Meet: Mari Jasmine, TV Presenter, Food Blogger & Model

Mari Jasmine is a breath of fresh air. I was visiting Manila a few months ago where I ran into her and we started talking instantly- from our casting experiences in different countries, finding apartments in new cities, and what our personal visions are for our blogs.

Getting to know Mari better, I realized this girl is the epitome of global. Born in Tokyo, raised in Australia; this half-Japanese, half-English model worked in Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, India, France and now, the Philippines. Currently, she is in Manila working as a TV host and Food Blogger, with health and wellness being one of her true passions.

Mari’s experiences through traveling and working in so many cities has added so much depth to her- that anyone who crosses her path is instantly enthralled. I know I was, and now you’ll see why. It’s time to meet Mari Jasmine…

1. Hi Mari, Tell us a little bit about where you are from and what you do…

I was born in Japan and lived there until I was 5, then my family and I moved to Sydney where I went to school & college. For the past few years I have been traveling as a model, and more recently I have started to work as a host as well.

2. I am a big fan of your blog and it’s tag line- “Finding Happiness in Food, Health and the Outdoors.” What inspired you to start this blog and how has the journey been in developing it?

All those 3 things make me so happy. Well, my blog kind of happened by accident. I made a website at the beginning of this year just for my modelling and hosting work. I’ve always loved cooking & photography, and I had some free time, so I started documenting some of the recipes I had come up with and decided to publish them on my website. One recipe led to another, and before I knew it I was able to contribute some recipes to magazines!

It’s been great to push my self creatively. I’ve learned loads: working with different ingredients, understanding how to light my photographs, and discovering the importance of colour and composition of the photos.

I’ve always loved cooking & photography, and I had some free time, so I started documenting some of the recipes I had come up with and decided to publish them on my website… It’s been great to push my self creatively.

3. It’s refreshing to see a model blog about food in a way that supports a healthy diet and not just a skinny frame. What influenced this healthy mentality?

A few years ago I came across some great documentaries that really challenged my views about health & the food industry (Forks Over Knives, Food Inc, Food Matters just to name a few). That led to spending hours on the internet learning and researching, and I realized I was really passionate about leading a healthy lifestyle. It didn’t really have much to do with modelling to be honest!
 
4. What are some of your favorite recipes that you can share?

One of my favorite juices I’ve been making is Carrot, Pineapple & Turmeric. It’s really refreshing and anti-inflammatory.

I also love snacking, and my Beetroot Crostini is fun because it’s got such a vivid color (and tastes amazing in my opinion)!

Recently I’ve been hooked on making zucchini noodles as it’s such a great way to get some extra greens in our diets, and isn’t so heavy on the stomach.

7. You are now a host on ETC, how does it feel transitioning into a host?

I love it! It’s hard work but loads of fun. It’s also challenging and much more intellectually stimulating than just posing for a photo. To be honest it was more difficult than I expected, coming across natural on camera whilst memorizing spiels in a short amount of time. I’m learning with every taping though, and hopefully my hosting skills continue to improve!

8. What are some of your self- love rituals?

Being outdoors, connecting with nature and breathing fresh air! It lifts my mood instantly. Traveling always gives me a huge buzz too. It helps me appreciate new cultures but also have a deeper love for my home.

9. You’ve traveled to so many countries at such a young age, what was your favorite experience from this?

I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite experience! What I’ve realized is that traveling for work is really different to traveling on holiday. There are pros and cons to both. When you’re living in a country for work, you develop a deeper understanding of life and the people in that place. You begin to understand the local humor, their work ethic, you pick up on the unwritten rules and societal taboos.

Then again when you’re on holiday, everything is magical and amazing and exciting and exotic. It may be a more ‘shallow’ experience, but you get a real buzz out of things that some might consider mundane. This is how I feel from my experience anyway.

10. What is the most important lesson you learned so far?

Work wise, I suppose I’ve learned how to handle situations like negotiating and knowing when to stand my ground. Also, being self- employed, you tend to have a really crazy schedule where you can be insanely busy for a few weeks and then have no work at all.

I’ve realized that for me, it’s really important to keep my mind occupied during those quieter times. My blog has been great for that, a place for me to channel my energy and creativity.

When you nourish your body with the right food, it has a huge impact on the way you look. You’re more balanced, You’re happy. When you’re happy, you’re more patient, more kind.

11. Beauty is…..

From within. I know, I know, it’s such a cliche, you’ll have to forgive me. But I truly believe it! When you nourish your body with the right food, it has a huge impact on the way you look. Your eyes are brighter, skin clearer, hair shinier and nails stronger. It also regulates your body and your hormones, which in turn, affects your moods. You’re more balanced. You’re happy. When you’re happy, you’re more patient, more kind. That’s beauty.

12. What’s next for you?

I’d like to continue hosting and improving my hosting skills. Apart from that, chasing health & happiness! That’s what it all boils down to right?

Interview by Victoria Herrera// Photos Courtesy of Mari Jasmine