Style

Jamie Chung Is Making A Comeback In A Big Way

by Bianca Lambert

A “comeback” can be inspiring, giving us reason to be hopeful and undeterred in our goals. The term, however, may also have a negative connotation reserved for people in the public eye that have taken time away. When I ask actress Jamie Chung—best known for notable roles as Ji-ah on the HBO's series Lovecraft Country and more recently as Molly Park on Showtime's Dexter: New Blood—her thoughts on what it means to be back in the limelight, the new mom of twins asks this question: “Who wants to go back to how they were? For me, anything that moves you forward, helps you grow, or expands your creativity [should be looked upon as] more positive.” In partnership with European Wax Center, I take a deep dive with the actress into what “a comeback” actually looks like after a major life event.

We chat over the phone after she wraps her shoot, and Chung discusses how she’s worked to find peace after reemerging into the world and her career as a mother. “The role as a mother is something I've putted for such a long time, trying to buy more time because I was scared,” she says candidly. “I was afraid of losing my identity. I was afraid of having to slow down for work. I was terrified of making these sacrifices to have a family, but now that I'm here, I'm enjoying it.”

Chung shares that the first four months were challenging. “It was a dark time for me, to be honest—mentally and physically,” she tells us. “Now that I'm passed that, you start to realize what a positive impact you can have on the next generation, and I think it's really powerful.”

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You start to realize what a positive impact you can have on the next generation, and I think it's really powerful.

As she moves forward, she's not only rethinking how she brings her artistry to her career and audiences. She's also making time for herself along the way. “I think it's important to differentiate what you're capable of versus having short-lived expectations,” she says. “I'm reminding myself every day that this is something I love doing [and] I want to continue to tell stories.”

Her time on the set of Lovecraft Country helped shift her outlook. “Now, I'm very specific as to what those stories are,” she tells us. "After having an experience like Lovecraft Country, where creatively you're so stimulated and it's an absolute collaboration, it’s kind of hard to turn back away from that.”

When it comes to self-care, she may have less time, but she makes an effort to take time for herself. “When you're trying to keep two babies alive—or even a baby alive—you kind of lose yourself,” she shares. “You forget to shower. You forget to eat. [But], I have to say yes to myself.”

For Chung, it's all about the little moments of peace. “[Now,] I take a bath,” she says, and she's got her multitasking self-care time down pat. “In the bath, I give myself a facial. I'll scrub. I'll listen to a podcast. I'll do everything I need to do,” she shares with a laugh. In the mornings, she loves to give herself a mini gua sha facial, followed by a gentle cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and SPF.

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I have to say yes to myself.

Like many people embarking on the new world of parenthood, Chung thought about a lot about things she wouldn't be able to enjoy anymore. But, instead, like many things in her life, she's reframing this narrative by staying in the present.

“After becoming a mom, I was like, ‘Oh no, I'll never get to do this. I'll never get to do that.’ I’ve always wanted to get a motorcycle. I have my license. I want to ride every Sunday. I was just talking to my husband about this. Why can't I still do that? Instead of thinking, ‘Ah man, the time has passed, I can't do that.’ No, you have to change your mindset. You have to put action to your wants. It's the only way anything's going to happen.”

Remember what I said about Chung living in the present? She reminds herself of that mantra often. “It is a blessing to be alive,” she says with conviction. “What can I do with this moment [for others]? Once you take that focus off of yourself, I feel like there's a lot of ways that we can give. I think that's way more impactful.”

Photographer: Kate Adams; Makeup: Kendal Fedail; Hair: Amaran Grewal; Wardrobe Stylist: Mar Peidro; Prop Stylist: Victoria Foraker; Creative Director: Jill Sabato/BDG; Art Director: Angela Poccia; Senior Video Producer: Irena Zofchak/BDG; Director of Photography: Peter Mosiman c/o Innovative Artists; Executive Producer: Meagan Judkins; Production Lead: Kelsey Dimitruk/BDG; Branded Beauty Lead: Shyema Azam/BDG