COVER - Victoria Vesce - Endless Summer
Jejune is excited to announce our newest cover model Victoria Vesce! Victoria comes from a beautiful farm girl past, and quickly rose to stardom after pageantry. She has danced for the NBA and modeled all over, recently for Sports Illustrated and obviously for Jejune. In 2017, Victoria was diagnosed with multiple Paraganglioma, a brain-skull tumor and a carotid body tumor. But being the inspiring individual she is, she not only has made a full recovery, but she now helps promote the National Brain Tumor Society and even went to law school! To learn more about Victoria, please read our exclusive interview below.
Where are you based?
Miami, Florida.
You used to be a dancer for the NBA for the Charlotte Hornets. Can you tell us a little bit about this and how you go into dance?
Honestly, I was never a dancer. I was Actually a basketball player growing up. I had Rhythm just never fully pursued dance. My friend asked me to try out and I made it!
Do you still dance? Do you have a favorite style these days?
I only Dance when I’m out at the club!
You have also been modeling for years, including NYC Fashion Week and being a finalist for Sports Illustrated. Can you tell us what inspired you to get into modeling?
I grew up in a small town on a farm in North Carolina. I always had big dreams to pursue more. I had an opportunity when I was 18 years old to enter a pageant, and from there was discovered, and the rest is history!
You are so much more than a beautiful face! You have received your Juris Doctorate from Charleston School of Law, and currently working with commercial investments. What inspired you to go into law?
I have Always wanted to pursue a higher education and wanted to just be a female boss. Having a legal knowledge, I truly believe helps you in all aspects of business.
In 2017, you were diagnosed with multiple Paraganglioma, a brain-skull tumor and a carotid body tumor, and started your long journey to recovery. Can you tell us a little bit about what happened?
It’s a really long story that I can honestly write a book about. But long story short I was getting perpetually sick during my year of NBA dancing. I started losing my hearing in my right ear and my blood pressure was perpetually low. I was misdiagnosed for months, and finally when I was too sick to function doctors found multiple tumors. After surgery and radiation, it took some time to feel normal Again. Other than losing 50% of my hearing, I feel great.
What was the biggest lesson you learned from surviving these tumors?
Life is short. Do everything you want to do, and not care about what people think.
Are there parts of life you look at differently now?
Yes, I used to be a people pleaser, but after sitting in the hospital bed I was unhappy with my life . I decided to change my outlook, and live life how I wanted to.
What advice would you offer someone going through a cancer diagnosis or any major health issue?
Just stay on top of your health, get screened regularly, find non-profits that build patient and even doctor communities, and can provide more resources.
You voluntarily participated in a study for Duke University Hospital. Can you tell us a bit about this study and how it has helped you and others?
It was an experimental radiation pin point treatment — making it more centered to your tumor, and less side effects.
Jejune loves that you actively work with the National Brain Tumor Society. Can you tell us a bit about this organization and why they are so important?
They helped me a lot during my treatments and surgery. It was nice having a community to talk to.
Even before everything you have always been passionate about being a Philanthropist. Can you tell us why it has been so important to you and how you got into it?
My mom was a big proponent and advocate for myself and my brother giving back. Since I was a kid, I was involved in charities.
We know your mother was an important part of your recovery, and we are very sorry to hear about your loss. It is beautiful how you have used your platform to be so open about your journey. Has it been hard to talk about everything so openly?
Extremely. But it has helped not only myself but other people who have lost someone close.
The past few years have been hard for everyone. How have you been staying positive through your own journey and all the craziness of the world?
It’s been hard, but just surrounding myself with good people and a good environment has helped. Doing more things that I love.
What is your motto in life?
Go big, or go home.
To learn more about Victoria Vesce, please follow her via the platforms below:
Tik Tok: @victoriavesce
Instagram: @victoriavesce
Team Credits:
Photographer: Kira Bucca
Stylist: Izabella Passero
Hair and Make-up: Aleetha Clanton at Agency Gerard Artists
Photo Assistant: Michael Newman
