And folks, if you ever meet the twins, you’d know that they are happy, jolly girls.
“Are They Wearing Makeup?
One of the most frequently asked questions is that if the girls are wearing makeup or not. Some people have concerns that these girls are too young to be exposed to makeup.
However, Jaqi clarified in her comment by saying: “in almost every job the girl’s book through their agency, or any professional photo shoot they attend, there is a hired hair and makeup artist on set. Why!? Because that’s how the industry works.”
A Comment Jaqi Hates the Most
Jaqi and her family receive a lot of backlash about the modeling career of young twins. One comment that Jaqi hates the most “Let them be girls.”
It really annoys Jaqi because she wants people to understand that they are not forced into it. In fact, the twins really like it and that’s how they prefer spending their time.
They Are More Than Just Models
Although it seems like they spend most of their time modeling, in reality, they are still average little girls.
They goof around during photo shoots, like to make music playlists in the car and play games together.
Benefits of Living the Modeling Life
Being a model means spending most of the time traveling, scheduling and doing makeup, but it also helped to bring their family together.
The twins and the family experienced something new on each trip and they spend more time together than most families. And hey, they also get to meet new people and make new friends.
Additional Benefits
The twins spend more time with their family and meet new kids their age with similar interest. But that’s not it.
Various companies frequently send them new products and clothes to try out and the twins love testing them out at photo shoots. In return, they help companies by giving shoutouts on their social media accounts or tagging them in their photos.
Tips on Gaining Instagram Success
You cannot get Instagram success and gain over 300,000 followers in a short period of time without having any knowledge about it.
Jaqi has a few tips to share. Remember that she had very little knowledge of social media herself. But now, she has some personal secrets to share. Keep on reading to know what her personal secrets to growing Instagram fanbase are.
Never Overpost
Jaqi highly recommends moderation when it comes to posting on social media. She has a fair point to make as well.
People can get sick of your account or forget about it if you overpost. Eventually, they will unfollow you because you are everywhere on their timeline.
Never Neglect Hashtags
Using hashtags smartly is another reason behind the success of twin’s Instagram account.
She discovered the formula of using similar hashtags to other models of their age.
Tags are Really Important
According to Jaqi, tags have also played a crucial role in the success of girls’ Instagram account.
Tags not only help in showing appreciation for their makeups artists, photographers, designers, and others, but it also shows their Instagram account in search results when people look for those particular people.
How to Follow The Right People
You cannot follow random people in hope for them to follow you back. Jaqi only followed the pages that she knew are most likely to follow the twins account.
Jaqi followed all of the other kid models, photographers, kids’ stores, and more.
Comments Matter A Lot
Another way Jaqi increased the popularity of girls’ account was by making the best use of comment section.
She would often comment on other model’s photos, photographers, and other accounts. This helps in establishing relationships and familiarizing yourself with others
Following Trends That Work
Jaqi found out that there are certain pictures that are appreciated more by the general public than others.
She noticed that those pictures of the twins got more attention in which they had more similar features. This helped in drawing more attention of people.
Outfits Also Draw People’s Attention
It wasn’t only the girls’ looks and the likeliness that helped them get the attention of people; it was also their amazing outfits.
In order to ensure that her daughters had the perfect clothing, Jaqi decided to borrow clothes from her neighbor who had her own children’s boutique. This worked out for both Jaqi and her neighbor as they both got what they wanted.
Remaining Honest is the Key to Success
As Clements were still new to this field, they learned a lot of new things every day. One thing that they’ve learned is that remaining honest is the key to success.
They have understood that whether they are working for an agency, photographer or other models, staying true and telling what is on your mind helps clear a lot of misunderstandings. Honesty is always the best policy and they stick to it.
It’s Entirely Their Decision
Jaqi and her husband really care about their children. That’s why they came to a family agreement that the girls and their older brother will only stay in the modeling business if they want to. If not, it is entirely their decision to make.
Their parents are more than happy to support their children in their modeling careers. They just want to see their children happy and would always support them.
They Have A Lot of Friends
According to mom Jaqi, one of the upsides of having a modeling career is that the girls are making a lot of friends along the way.
She writes in her blog that: “[They] meet a new ‘friend’ for 10 minutes at an audition or a shoot and are already asking me if this new friend can be their cousin because a simple friendship just doesn’t quite express the love they have for their new friend.”
The Industry Isn’t Cheap
Jaqi wanted to clear it to everyone that just because the twins are getting a lot of modeling jobs, doesn’t mean the family got rich all of a sudden. In fact, it is costing the family in headshots, gas, food, and other expenditures to keep up with this job.
She writes in her blog that: “But I guess if you really put it all into perspective, the money we as parents put out now… will allow them to make their own money they can use towards college or a car or a house in the future.”
Be Wary of Who You Trust
Jaqi writes on her blog that: “This by far has been one of the most stressful, upsetting, mind-boggling, and biggest lessons I’ve learned in this industry so far.”
She is actually referring to the fact that everyone who plans on entering this industry must be careful in choosing an agent, agency or other professionals to work with. She highly recommends choosing after doing some research on the person.
It Runs in The Family
When you look at the parents of Twins and their older brother, you can see why they are so beautiful.
Although Jaqi is seen modeling with her daughters, it seems as if the father could have a good modeling career as well.
A New Adventure Every Time
Some people believe that the twins are forced into this career, but it is far from the truth. In reality, they actually like what they do and modeling is an adventure for them.
“They like the new adventures we go on every week, never knowing where we will end up but looking forward to a new experience,” Jaqi writes on her blog.
They Have a Perfect Bonding With Their Mother
As Jaqi is the manager of her daughters, it is no surprise that they have to spend a lot of time together. It has certainly helped in creating a great mother-daughter bond.
“They like spending time in the car with each other and with me… having some girl time together,” Jaqi writes on her blog.
Taking It With Courage
The main criticism is towards Jaqi and she often finds herself at the receiving end of really negative, hurtful comments. However, Jaqi doesn’t pay much attention to negative comments.
“I definitely don’t give any light to negative comments because I know myself that they are untrue and that’s really all that matters,” Jaqi replied to a commenter on her blog.
Jaqi Has a Solution for Negative Comments
Although Jaqi ignores the negative comments that come her way, it doesn’t mean that they stop coming. So, she has one solution for it: she welcomes them!
Jaqi writes, “I welcome people to comment… good or bad. I don’t plan on deleting anyone’s comments even if they are negatively directed towards me because everyone is entitled to express how they feel.”
Speaking Up is Worth It
When you are in the modeling industry, you tend to fear for your position whenever you want to speak up. Jaqi had to reply to one of the commenters who have kids in the industry and was scared to say something at first.
She writes, “I don’t want to do or say anything that will jeopardize anything for my kids but at the same time, enough is enough. If I can prevent others from going through what we have been through then it’s worth the fight!”
Looking Ahead
For now, the twins are showing no signs of quitting the modeling industry. They are still in the elementary school and it seems like they will continue doing modeling well into their high school years.
The twins really enjoy what they do and who knows you might even see them acting one day.
Over 1.3 Million Followers
Given that the twins are still very young, it is really impressive that they have over 1.3 million subscribers on Instagram.
They are very young and have a great future ahead. So, it won’t be a big surprise that one day they become two of the most followed females on Instagram.
An Incredible Portfolio
As the girls are a bit older, they are becoming more in-demand among fashion publications and clothing brands.
They have a really solid portfolio as their photographs have been taken by some of the best photographers. It will certainly help them get even bigger modeling gigs in the future.
First Year as Professional Models
The girls became professional models at the age of seven and their first year as professional models were really exciting for the twins and their family. Their careers were launched in the best way when the Daily Mail wrote an article on the girls.
“It was at that time that DailyMail.com published an article on them,” Jaqi said. That was December of 2017. “This past year has been really fun and exciting for Ava and Leah.”
An Amazing Life
Jaqi explained what it is like being a professional model, “whether it be private shopping experiences, gifted merchandise from brands all over the world, or taking pictures with fans, the girls have had an amazing ride so far.”
The twins are following something they really like and they are really lucky that their mother is always there to guide them. We wish the twins and her family a great future.