Jamie Villamor: Gracefully Strong

From the high-fashion runways to the intensity of competitive shooting, Jamie has built a life defined by focus, courage, and authenticity. We spoke with her about pushing boundaries, turning doubt into motivation, and balancing ambition with family.

Jamie, you’ve had a highly successful career in modeling, yet you made a significant pivot to competitive shooting. What was the driving force behind this change, and how did your experiences in one field prepare you for the other?

The driving force was really about challenging myself in a way that felt authentic. Modeling gave me confidence, discipline, and the ability to perform under pressure, but I wanted something that pushed me physically and mentally on a whole new level. Shooting did that. It’s not just about skill, it’s about focus, composure, and precision qualities that modeling helped me refine. Both careers demand presence and confidence, just in very different arenas.

Facing initial skepticism and being told you “shouldn’t shoot guns” is a powerful part of your story. Can you share a specific moment where you felt that doubt most intensely and what pushed you to continue despite it?

I’ll never forget being told outright, “You shouldn’t shoot guns.” It was a moment that could have stopped me if I let it sink in. I called my Dad he encouraged me to keep going. Instead, it became fuel. I remember stepping onto the range, hearing that voice in my head, and deciding I was going to prove mostly to myself that I belonged there. The more doubt I faced, the stronger my resolve became. It reminded me that sometimes the greatest growth comes from leaning into exactly what people say you can’t do.

Beyond the competition itself, what was the most valuable lesson you learned from training for and participating in an elite international event with over 600 competitors?

Competing with over 600 elite shooters taught me that success isn’t just about winning it’s about perspective. Being on Team USA at the World Shoot showed me the value of teamwork, preparation, resilience, and humility. I genuinely had the best teammates. You realize very quickly that no matter how talented you are, there’s always room to grow. The biggest lesson I walked away with was that progress is more important than perfection. Every stage, every shot, is a chance to learn, and that mindset carries far beyond the competition into everything I do.

Your ventures, like the Always on Adventures podcast and Vegas Bows, give you a unique blend of passion and business. How do you identify new opportunities and what’s your philosophy on creating businesses that align with your lifestyle?

For me, opportunities usually come from the things I’m already passionate about. Always on Adventures was born from my love of travel, adventure and storytelling, while Vegas Bows came from wanting to create something fun and creative with my daughters being in that space. I believe the best businesses align with your lifestyle instead of working against it. If it doesn’t feel authentic to who I am and the life I want to live, then it’s not the right fit. My philosophy is simple: build businesses that allow you to grow while staying true to your values, and they’ll never feel like work.

Jamie, you’ve built a life that allows you to travel and work with your daughters by your side. How do you balance the demands of your career with raising a family, and what’s the most significant thing you hope your daughters learn from these experiences?

I’ve always made it a priority to integrate my daughters into my world, whether that’s traveling together or showing them the behind-the-scenes of what I do. Balance isn’t about perfection it’s about presence. When I’m working, I’m fully invested, and when I’m with my girls, I’m intentional about that time. The most important lesson I hope they take away is that they can design a life that combines passion, work, and family without having to choose one over the other. It took meeting my current partner to really let this one sink in. I want them to know it’s possible to dream big, pursue what excites them, and still keep family at the heart of it all.

Considering all of your success across so many different fields, what is one piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to pursue a new and challenging passion, especially if they face skepticism from others?

My biggest piece of advice is: don’t let someone else’s doubts become your limitations. Every time I stepped into something new whether it was modeling, shooting, podcasting, or business there were people who questioned if I could succeed. The truth is, if you wait for everyone to understand your vision, you’ll never start. Trust yourself, do the work, and know that the path will reveal itself as you move forward. Skepticism from others often means you’re doing something bold, and that’s where growth and greatness really happen.