MADALI spoke with the inspiring woman of many talents Jazlynn Love (21), who recently appeared in Fast and Furious 7.  You may see Jazlynn as one of MADALI’s featured models, but in addition, she is a MADALI Muse who is all about being fearless and overcoming a life-threatening obstacle to pursue her dreams.

MADALI: Where do you call home?

Jazlynn Love: I live in Los Angeles, CA and my hometown, I would have to say, is Palm Bay, FL. I lived there from 7th grade until I graduated High School [then I moved to LA].

MADALI: How did you begin modeling and acting?

JL: I got into modeling a long time ago by running into the Barbizon representatives in the mall. Though I've done small things here and there as a kid, when I got older I realized that I didn't like that the main focus of the modeling industry is on the model’s weight. I decided to pursue my love for acting. I did an AT&T commercial, the Diary of a Tired Black Man trailer, Spare Change, and this year I got to work in Fast and Furious 7.

MADALI: We understand you’re also a student and you recently switched your major from architecture to medicine. What inspired this change?

JL: I like the way the human body works. I'm attending Santa Monica College and soon I'll be transferring to UCLA. I want to go into obstetrics and gynecology. My inspiration is my cousin, who is an OB/GYN.

MADALI: Why do you choose MADALI Hair?

JL: I love them! It’s the best hair I’ve used. My real hair is [about] 18” [long] so I always get 20”. People always think [MADALI Hair is] my real hair on my Instagram. [My stylist] really fell in love with it. After we bleached it and then dyed it and then toned it, and then dyed it again because I wanted it lighter, the hair felt so soft. I love the volume.

MADALI: How does MADALI fit into your busy schedule of auditions, school, and work?

JL: I used to do my hair all different ways… but now it’s like I get so busy that I [just wear] it. [I like that] there’s not too much maintenance needed to [MADALI Hair].

MADALI: What has been your biggest challenge in achieving your dreams of being an actress and a medical doctor?

JL: I was a victim of a drive-by shooting [after] I had only been in Cali for a few weeks [in 2011]. This old school Cadillac [pulled up] and sprayed the parking lot. All of a sudden my body was on fire. I lifted my hand, which was in agonizing pain, and just screamed at the top of my lungs and began to pass out. [Friends] took me to the [Northridge Hospital Medical Center]…and I was saved. Recovery-wise, I got physical therapy for the last two surgeries I've had to repair my hand and counseling to help with anxiety and [Post Traumatic Stress Disorder].

MADALI: That must have been a terrifying experience. What made you decide to stay in California despite the shooting?

JL: I think about it now, and [I wonder], “Why did I stay?” [But] when I collected myself and thought about it long term…if I go back home, I’m not going to do anything that I came out here to pursue. Life is short, so I need to…follow my dreams. I did not let the shooting stop me.

This experience has taught me to say “I love you” every day to my family. [Because] not too many people survive this, I see it as a second chance at life, to do better and speak up and help others who may experience something traumatic.