ah cha

"My name is Cha Lor. I am a Hmong American woman. Born and raised on the East side of St Paul. I am a model, actress, and arts advocate.

My spark for modeling began during middle school. I was in love with fashion, but I rarely saw models who looked like me in magazines and in the entertainment industry. I was really quiet and shy when I was younger, so I always thought I was not cut out to model nor act nor pursue art. As the years went by, my passion for modeling grew but life truly took a toll on me.

My modeling journey did not start right away, in fact, it started after I spent a few years in college, and I couldn’t find my passion in any of my schoolwork. During this, my mental health was really bad. I was going through depression and grieving from my grandfather’s passing. I was at my lowest in life. I took a break from school.

My sister would take photos of me on my phone. I would post it on social media and not really think much of it. Later a photographer reached out to me and asked me to model for her. It was my first photoshoot. I felt an adrenaline rush and a spark of confidence and curiosity. I felt alive. I wanted to learn more about this career and artform.

I realized I had the power to represent myself. A 5’4, Southeast Asian, Hmong American woman. And with that, I nurtured my dream into reality.

Modeling has done so much for me as an artist and person. It helped me heal and process many traumatic experiences. I have bloomed more into myself. I’ve found my artistic calling and healthier ways to express myself through art.

The professional friendships I’ve gained through modeling have become some of my best friendships in life. I was able to learn how to market myself and pick up and apply professional modeling etiquette.

I truly wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t have the support of my sisters and brother; Gozong, Mina, Linda, Jennifer, Oleevia, Theresa and Chris, and my partner; Vlai. They saw my potential and encouraged me to model.

This journey would not have been possible without the talented art community in the Twin Cities. I have been blessed to work with many photographers, makeup artists, stylists, designers, and creative directors who align with my artistic visions."