Jessie Kirk on Her Career, Fashion and Beating Cancer
BY JENNY JUNG
A sit down with the Auckland-based content creator on fashion, self-expression and navigating (and beating!) breast cancer.
07 MAY - 2025
“Just a fashion girly and a breast cancer survivor” - Jessie Kirk.
If you haven’t stumbled across Jessie yet (where have you been?), she’s the iconic Auckland based creative behind the viral series “I’m Not The Model” — a love letter to bodies of all shapes and sizes. Through candid styling sessions and honest conversations, Jessie’s series reclaims space for bodies that have too often been left out of the frame. It’s a message that resonates with so many, and the response has been impossible to ignore.
With a community of over 237,000 strong, Jessie’s not just sharing outfits and beauty faves. In 2024, just weeks after being named Fashion Quarterly’s Content Creator of the Year, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. Since then, she has used her platform to document her journey through chemotherapy, and how she uses fashion to stay true to herself. Through it all, she’s kept it real, staying open about the emotional and physical realities of cancer in a way that’s resonated deeply with other young women facing the same thing.
Makeup and Hair by Jenny Jung.
Photographer by Mark Leedom.
Look Good Feel Better
We’re also thrilled to share some further exciting news. We’ve partnered with Jessie and Look Good Feel Better — an organisation that’s incredibly close to our hearts. As a beauty, fashion and lifestyle platform, we couldn’t think of a more meaningful collaboration. Look Good Feel Better supports women experiencing the visible effects of cancer treatment by providing beauty products, confidence-building workshops and, most importantly, a sense of community for those who might be feeling isolated during this difficult time.
If you work in the beauty space and have any unopened PR products or spare items lying around that you can send to a better home, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us — we’re happy to organise a drop-off and make sure your donations go directly to those who need them most.
For anyone else interested in getting involved, Look Good Feel Better is a non-profit organisation that’s always grateful for support. Donations go a long way in helping them continue their incredible work. Visit the link below to find out more.
With that being said, we’re so excited for you to hear directly from Jessie. Keep reading to see how she’s been doing!
“This chapter is about rediscovery and rewriting what life looks like after something so life-altering and I plan to fill it with creativity, connection and purpose.”
Hi Jessie, say hello to our Chatty readers, and share how you’re feeling today — both physically and emotionally?
Hey!!! My name is Jessie Kirk, I’m 29 and I am a fashion and beauty content creator based in Auckland. I’ve always loved using fashion as a way to express myself, and over the years, I’ve built a space online where I can share my love for styling, beauty and self-care. I want people to feel inspired to dress in a way that makes them feel good, regardless of trends or expectations. I also believe in supporting small and local talent in the industry because creativity deserves to be celebrated. In September 2024 I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer to which I have been sharing my journey through treatment and how I navigate my sense of self through fashion and beauty.
Physically, I’m still navigating the recovery process after chemo, so there are definitely moments of exhaustion, but I’m also feeling grateful for how far I’ve come. I am definitely on the up. Emotionally, I still have a lot of healing to do but I am feeling hopeful but also at times a little overwhelmed but I remind myself that healing isn’t linear, and that’s okay.
Wynn Hamlyn, Upside Down Double Cardigan, Sky Blue/ Grey, $595 NZD.
What has been the most challenging part of your chemo journey so far? And how has your perspective on life changed since your diagnosis?
Definitely the unexpected hurdles. I had a lot of hiccups throughout my treatment like when my port didn't work, and when I ended up in hospital due to a fever. But beyond the physical side, the mental aspect has been tough too. I went from a healthy woman winning Fashion Quarterly Content Creator Of The Year to then having my world turned upside down a few weeks later when I was diagnosed.
I’ve learned to slow down and appreciate the simple moments, good food, fresh air and spending time with my loved ones. It’s also made me even more passionate about embracing who I am and not waiting for the ‘perfect time’ to do things.
What are some things that help you stay positive or motivated on tough days?
My husband, family, friends and my online community have been my biggest support system. On tough days, I remind myself that I’m not going through this alone. I have people who genuinely care and want to see me come out stronger. I also try to shift my mindset when things feel overwhelming. Instead of focusing on how hard this is, I remind myself that this is temporary, and every challenging moment is a step toward healing.
I’ve leaned into self-care more than ever, things like lighting a candle, doing my skincare and having moments of stillness. I also love watching comfort shows like Rupaul's Drag Race or listening to Raye, Olivia Dean and the Wicked soundtrack on Spotify.
Wynn Hamlyn, Holly Sheer Knit Dress, Sky Blue, $495 NZD.
Après Studio Biscuit Plaid Jessie Dress
The Biscuit Plaid Dress is a timeless nod to effortless style crafted in a soft neutral check, and designed to move with you from day to night. With subtle tailoring and an easy fit, it’s the kind of piece that feels as good as it looks.
Reimagined as the Jessie Dress by Après Studio, $5 from every sale is donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation as a tribute that supports ongoing research and care for those affected by breast cancer.
Après Studio Biscuit Plaid Jessie Dress $409 NZD
What are you most looking forward to once your treatment is over? And are there any goals or dreams you’ve been thinking about during this time?
Travel is at the top of the list, I can’t wait to get back to Japan, dive into the food, culture, vintage scene and just feel that sense of freedom again. I’m also really excited to return to content creation with fresh eyes. This whole experience has shifted my perspective, and I feel more intentional than ever about the kind of work I want to create and the energy I want to share. I’ve realised how much I value the community I’ve built, and I want to keep nurturing that space to make it even more supportive, inclusive and inspiring. I’m also dreaming about more brand collaborations that align with my values, hopefully sharing more of my story in ways that uplift others. And I’m still holding out hope for a travel job in Japan (manifesting hard over here!) and another feature in a fashion mag would honestly be the cherry on top.
Wynn Hamlyn, Button Shirt Sky Blue, $550 NZD.
After overcoming cancer and everything that came with it, what are you most excited to pour your energy into moving forward?
I’m excited to pour my energy into living with more intention whether that’s in my work, my relationships, or even how I rest. I want to create content that feels authentic and rooted in joy, connect more deeply with the people in my community, and say yes to things that light me up. I want to try something new to keep me excited about life. This chapter is about rediscovery and rewriting what life looks like after something so life-altering and I plan to fill it with creativity, connection and purpose.
What does beauty mean to you now, compared to before your diagnosis? Has your definition of beauty shifted?
Before, I thought beauty was mostly about looking put-together, like having glowing skin, good hair or a fire outfit. But going through this has made me realise that beauty is really about confidence and resilience. It’s about showing up for yourself, even on the hardest days. Some of the times I’ve felt the most beautiful weren’t when I looked my best but when I felt strong, when I reminded myself that I’m still here, still pushing through and still me no matter what.
Wynn Hamlyn, Upside Down Double Cardigan, Sky Blue/ Grey, $595 NZD.
If you were putting together a care package for someone going through this, what would you include?
Definitely a cozy blanket, a good lip balm, moisturiser and hand cream (chemo dries everything out), some yummy snacks and a really good playlist. Also, something lighthearted to watch, sometimes, you just need a good laugh.
What has been the most surprising or meaningful form of support you’ve received from family, friends, or even your online community?
The way my friends, family and even strangers online have shown up for me has been unreal. I’ve had people send me the sweetest messages, share their own stories and remind me that I’m not alone. My mum immediately flew up from Christchurch to support me when I was diagnosed, which was just what I needed. Mine and my husband’s beautiful friend Hayley went above and beyond with meal drops. I also have the best husband in the world who has taken the best care of me over these last 6 months. He's an absolute superstar.
Georgia Jay, FLO Mini, Espresso Suede, $530 NZD.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their chemotherapy journey, what would it be?
Be kind to yourself. This process is tough, and it’s okay to have bad days. Don’t feel like you have to be positive all the time. Lean on your support system, and allow yourself to rest when you need it. You have got this!!!
When I came across a specific post of yours that read, “nothing’s going to stop me from serving looks,” I remember feeling very empowered as a fellow beauty and fashion lover. How has your relationship with beauty, fashion and self-care evolved throughout your treatment?
If anything, this journey has made me even more obsessed with fashion and beauty! Getting dressed up, playing with makeup and curating looks have been my way of reclaiming my identity during treatment. When I said "Nothing’s going to stop me from serving looks," I meant it. Fashion and beauty is my armour, my happy place and something that makes me feel like me, no matter what.
Wynn Hamlyn, Holly Sheer Knit Dress, Sky Blue, $495 NZD.
We’re so honoured to have you as part of Chatty Gives Back. What excites you most about this initiative, and what impact do you hope it has?
Aww, that’s so kind, thank you! What I love most about this initiative is that it truly makes a difference. Chatty Gives Back will create such a special space to uplift and connect with others who may be going through a similar experience with cancer. I hope the products bring a little joy to those who receive them, it’s such a thoughtful way to offer comfort and a moment of self-care when it’s needed most.
Do you have anything to donate? Click to find out more.
Thank you Jessie!
We are so honoured to have brought this interview to life, and if there’s one thing to take away from Jessie’s story, it’s that fashion and beauty are powerful ways to hold onto joy, even in the toughest moments. As women, we are often led to believe that beauty and fashion are frivolous — things that don’t bear any weight when life gets serious. But in reality, they are acts of self-expression, identity and strength. They allow us to stay connected to who we are, to find light in our darkest of times, and to celebrate ourselves in ways both big and small.
That’s why organisations like Look Good Feel Better are so vital — they support women who may feel like parts of their identity have been stripped away by the visible effects of cancer, offering a way to rediscover confidence, self-worth and community when it’s needed most.
Jessie’s story reminds us that even in hardship, there is always room for creativity and connection. Thank you for catching up with us and Jessie. Stay tuned for more ways you can get involved with Chatty Gives Back and help us continue supporting this incredible community.
Don’t forget to check out the links if you want to play a part in our initiative with Look Good Better — you can find out more over at our instagrams at @chattychums and @jessiekirk_.
Wynn Hamlyn, Upside Down Double Cardigan, Sky Blue/ Grey, $595 NZD.
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