Pay Yuen reveals Jess Gomes’ ‘problematic’ years before becoming a supermodel

She may not have been a model student and her mum describes her affectionately branded her a “problem child” but it didn’t stop Jessica Gomes from becoming a monumental success story.

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She may not have been a model student, but it didn’t stop Jessica Gomes from becoming a monumental success story.

Despite her mother affectionately branding her a “problem child” at school, the David Jones model is proof even the most rebellious student can make a name for themselves.

Gomes, who finished high school and jetted out of the country aged 17 to forge a career in front of the lens, went on to become one of our most successful modelling exports having worked for Vogue, Italian GQ, Victoria’s Secret, Adidas, Gap and DKNY Denim.

Supermodel Jessica Gomes’ mum Pay Yuen revealed her daughter was rebellious when she was younger. Picture: John Appleyard

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“I did have a bit of a problem with Jess at school,” Pay Yuen said of her youngest child ahead of Mother’s Day.

“I would often get phone calls from the teachers saying ‘Jess is disrespectful and is always talking’.”

“I remember once when she was in high school I got a phone call from the teacher complaining about her and I said ‘this is Jess, what do you want me to do? I know my daughter, I live with her’.”

Gomes has worked all around the world with leading fashion labels. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

She has also dabbled in some acting, starring in a scene on Transformers: Age of Extinction.

Despite testing her mother throughout her teenage years, Gomes’ mother, who is her biggest supporter, said her plucky personality has worked in her favour.

“We are very proud of Jess,” she said. “She is a good girl, but I must say she was the most strong willed out of all her siblings.”

Well aware of her rebellious nature, Gomes said it was that side of her personality which drew her to the world of modelling and acting.

“I always had to be my own boss I think,” Gomes said. “I found rules a little hard. I definitely was a bit rebellious, I pushed the boundaries, I was very strong minded.”

Gomes said she owed her success to her mum. Picture: Richard Dobson

While Gomes will celebrate Mother’s Day from her home in Los Angeles, the model said she owes her success to her mother.

“Obviously it is very hard to let your daughter leave at the age of 17 to travel the world, but my parents allowed that,” she said.

“My mum has always been so supportive of what I do and has always encouraged me to go for my goals and pushed me to be a better version of myself.

“Mum has really taught me about hard work.”