Local model Jacki Hydock is living her dream on Bravo's 'Make Me a Supermodel' reality show that airs Thursday nights at 10pm. http://www.bravotv.com/Make_Me_A_Supermodel/index.php
Here's an article by Kim Crow/Style Editor from the Plain Dealer, heard frequently on Trapper Jack and the morning show.
Tuesday January 22, 2008, 12:56 PM
Jacki Hydock.Don't hate her just because she's beautiful -- hate her because she's beautiful inside and out. Model Jacki Hydock of North Olmsted is currently strutting along the airwaves on Bravo's latest reality hit "Make Me a Supermodel."
The 21-year-old and her mom drove to New York City for the audition, where Hydock was one of the top 24, picked from more than 10,000 hopefuls. Hydock, who's represented in town by the Docherty Agency, volunteers at an animal shelter in her spare time. She's done modeling work for years, appearing in fashion shows, advertisements, and yes, The Plain Dealer's fashion pages.
Hydock quickly became a fan favorite after refusing to wear a tiny string bikini on national TV during the first episode. You can watch her work it every Thursday at 10 p.m. on the Bravo network. She recently chatted with us via e-mail.
How is it going, are you just completely thrilled to be there?
Wow! So far, it's a great journey. It was definitely very surreal in the beginning. It didn't set in. And now that it's set in, it feels amazing. Just to have the opportunity I have at my fingertips is a blessing. It's definitely a great experience so far -- kind of nerve-racking, but my emotions have settled down now.
What's the best part of being on the show?
I have to say obviously, so far, the exposure. Just the networking and meeting all these people. But the best thing is I'm here. I'm accomplishing what I've worked so hard for.
What's the worst?
The worst part is not having a phone. It's the weirdest thing. I miss my boyfriend, my friends and my family. I miss talking to them. But they know I'm here, and they understand. It's hard not to be able to call the ones you love.
What you think sets you apart from the other contestants?
My drive is one thing that sets me apart. When I'm not in front of the panel, I'm still working. Even when you're not on camera, you're still at work. You can't give up for a minute because you don't know who's watching, who's going to say something, who's going to see you. My drive, my determination and where I come from -- that's what set me apart. I'll never forget where I come from, no matter how far I go.
Do your Cleveland roots help or hinder your progress from week to week?
It has helped me more than I can ask. Everyone at home is so supportive -- my work, my family. People I didn't even know wished me luck. It keeps me going. If I didn't have my family and the roots that I have, it would definitely be a lot harder.
What's the craziest thing you've been asked to do so far?
They wanted me to wear a thong on the runway, and I was like, "Dude, I'm not doing that." It seems like I overreacted. That got thrown at me pretty fast.
OK, we have to ask: How are the clothes?!
The clothes have been great! We got a workout outfit with shoes. We got a T-shirt from Heatherette -- they have amazing costumes, each is different from the next. I don't think I can move in a $3,000 shirt and I'm afraid to put it on, but once it's on, I feel good.
What have you learned about yourself as you go through this process?
One thing that I've learned, which my parents have enforced in me, is no matter where you are, stay true to yourself. People change, especially when they get so far in something, they forget about everything. That's the opposite for me. I'm never going to forget where I come from. It encourages me more knowing I have so much support. I'm going to put my best foot forward and make the most out of it.
So, you'll remember us when you're famous?
Absolutely. Whether I go home in three weeks or 10 weeks, I'm still going to go home and still eat at my favorite restaurant, still dine with my friends on West Sixth Street in Cleveland. I don't care where I am in the world, I know all the people who supported me and helped me out along the way.
Go Tribe, Go Browns, Go Cavs! I'm hoping I come back after March -- I want to go to an Indians game, but if not, I definitely want to go to a Cavs game.
