From the pageant stage to the big screen, Jena Sims has no problem capturing an audience’s attention. This former Miss Teen USA title holder, is set to star in Roger Corman’s 3D film “Attack of the 50 Foot Cheerleader” where she plays the role of Cassie Stratford, an aspiring college cheerleader, who consumes an experimental drug that grants her beauty and enough athletic ability to make the cheer squad. The drug has an unforeseen side effect – Cassie starts to grow uncontrollably. In addition to her rising career, this beauty loves to spend her time giving back to the community. Jena’s experience as Miss Teen Georgia inspired her to become the founder and president of HBBQs (Has Been Beauty Queens), Inc., a nonprofit organization that brings confidence and self-esteem to children facing cancer and other serious challenges through a non-competitive pageant she designed called Pageant of Hope.
We were lucky enough to sit down with the young star to discuss her upcoming role and fashion favorites! Don’t forget to catch Jena in “Attack of the 50 Foot Cheerleader” when it hits theaters on August 25th.
In your upcoming film, Attack of the 50 Foot Cheerleader, you take a pill that grants you beauty and athletic ability. If a pill could really grant you powers, which powers would you choose to have?
I so wish it would have been a pill, but it was actually an injection. I would want the ability to read minds. How fun would it be to read the mind of a casting director? I’d love to hear their inner monologues when I walk in to the room and read for them. Talk about instant feedback! Along with my mind reading, I’d like to be able to have a Harry Potter type invisibility cloak! I would call myself “Jaunty Jena”!
We understand you have a love for comic books. In your eyes, which superhero has the most unique style? Why?
Judging by style alone, I am going with Batman. Black is a timeless color that you can really never go wrong with. His suit is very masculine, yet figure flattering. I can appreciate the corsets, colors, logos, and grandeur on the others, but Batman, specifically the Jim Lee version, is most dapper.
What do you think makes your personal style unique?
I call it “relaxed chic.” I am a huge fan of the high low trend this summer. For me, the ideal outfit would be pairing a loud or bright colored bottoms with a solid white fitted tank, and some nude heels. I don’t believe in being too flashy and provocative. It is nice to leave some things to the imagination! Feather accessories are a staple of my wardrobe as well.
If you could trade closets with anyone, who would it be and why?
Blake Lively. I love her simple style. She always looks fabulous! I read that she often styles herself for red carpets which is tough. I’ve got mad respect for her. I also hear she has quite the sumptuous shoe collection…
Do you have any advice for women looking to spice up their wardrobes?
Invest in a new pair of heels! People take notice when you are wearing a pair of unscathed, fresh, and in season heels. You can tell a lot about the person by what type of shoes they wear. I think every woman deserves a pair of Christian Louboutins. As Miss Meghan always says, “Never underestimate the power of the shoe”.
What can you tell Runway that the rest of the world doesn’t know about you?
I’ve never worn unpolished toenails, and I’ve worn the same gold rope toe ring on my right middle toe for the last 11 years. I swear I don’t have a foot fetish! Hmm.. I’ll leave you with this: I am deathly afraid of sea turtles and I still have a huge beanie baby collection from childhood.
