Jessica Stam was born on April 23, 1986 in Kincardine, Ontario, Canada.
Jessica was 15 years old when she was discovered by Michelle Miller, an agent at the International Model Management agency in Barrie, Ontario. After a year of preparations for becoming a model, Miller sent her to Paris where she appeared in a Miu Miu campaign.

Stephen Meisel, the famous fashion photographer saw her and liked her so much that he featured her in all his ads and campaigns. Her career as a model started since then.

She appeared on the cover of Vogue Italy for September 2003 and she has been seen in ad campaigns for: Anna Sui "Flight of Fancy", Bulgari, Cerruti Jeans, Calvin Klein "CK One", Marc Jacobs, Dior, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana and many more.

Marc Jacobs likes her so much that he named one of his bags after her: The Marc Jacobs Stam.

In 2007 she had modelled for Victoria's Secret in New York.

Due to her success in the world of fashion she stands at number four on the "Top 50 Models" ratings.