Greenline productions

1. What first inspired you to get into modeling? This can be a person, moment, a realization etc.

Answer: I started off as a freelance makeup artist and would always do makeup on models. My first photoshoot was actually in 2015 when the makeup artist I shadowed for was looking for girls to do a promotional shoot for her makeup line. It was my first time to actually be in front of the camera and learning how to pose. The models that I've met at the photoshoot and the models that I did makeup for were all very nice to me. That kick-started my modeling career and I changed my Instagram platform to modeling.

2. Many people say Instagram/social media has destroyed the modeling industry. What do you believe?

Answer: Personally, I do not think Instagram/social media destroy the modeling industry. In fact, it has open many doors for men and women who want to become a model but perhaps never thought they can be. The modeling industry has really changed for the better when social happened. The standards have changed. Back then, you had to be a specific weight, height, and sexuality but now because of social media, models can be all different size and races, and still be accepted in the modeling industry.  Social media changed the game in the modeling industry and broke the traditional standards of being a model.

3. Are there any models that inspire you? And why?

Answer: My favorite model is Emily Sears. I love that she empowers women to become successful and also focus on beauty and health. She is more than just a model but a very intellectual woman. She is also 34 years old and still killing it in the modeling industry. She inspires me because she is smart and beautiful and proves that age doesn't really matter when it comes to modeling. I used to be really self-conscious about my height and age as a model. I started my modeling career pretty late but Emily Sears has made me realize that there is no age limit to what you love to do. My other inspirations are Demi Rose Mawby, Loan Love, Janet Guzman, and Thida baker. They all started with Instagram. 

4. What makes you unique from other models?

Answer: I wouldn't say I'm that unique haha but modeling is not my full-time profession. I am a web developer, model, hopefully a successful business woman someday. I am a go-getter and take initiative in everything I do. I started learning how to code websites by teaching myself and taking a few courses on my own. I've landed my first job as a developer in 6 months while still taking bootcamp courses. I'm also doing a lot of work for my agency including building the website, managing clients, managing a group of models, working with model contracts, and how to network with new clients. I have about 5 years of marketing skills and hopefully can use it to build my own e-commerce business one day. I'm also Asian American and want to break the stereotype that Asian woman can only fit a certain type of modeling. I want more Asian women to break out of the import car scene and diverse into different categories of modeling. 

5. How do you network yourself in this industry?

Answer: A lot of the networking is through myself and my agency (Upscale Models). I live in Oklahoma City and the modeling industry here is not that big. I have to reach out to agencies, magazines, and music video companies. I have to do a lot of research on my own and travel. My agency has helped a lot but they primarily based in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. So, I do a lot of my networking there. I am not shy to reach out to people. If I get rejected or ignored, I do not get discourage but go out there and seek more opportunities. I want to connect with more people in bigger cities because that is where all the gigs are at.

6. What city do you represent? Let us know why this place is special to you.

Answer: I am born and raised in Oklahoma City and represent this is small city. I love my hometown because of all my friends and family here. However, I want to move and hopefully move soon. This city is special to me because of all the memories I've had here with my loved ones including my boyfriend. But I will not stay here forever because the opportunities that I want are very little where I'm from. With the right time and money, I want to move out of here as soon as I can.

7. Do you have any advice for up and coming models looking to break into the industry?

Answer: My advice to anyone who wants to start modeling is to be yourself and don't be pressured to feel like you need to change yourself. Learn how to pose and work wit the camera. Learn how to connect with photographers be sure of what kind of photos you want to do. Some photographers will ask you to do certain photos that you may not be comfortable with. Don't do something you don't feel is right and make sure you learn how to network. I think it is important to learn to love your body as well. I struggled with body dysmorphia for awhile but I'm learning to love myself more. Take criticism but do not let others put you down. 

8. What is your endgame for yourself in this industry?

Answer: I want to hopefully own my business in e-commerce and the entertainment industry. I love modeling and want to teach other models who are starting out. 

9. What do you feel about the diversity of models in the fashion industry?

Answer: I think it is a lot more diverse now than before in the fashion industry. However, with high fashion like Chanel, Dior, etc. they are still strict with the model standards. I am hoping one day we can break out of that tall and skinny model physique in all fashion modeling . 

10. Is America's next top model a good account of the modeling industry?

Answer: I used to watch that show all the time when I was younger. I looked up to Tyra Banks and all the girls in the show, but now I realized that the models on that show were not happy people. I don't want to told what to do all the time and have to constantly change myself or be a certain size to just become a model. When I watched the show, I had never thought that I can become a model because I did not look like any of the girls on the show. So no, I do not think ANTP is a good account for the modeling industry.