Mode Around the Globe: Jooshica
Mode Around the Globe: Belize
Jooshica
@jooshica
Photographed by Jana Scheussler
The Banks
www.thebanksbelize.com
Jungle adventure or beach day — which are you choosing and why?
Jungle adventure, hands down. There’s something magical about being deep in nature, where every sound is wild and alive. It feels like stepping into another world — unpredictable, grounding, and exhilarating all at once.
What’s one local Belizean dish you tried and loved (or were surprised by)?
It’s not a particular dish, but I loved Belizean honey. It tasted as if it was picked right from nature — very fresh, with no artificial taste. I even had to buy natural Belizean honey from the airport afterward!
If you had to describe Belize in just three words, what would they be?
Vibrant. Untamed. Soulful.
What’s something most people assume about you that isn’t true?
That I’m always confident. The truth is, I overthink a lot — I just try not to let fear steer the wheel.
What’s a core memory from your childhood that still shapes who you are today?
When I was 10, I secretly used my mom’s old eyeshadow palette to give my friends mini “makeovers” at recess. We’d sit on the playground bench, giggling while I blended colors with my fingers. I didn’t realize it then, but that was the start of my love for creativity and confidence through makeup. Today, it’s still how I express myself and make others feel good in their skin.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received — and why did it stick with you?
Someone once told me, “You make people feel safe just by being yourself.” That meant more than they probably realized — it reminded me that presence can be more impactful than performance.
What does a perfect day off look like for you when no one’s watching?
No alarms. A slow morning with good matcha, a walk in nature, maybe a midday nap, and ending with books and music on the floor.
What’s one wellness or beauty ritual that always helps you reset?
Dry brushing followed by a long shower and slathering on coconut oil. It’s so simple, but it feels like a reset for my body and brain.
What moment in your career challenged you the most — and how did you grow from it?
Turning down a big opportunity that didn’t align with my values. It felt risky at the time, but it taught me to trust my intuition over approval or visibility.
What does “success” look like to you right now?
Peace in my day-to-day life. Being creatively fulfilled, financially stable, and surrounded by people who really get me.
What’s the most spontaneous decision you’ve ever made — and would you do it again?
Booking a last-minute flight to a country I knew nothing about, just to say “yes” to life. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
If we scrolled through your camera roll, what’s one photo you’d never delete?
Pictures of my family and my dog. I look at them every time I miss them because I live alone in NYC now.
What’s something you’re passionate about that has nothing to do with your online presence?
Cooking traditional recipes with my grandmother. It’s not fancy or Instagram-worthy, but it connects me to my roots and to her stories. I’ve learned that food isn’t just about eating — it’s about love, culture, and memories that last.
What’s the kindest thing someone’s done for you recently?
A friend left a note and a bar of chocolate on my doorstep after a hard week — small gesture, big impact.
What song or album is currently on repeat in your life soundtrack?
“Gnarly” by Katseye. The lyrics actually don’t make sense, but I love the beat, and it’s been playing in my head all day long.
When do you feel most grounded?
I feel most grounded when I’m out for a walk in the early morning, before the world gets busy. The air is calm, and everything feels still. It’s just me, the sound of my footsteps, and the quiet around me. In those moments, I can clear my mind and reconnect with myself, remembering that I don’t have to rush through life.
What’s a small habit that’s made a big difference in your life?
Starting the day with gratitude journaling — just three things. It shifts everything.
Who in your life makes you feel the most like yourself?
My family. They always make me feel comfortable just being me — no pretenses, no judgment. Whether we’re laughing over an inside joke or having a quiet conversation about life, they remind me of where I come from and what truly matters.
What’s a goal you’re working toward that you haven’t shared online yet?
Acting! It’s a new chapter in my life that I haven’t told the world yet.
What did you love most about your trip with The Belize Collection at Jaguar Reef and The Banks?
The way they made adventure feel luxurious and grounding at the same time. Every moment felt intentional — from waking up to the sound of waves to eating fresh, local food surrounded by jungle. It wasn’t just a trip; it was a recalibration.
