Tyra Banks told Jessica to stick with commercial modeling and the eliminated “America’s Next Top Model” contestant has just moved her husband and one-year-old son across the country to do exactly that.

“We’ve picked up everything we had in Arkansas and moved to California on Saturday … we’re just pursuing (the career that I love), which is modeling,” says Jessica.

Jessica was the next to be kicked off “ANTM” after Banks told her she didn’t have enough edge to push through high-concept photo shoots and would be better suited for more commercial work.

“I think if I really set my mind to it then I can do (the more edgy stuff). I just need a little more practice, maybe some coaching and I could do that, but that’s not what I’m going to pursue.”

With a few gigs already lined up, Jessica is excited at the possibilities that lie ahead for her and credits her experience on “ANTM” as opening her eyes to what the world has to offer her. After an unexpected pregnancy at 16, Jessica married the baby’s father and was a stay-at-home mom before going on the show.

“I was very sheltered as a child and then I went from being at my parents’ (house) to a husband who’s always provided. We’ve just lived in the same state and I’ve had a son so I’ve had to grow up. And finally being out on my own for a little bit, it was a nice experience for me,” says Jessica, who adds she’s been blessed with a very supportive husband, who’s also going to try modeling, along with their son.

“I definitely wouldn’t trade my family for anything but it makes me see that I don’t have to quit travelling just because I have a family. I’m just going to take them with me from now on.” 

Jessica says during the show she became quite close to fellow contestant Brenda, who could also relate to being a young mom trying to purse a modeling career. Brenda, who was eliminated a couple weeks earlier, is also planning to move to Los Angeles, according to Jessica.

“Originally we were going to move in together with our families but we ended up getting out here before she did so now she’s just going to come and visit for a few weeks and get a place on her own.”

The two had it all figured out as to how to juggle their families and careers.

“We were just going to hire a nanny,” says Jessica with a laugh.

Being on “ANTM” made Jessica believe she could really be a model and says all the positive feedback she received will help her immensely in the future.  

She also learned some other valuable information while being on the show – how not to put out a fire.

Jessica attempted to warm up a taco shell on top of the toaster one night and it quickly started burning. It wasn’t long before flames began shooting out and her attempt to diffuse the fire was throwing a wet tea towel on it, which only exasperated the situation.

“I was so scared, I don’t do well under pressure, I really don’t … I didn’t know what to do.  Now I know – baking soda, find a little fire extinguisher – I know now not to throw a wet anything on top of something electric,” she says with a laugh.

“The girls gave me a pretty tough time over that.”