The Controversial Internet Fame of the “Most Beautiful Twins” In The World
Ava Maria and Leah Rose Clements are the twin sisters who quickly became known as the “Most Beautiful Twins in the World”. They had an incredible journey in the spotlight.
The girls took the internet by storm but their story also comes with struggle, controversy, and tragedy. See how the girls have grown and changed and learn about how they’ve navigated a controversial career.
The Start of a Beautiful Family
In 2003, Jaqi and Kevin decided to finally tie the knot, to she joy of their friends and family. The attractive couple had their first child 5 years later in 2008. They named their son Chase.
Chase was still just a baby when the couple found out they would be having not one, but two additions to their little family coming very soon. Jaqi was pregnant with twins! Little did they known how much these twins would change their world.
The Twins Arrive Early and Ready for Anything
The Clements family grew from three to five. Ava and Leah arrived 4 1/2 weeks earlier than expected. Jaqi joked that it was so like the girls to arrive to the party early and make a real entrance.
She explained that is very fitting of the girls’ personalities to “show up early, unannounced, and ready to take on anything”. These beautiful girls would take them on a wild ride!
Getting Noticed Already
As soon as the girls were born, people started to notice their striking appearance! They were stunning girls with sparkling eyes. Strangers would often stop to compliment them, even as babies.
Their beauty was undeniable! And what made them even more noticeable was the fact that there were two of them and they were almost exactly alike. Their appearance caught many peoples’ eye and it seemed as though they were born to model.
Should We Try Modeling?
Jaqi would constantly get stopped by strangers with kind comments to make about her girls. She got used to these kinds of things. Every mom thinks their children are the most beautiful things in the world.
Some strangers even suggested that the girls should try modeling. One day, Jaqi had heard the same kinds of comments enough that she thought she might give it a shot. Thus, their modeling career started at a few young age.
Modeling at 6 Months Old?!
Jaqi found a modeling agency to sign t he girls with. It was located in Los Angeles, California. The girls were only six months old at the time so they were starting extra young!
At this time, Jaqi was juggling a 2 year old Chase and the twins so there didn’t seem to be much time for modeling. The modeling stint was short lived and she decided it just wasn’t the best time to try and pursue the endeavor. They were only with the agency for about 3 1/2 months.
Regular Family Life
Jaqi was intrigued by the prospect of managing her daughters’ modeling careers. She thought it would be an excellent way to spend more time with the girls but she knew that it just wasn’t the right time for her family to pursue the career.
Instead, she felt like the girls should spend their childhood around friends and family. When they got older and things were more settled at home, there would be plenty of opportunity to explore the modeling.
Letting the Girls Decide
Although they had given the whole “modeling thing” a quick try for three months, the girls were getting older and Jaqi wasn’t quite ready to let go of the idea. But, she wanted the girls to have a say in what they wanted to do.
Since they were a little older and could make some decision for themselves, Jaqi decided to ask the girls what they wanted to do. She certainly wasn’t going to push them into anything they weren’t up for. Can you guess what they said?
Let the Kids Decide Their Future
Jaqi’s conscience told her that having her twins make these decisions while they were toddlers was not the right move yet. They certainly were not old enough to voice their opinions or make this monumental decision on their own.
At this time, the twins’ only language was tears which made it difficult for Jaqi and her husband to make the right decision. They weighed all options and considered all factors to determine when the best time to allow them to decide if they wanted to pursue modeling.
Lucky Age Seven for the Twins
It is important to note that Jaqi believes heavily in signs. She claims seven is her lucky number and that it is more than just a coincidence that the twins were born on July 7th.
As the girl’s seventh birthday was approaching, the idea of them turning seven on the 7th of July 2017 kick Jaqi’s mind into gear. She figured this was a sign and that it was the perfect time for them to make the modeling decision.
Plant the Modeling Extracurricular Idea
Once the girls turned seven, they had developed personalities and thoughts. They were engaged in several school extracurricular activities like swimming and dancing, which they enjoyed.
As a seventh birthday gift, Jaqi presented the idea that if the girls wanted to give modeling a try while keeping swim team practices and dance classes, they would have that option to include it as an extracurricular activity. How do you think the girls reacted to this unique gift?
Ready for my Closeup Today!
Jaqi noted that the girls love to perform for anyone who will watch them, including neighbors, friends, and strangers, anyone is a welcomed audience. She was surprised considering this love and drive for performance was not inherent to mom or dad.
Jaqi said it did not surprise her that the girls were beyond excited when they decided to incorporate modeling. They could not wait for the photoshoots to begin. The twins were excited and ready to commit to the child modeling lifestyle.
Entering Back into the Modeling Game!
Now that the twins were much older and more excited during the first attempt, the process was expected to be much smoother. Around the same time, Jaqi’s friend opened a children’s boutique and need several child models to promote the business.
Given their appearance, the twins were immediately selected for the job. In addition to publicity for the girls, it helped Jaqi start to build a portfolio for them with an agent, so this was a win-win for all involved.
Their First Gig
The job at Jaqi’s friend’s boutique was technically their first gig outside of Jaqui taking photos of the girls for fun. Jaqi used her old camera and took the photos herself, but it was a perfect way to begin building their portfolio.
No one in the Clements family could know that those pictures would be the first of many. The boutique modeling opportunity opened the door to the modeling world for the girls.
The Modeling Process Can be Slow
Although the girls decided to start modeling again, they were still young. Jaqi was concerned that wearing collections of pretty clothing and loads of makeup could be problematic for their childhood development, so she decided to take it slow.
In the beginning, Jaqi took control but digging up her Nikon camera from a garage bin, dabbing on a little blush, and adding a few subtle waves to the girl’s hair to go out and take some photos.
First-Hand Learning of Modeling
Of course, Leah and Ava were comfortable in front of the camera with their stunning looks but that does not mean they knew how to model. This is a trait children must learn and cannot inherently just do on a whim. Jaqi learned this first-hand during their initial personal photoshoot.
The challenge with seven-year-old’s is they have quite a bit of energy. Ava would investigate the camera and Leah would stare in a different direction. Leah would bump into Ava who thought it was done on purpose and would push her back. They were young so patience was important.
Working with A Professional Agency
After this first personal photoshoot, it was important to get the girls in front of a professional agent. She was concerned an agent would be difficult to find since it had been six years since the previous modeling attempt.
Jaqi held on to several contacts from the first time around and started with these professionals. Surprisingly, she heard back from every agent she contacted, all of whom requesting setting up a time to meet the twins. They found two agencies they liked and signed up with both. Unfortunately, trouble was brewing in the background.
A Two Modeling Agency Dilemma
Given that Jaqi was inexperienced in the modeling world, she felt having two agencies meant doubling the number of opportunities and exposure. It seems logical and straightforward until one of the agencies called her.
The agent informed Jaqi that the twins received a callback for a Barbie audition. Normally that would be a fantastic opportunity but the team had just gone to the same audition with the other agent. Luckily, she told the agency the truth and the situation was corrected in a matter of a few hours.
Social Media Popularity Explodes Fast
As the girls began earning more auditions, Jaqi created an Instagram account called @clementstwins to garner more exposure. She only had a personal Instagram account and did not know what she was doing or that 300,000 followers were a lot. The Instagram account blew up with success almost immediately.
The primary purpose of the Instagram account was to act as a fanbase and a portfolio for agencies. The account easily reached its goals and surpass all dreams of success.
Pros and Cons of Rising Stardom
While Instagram was a huge tool in building the twins’ fanbase and gaining a following, it has it’s downsides as well. Jaqi knew about the negativity that can occur in the modeling world, but she was less prepared for the negativity from the public.
She credits her family’s strong bond for getting them through the difficult times when anonymous internet commenters post negative things on the page.
Mom’s Instagram Followers Learning Curve
Surprisingly, only part of the success of their Instagram account was the twins’ beauty. Jaqi also utilized tactics to gain a vast number of followers and even spilled the beans on several of her more successful tips.
Five months after she started the Instagram account, the girls had over 380,000 followers. One of her best tips is that since Instagram is all about photographs, it is best not to settle for an average photographer just to save a few hundred dollars. Instead, taking high-quality, beautiful photos will get you further.
A Big 2017 Year of Success
2017 turned out to be a successful modeling year for the entire family. In addition to Leah ad Ava choosing to return to the modeling game, Jaqi also figured 2017 would be a lucky year, based on the coincidental 7’s.
Aside from Jaqi being a huge believer in signs, along with the number seven being lucky, she felt 2017 would be an exciting and amazing year for the entire family. This mother’s intuition turned out to be spot on.
An Explosion of Job Offers in a Short Period
Now that the word was out about the twin’s knack for modeling, they almost immediately had six jobs lined up in only a week. The agencies were calling off the hook and the twins were the most popular child models in town.
Although this high number of jobs during a short period would tire out most girls, they were driven, excited, could not get enough of the modeling industry, and wanted to do even more.
Brand Deals
When brands started reaching out to Jaqi wanting to work with the girls, it was exciting! The twins got a bunch of free stuff and it was affirming that brands wanted to endorse them.
But Jaqi was cautious. She didn’t want the family to work with any brands that they didn’t authentically love. All the brands that they promote are authentic to them. Jaqi comments that Leah and Ava’s favorite brand to work with so far was American Girl. It was a dream come true!
The Modeling Industry is Tough
Before diving into the modeling industry, Jaqi did not know the process or contacts. However, as time progressed, she naturally learned more about the business and has spoken out about the pros and cons.
On Jaqi’s blog, she lists the positives, negatives, and ugly aspects of the modeling industry. She further notes that the most important information she learned while going through the process is that you must know who you are getting involved with before trusting someone to be a mentor.
The Most Difficult Challenge They Faced
For this family modeling team, one of the biggest challenges they faced during their new lives as models and a manager was getting around to different photoshoots through LA traffic.
Since they make the trip to downtown Los Angeles several times per week for photoshoots, the drive can turn into 5 or 6-hour trips due to the gridlock. Although this may sound like a brutal aspect of their career, there is no avoiding the traffic and the family has learned to deal with this nuisance.
Seeking the Best Modeling Guidance
Since Jaqi was still new to the model management game, she needed guidance but wanted to ensure she could trust the right advice from the right individuals. She has developed a system whereby she asks herself several questions before working with a modeling professional
She believes that if something feels off about the agent, shoot, or any other aspect of the job, she will conduct additional thorough research to determine whether to proceed. The “better safe than sorry” system has already paid off.
Eliminate the Negativity of the Modeling World
One of the other aspects Jaqi discusses is the difficulties in dealing with backlash and negative comments directed at her family and daughters. Although she takes the stance of ignoring negative comments and general negativity and focusing on the positive points, this is not always that simple.
Jaqi regularly feels a lot of pressure to fight back against the negativity and protect her family but reminds herself that if you do not have anything nice to say to or about somebody then do not say anything at all.
They Seem Sad with the New Career
One of the most common comments the twins receive is that they always look sad. Some take this sadness and make assumptions that they are being forced into modeling by their family and are not having fun doing it.
The response from the family is that the focus of some photoshoots is more solemn than others and if you ever met the modeling team in person, you would see they are the furthest from being sad as possible.
The Difficult but Important Makeup Decision
One of the biggest questions that the family receives around having child models is if the girls wear makeup during photoshoots. Although not every commentor thinks children wearing makeup is a big deal, some think the girls are much too young to be exposed to makeup.
Jaqi always comments the same way by saying that in all booked photoshoots through the agency, there are hired makeup artists and hair professionals on the set because that is how the industry works.
Mom’s Annoyance with One Specific Comment
While Jaqi is subjected to an endless amount of public backlash for allowing the girls to be models at such a young age, the comment that annoys her the most is when commenters write, “let them be kids.”
The reason this annoys her so much is her daughters have not been forced into modeling, it was a choice they collectively made because they enjoy being in front of the camera. It is the girls’ choice on how they wish to spend their time.
Getting Comfortable with Negativity
Jaqi had to come to terms with the fact that there were going to be people speaking negatively about her family. With rise to fame comes people trying to knock you down.
She quickly learned that people love to comment on things they don’t actually know about. People see photos of the girls but they don’t actually know them. Having this mindset switch helped her feel comfortable with her decisions for her family.
Average Little Girls
Although modeling consumes a large chunk of time, the twins are still average young girls who goof around during photoshoots, make music playlists for the car rides, and get on each other’s nerves on occasion since they are sisters.
However, they still love to dance and often give a little performance in front of the camera before the photoshoot begins. Their love of performance in front of an audience is probably why they have a knack for modeling!
Why They Love Living the Modeling Life
While the life of modeling can be an exhausting endeavor due to the scheduling and traveling, it has created an unmatched family bond that most families do not get the privilege of experiencing.
They talk about how each trip is a new experience for everyone involved that is shared and the result is spending more time as a family than most. Along the way, they get to meet a variety of new people and make new friends which help add to the experience.
The Kids’ Decision for Future Modeling
Even after a few years, the twins have shown no signs of slowing down their modeling careers. Although they are still in elementary school, with the success they have experienced, they will likely be modeling through their high school years.
This dynamic duo may even shift over to acting one day since they love the camera and performing. The twins currently have their own YouTube channel where they occasional post vlogs. It is exciting to about think where their lives will go next.
The Modeling Industry is Very Expensive
Jaqi wants to make it clear that just because the girls have jobs lined up week in and week out, the family is not suddenly wealthy. If anything, the cost of food, gas, and headshots required to keep up with the job is incredibly expensive.
Jaqi notes that if you put all the costs into perspective, the money spent by the family now will pay off in the future by allowing the twins to make their own money to save for college, a house, and a car.
Excellent Family Genes from Mom and Dad
The twins and their brother got their stunning looks from a gorgeous mother and handsome father. The genes run beautifully in this family, so it is no surprise the girls are childhood models.
It is of the common opinion that this is one excellent-looking family. Even Jaqi models sometimes with her daughters to help make them feel more comfortable and add support. Although the father does not get behind the camera, he could easily jump in and work well.
Modeling is a Never-ending Adventure
Like in any society-facing industry, rumors are always bound to appear for the successful and popular. However, the claims the twins have been forced to model are without proof. As the Clements twins said how much they enjoy the industry, commenters asked what was so appealing?
Jaqi commented back they like that every week is a new adventure and not knowing what is in store the next day or week keeps the familiar-looking forward to the next adventure.
Modeling is a Great Bonding Experience with Mom
Having mom as their manager, the twins were able to create an unbreakable bond that all three will cherish for a lifetime.
Regarding another aspect the girls enjoy about modeling, Jaqi wrote that the time the three of them spent in the car driving between photoshoots is like gold. It gives some well-needed girl time that many families do not have the opportunity to experience in their entirety because they are always on the go.
Jaqi’s Job Before Managing her Daughters
Before Jaqi and Kevin were parents to the most beautiful twins in the world, they were just regular people! Kevin was a swim coach while Jaqi was a recruiter.
She loved her job because she felt like it was “matchmaking for jobs”. But managing her daughters’ careers allows her to spend more time with her family. Some of her recruiting skills might help her out in managing her daughters’ modeling career down the line.
Fun With Dad Too!
While the girls do their nails and enjoy shopping, Kevin and Chase love hanging out and watching sports together. Kevin had a very successful swimming career, ending up 3rd in the world in the 200IM, in 2003.
That’s why he has always tried to instill healthy lifestyle habits into the kids’ lives, and playing sports with Chase over weekends not only helps with setting good examples, but also strengthens their father-son bond.
Mom Ignores Negative Comments to Focus on the Positive
Although Jaqi tries to ignore negative comments, they just kept coming toward her, her daughters, and her family. At this point in the stardom, mom welcomed the negative comment.
She wrote on social media that she welcomes all comments, good or bad, and had no plan on deleting any freedom of speech, even if they were negatively directed at her. She feels that every individual is entitled to express the way they feel about any topic.
How Mom Dealt with Negativity
Although the twins were criticized online, Jaqi also found herself to be the object of numerous negative comments. However, she did not mind these comments as it is part of being in the spotlight.
On her blog, Jaqi replied to a commenter that she does not give light to negative comments because she knows they are untrue and that is what matters. Her attitude toward drowning out the negative and focusing on the positive was a difficult situation for anyone to manage.
Top Negative Comments: "But They Look So Sad"
Jaqi explained in her blog that this comment is one of the three front runners (when it comes to negative comments) saying that they look sad in the pictures.
Jaqi tried to explained that the pictures people are commenting on are taken with a theme in mind.So some shootings require them to laugh, jump, playfully interact with each other, and other require a more solemn look. When the mood, theme and concept of the shoot requires them to attain a high fashion look, they put on a serious face.
“Let Them Be Kids”
When thinking about this comment, Jaqi sees it as a person who thinks they know her family so well that they could allow themselves to write such a comment. The presumption that people know the Clements so well and believe the kids should have a better childhood makes things even worse.
Nowadays kids ether enjoy sports, dancing, or playing an instrument, or they stare at their iPads, play games and not socialize with anyone for hours on end. Jaqui’s kids get to enjoy sports, dance and modeling, most importantly, it was her kids’ choice, not her’s or Kevin’s.
“Are They Wearing Makeup?”
This comment in particular makes Jaqi really upset. It’s not easy to explain this to someone who doesn’t understand how the industry works. She tried to compare modeling to dance recitals, where girls need to wear costumes and put on strong make up for the sake of looking like a dancer.
Models, as well, need to take on a certain role. Also, once you set up a gig you have a hairstylist and a make-up artist on the spot, so the industry simply expects the girls to look their best.
Mom Finds That Speaking Up is Worth it
The modeling industry can be extremely challenging so speaking up without worrying about impact your daughters’ careers can be difficult. Although a little scared at first, Jaqi fired back at a commenter who has children in the industry.
She said she does not want to say or do anything to jeopardize her children’s modeling career but enough is enough. If mom can prevent others from going through some of the negative experiences they have had as a family then it is worth the fight.
Speaking Up Led to A Large Following
With over 1.8 million Instagram followers globally, the Clements twins are incredibly popular on social media. In comparison, Lady Gaga boasts 35 million followers while Gal Gadot has 28 million followers. These are from stars who are well-established in their careers, so the girls are well on their way.
Furthermore, Gigi Hadid has 46 million followers and Vanessa Hudgens has 33 million. These are all top models, actresses, and artists so having over 1.8 million Instagram followers by the time you are eight-years-old is impressive.
An Amazing Portfolio
As the twins have become a little older, additional modeling opportunities have emerged from clothing brands and fashion publications. The results of these photos from the additional modeling requests have turned out stunning.
After only a year of modeling, the girls have developed an incredible portfolio of stunning images taken but some of the best photographers in the business. This portfolio paired with a tremendous Instagram following has resulted in excellent opportunities for the girls to be eligible for larger gigs in the future.
The First Year as Professional Models
At seven-years-old, the twins became professional models and their first year was an exciting and amazing experience for the entire family. On July 7, 2017, the girls went pro and the Daily Mail released an article about the twins that helped further their career.
When the article was published in December 2017, Jaqi said that it helped rocket the public’s awareness of the girls as models which have been an exciting and fun experience for the two.
What an Incredible Life to Live
When asked what a day is like in the life of an under age 10 professional model, Jaqi noted that whether the experience was gifted merchandise from international brands, taking photos with fans, or having private shopping experiences, the ride has been amazing for the entire family.
The twins have an incredible support team with their mother always by their side for guidance and who is always looking out for their best interest while ensuring they are enjoying the entire experience.
A Scary Diagnosis
With Kevin undergoing chemo, the twins’ and Chase’s modeling career, it has been an increasingly overwhelming time for Jaqi. Kevin and Jaqi had already been through a lot of crazy obstacles which they were able to overcome and become stronger, so they were ready to face this cancer diagnosis head on.
Jaqi had always thought she was put on this Earth to help people. Even though this was not what she envisioned, she strongly believes their hope might turn this new challenge into an inspirational story for others with a happy ending.
Utilizing Instagram to Save Lives
After finding out Kevin was diagnosed with lymphoma and leukemia, which required a bone marrow donor and transplant, the twins utilized their status and Instagram power to find him a donor. Kevin’s brother was the perfect match for the job.
Ava and Leah partnered with DKMS to help raise further awareness to encourage others to become donors and the simplicity behind getting testing. The twins hope to further utilize their status to save lives as they did for their father.
Some Great News!
As of 2020 Kevin announced on his GoFundMe page that he is cancer free!
“My family and I are so very grateful to everyone that helped us through this very difficult time. Whether it be through prayers, donations, registering to be a bone marrow donor, delivering food, helping us with everyday needs, and SO much more…
we are extremely blessed to have such wonderful friends, family and community.” As I continue to recover, I look forward to the next chapters in life with my family, and the opportunity to return to work. I am eager to get back to coaching and eventually swimming again!
Almost Teens!
Ava Maria and Leah Rose just celebrated a big birthday. On July 7th, 2022 the girls just turned 12!
Nowadays you can still find the girls actively modeling, partnering with companies, and overall enjoying their lives with their family.
Using New Social Media
The girls are growing with social media. They now have a Tik Tok account called @the_clements_crew where the family posts videos dancing videos together.
While it mainly features the twins, Jaqi, Kevin, and Chase all make appearances on the account. Although the Clements are new to Tik Tok, there have already been tons of fan accounts created that are dedicated to the family.
Modeling Bringing in the Big Bucks
The Clements twins have now been modeling for about 5 years and in that time have gained millions of social media followers, completed hundreds of modeling gigs, and have broken into the world of brand deals.
Between all of these sources of revenue, the twins each have a net worth of over $1 million! At 12 years old the rest of us probably had $20 to our name. Jaqi states that the girls’ modeling money will pay for their college education.
An Expanding Family of Models
As Leah and Ava were becoming successful child models, their older brother Chase also had great talent up his sleeve. Also having a symmetrical face, Chase signed with the same two agencies as his sisters which helped him add more to his resume.
In addition to also being a child model, Chase is an excellent actor. Even at a young age, he has been in several commercials. Now, all three of the kids are models, and all love to perform in front of any audience.
Brining In Chase
Chase had already experienced commercial acting success. But, seeing how insanely popular his sisters were he decided to give modeling a try.
His parents were, as always, very supportive about modeling, so Jaqi took it upon herself to create an Instagram account for Chase, under the name cut2thischase, which she would also be in charge of, just as the case with the twins.
More Success For The Family
Chase signed up with the same agencies his sisters were under. So far he has done campaigns for Ross, Reebok, and many other brands. His Instagram account has a steadily growing pace of popularity with more than 60,000 followers.
Seeing Chase’s and Ava’s and Leah’s photos makes one wonder about their insanely good genes. This is one beautiful family.
Lives Outside of Modeling
Kevin and Jaqi make sure the family maintains a balance between their kids’ careers and fun! Recently, Jaqi shared on the twins’ Instagram that the family opened a swim club in their hometown of Orange County, CA.
Leah and Ava have been swimming from a young age and their dad actually trained for the Olympics when he was in college. The family is always looking for other ways they can spend more time together!
Modeling Has Opened Other Doors for the Girls
The girls are doing more than modeling now. Their time in front of the camera has opened up tons of other fun opportunities!
They have met and interviewed multiple celebs in the past couple years. Recently, they got to interview Steve Carell to find out which of the twins he was more like!
You would never believe who else they got to meet…