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Standing at a whopping 5β²2β³, I am 2 inches shorter than the average height in the United States. You might be thinking, βYouβre not a midget, youβre not that short.β It surprised me a little to find out that the average height of women in the U.S. is 5β²4β³. With my family roots being Vietnamese, statistically I am actually not that short. Ironically, in all my circle of friends growing up I was either the shortest or among the shortest of the group. So why is the minimum height for most modeling agencies strictly 5β²7β³ - 5β²8β³? In the fashion industry, especially runways, beauties from across the globe stun the crowd in gorgeous designer outfits and bikinis. All are tall and thin, gracing the stage with their noticeably long legs. Even in my most recent trip to Miami Swim Week, all the models were considerably taller than the average American woman. However, certain companies were not as strict to the height rule. For the most part, it should be noted that the majority of the models were indeed at least 5β²7β³ without heels. One particular runway line caught my eye, however. In fact, I think they caught everyoneβs eye. For me, this was the first time I witnessed a fashion runway and saw plus size models. I was truly grateful to see at least one company break the standards, and bring not only diversity to the stage but almost history.
I started my modeling career via Instagram. The camera I used to start capturing my modeling photos was my iPhone 5. At the time, my photo shoots consisted of me turning to my friend at the time and sayΒ βHey! Can you take my picture really quickly?β or I set my GoPro on a timer and walked back and forth in front of it until I got the shot that I liked. When I first started playing the Instagram game, it was still relatively new. Most people have not downloaded the app, and the termΒ βInsta-famousβ wasnβt even relevant. I had a few friends who have already been doing photography at the time, but I was too scared to tell everyone that I wanted to be a model. I was in my second to last year of college, and I had so many things I wanted to accomplish and was too afraid too. Growing up, I was always very shy and slow to warm up to. I was super uncomfortable with myself, had trouble making friends, and I always wanted to be somebody besides myself. I loved sports and I let that be my rock, school was my forte, and I did meet some very good people but I was still on a soul searching journey. Iβve always wanted to be a role model where girls like me could look up to. I needed something to help me break out of my shell, I needed something to help me gain my confidence. I wanted to help and inspire people, whether or not I was in a medical field. I wanted to see someone go out there and break the standards, because kindness became rarer and rarer every day. We needed more kindness in the world. I wanted girls to see someone who not only earned a degree, but earned a degree while chasing their dreams too.
Upon starting my Instagram, I renamed my original account and vamped it up to become my modeling platform and portfolio. At the time, Alana Blanchard ( @alanareneblanchard ) was (and still is) my biggest inspiration. She is dubbedΒ βthe worldβs hottest surferβ and not only is she a stunning model, she is also a talented athlete. She really inspired me, and I basically learned how to model from her. I ultimately taught myself to model, and I slowly became more comfortable in front of the camera. Not only did I teach myself how to model, I also taught myself how to surf. I whipped myself into tip top shape, I strengthened my shoulders by paddling 2 miles at beach every day for almost an entire summer. I created my own routine at the gym, and got into the best shape since my basketball years. I gained my following very quickly. I posted photos of my every day lifestyle. I had surfing shots, and even skimboarding shots. I snapped shots of my outfits I put together, and mainly I had beachy and bikini lifestyle shots. I just made my Instagram fun, and I wanted people to share in it too. Slowly, I wrangled in about 70 - 100 followers almost every day. It was all an organic following. In addition, companies started collaborating with social influencers so the bikinis and e-mails started pouring in. The more I kept creating, the better and better I became. I learned as much as I could every step of the way. I eventually caught the eye of some big companies. Sun Bum scouted me out to bring me on their team, and I won an amazing contest with OβNeill Womenβs (see the links at the bottom of my page). I went to my first surf expo in Orlando and it felt so amazing to hear people be so in love with my work and congratulate me on how far Iβve come. Everything started to fall into place. I slowly started believing in myself as I created my dream career, and starting achieving my goals. I found myself in modeling, and I fell in love with it. I loved creating something beyond words. My content and photography started to become my world, and I couldnβt have been happier. Everything comes with their challenges, however. With all good things come the haters, and a lot of scam artists. Unfortunately for them, they never ended up breaking my spirits and I have always found a way to be stronger and better.
After I graduated college and earned my Bachelorβs degree in Biology, I tried my best to make modeling a full time job. I managed to get booked by very cool companies, I got to meet and become friends with some amazing people, and I became so confident in front of the camera. I continued to find myself, and who I wanted to be. And I wanted to keep inspiring and helping people. It became easier for me to constantly create photos and set up my own shoots. It basically became second nature, and if I couldnβt figure something out I constantly worked at it until I improved. I became established and respected, but Iβm still not at the point where Iβm constantly booking modeling gigs or I wasnβt always paid for my posts on my Instagram. Instagram started changing its algorithm as it became more and more common for girls to becomeΒ βInstafamous.β Though there is a lot of negativity that stems from social media, there is a lot of good that can be brought from it. Instagram breaks the height barrier that most modeling agencies implement. In my photographs, most people cannot guess what my actual height is. Most people have told me that they thought I was a lot taller. Some companies donβt even use modeling agencies to book their models, and a lot of the models they actually book are shorter than 5β²7β³. Recently, I contacted a few agencies and even visited one in the hopes of making my dreams a full blown career. Friends that have visited agencies gave me advice saying that seeing a model in person is considerably different than an e-mail. So I decided to visit a couple. My first one seemed promising, I received very good feedback. Sadly, I didnβt receive a callback. I visited one in Miami while I was traveling in south Florida. The first person that saw me, she turns her chair towards me and saysΒ βHow tall are you?β I replyΒ β5β²2β³ and she contests and asks if I had called the agency before coming to their office. I reply withΒ βNoβ and they told me about their strict height requirement. So all in all, they refused to talk to me any longer, refused to look at any of my photos because I wasΒ βtoo small.β They gave me the names of local commercial agencies because they do not have a strict height requirement and sent me on my way. I think I lasted about a total of 2 minutes. Deflated, I left as fast as I possibly could only to get stuck in a flash flood in my car.
I was extremely disappointed with my experience at the agency. Though there is other types of modeling besides high fashion and runway, I was disappointed to get rejected. With so many other beautiful models out there especially on Instagram, booking gigs has become difficult. It has made it very competitive especially in Florida, since we do not have as progressive of cities like L.A. and N.Y.C. so it takes a little bit of digging around to continue networking. Regardless, I learned to take my experience with a grain of salt. I couldnβt let one bad experience ruin everything I have accomplished so far. Just because my path was a little rockier than others, it didnβt mean that it was all for nothing. Ashley Graham is currently the most famous plus size model, who graced the cover of Sports Illustrated. With plus size models hitting the runway in Miami, it was only a matter of time until a model shorter than 5β²8β³ hit the runway. With companies like Hollister Co. changing the look of their models completely, the standard for models have changed and made quite the step forward to be a realistic representation of women. In their newest campaign, all the women look real. There is not one specific look, or one specific type of girl. And most importantly, they look happy. In addition, Aerie campaigns donβt use any photoshop on their models. So whoβs to say the runway and high fashion is only for the tall models? With all the progress that Iβve seen over the years, Itβs only a matter of time until modeling changes its standards across the boards.Β Iβve come so far beating the odds, and it just takes that one opportunity to change everything. So until that day, I still aspire to be a model even if itβs not with an agency. Thereβs a lot of professional and other types of fashion I can model for. Iβve already done it. So please, share my story. I hope I continue to inspire others to chase their dreams too.
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Almost three years ago when I first started my Instagram modeling career, I received the sweetest e-mail from a talented artist and designer. She chose to reach out to me, and one of the reasons was because we were mutual friends with another talented artist! You guys should check her out too :) carlymejeur.com.
Tanya Brown, nicknamed Schatzibrown, offered me a sponsorship for her growing leggings business. She started designing the coolest leggings, but also designed her own prints and had her personal art created into makeup pouches and cell phone cases. Sheβs a New York native from Long Island, and is the ultimate beach goddess. My first pair (pictured above) are perfect for surfing! That is what these leggings are made for :) besides looking super cute and stylish. Talk about the ultimate #girlboss Tanya not only inspires artists everywhere alike, sheβs a mother, a talented creative, and I also consider her my mentor!
If youβre looking for something new to add to your closet, then you have found the perfect post to inform you. About a year ago, Tanya had officially patented her company as Nalu Tribe.Β βNaluβ meansΒ βwaveβ in Hawaiian. So me and a few other talented ladies are part of the wave tribe. As we all know, your vibe attracts your tribe! There could not be a truer saying. As a team, we also spread positivity and kindness always. Our Nalu Tribe family is a group of talented ladies. We surf, love and take care of our oceans, dominantly from the east coast, and do everything in style. Make sure to drop them a follow on Instagram, @kwinne, @the.global.local.
Nalu Tribe is all about style. Tanya has also incorporated capri lengths, wide band and high waisted leggings, surf suits, and crop tops! There was never a time I did not turn heads wearing my matching set. Her designs are so original, thereβs nothing on Instagram (and the internet) that can compare! She not only defies the common trend, she sets them. Her designs are never boring, and you cannot mistake them for another designerβs work.
Fashion is about making a statement. Itβs about owning your uniqueness, and expressing yourself through style. I love bright colors, and Iβve learned that fashion is about letting your creative senses shine! I am literally wearing pieces of art (reference photos above). I think I am attracted to bright colors because it reminds me to stay happy and bright. The uniqueness of the designs connect with me, and they inspire me to constantly learn to love myself, flaws and all. My leggings (besides bikinis) are my most worn articles of clothing, and in Florida I am always beach ready with them. They double as active wear, so for kickboxing or a light exercise on the beach I can work out in confidence and in style. See the rest of her designs, merchandise, and the rest of the team on her website www.nalutribe.com.
On my down days and on my best days, Tanya is also full of words of wisdom. When youβre an aspiring model, your career will have many ups and downs. There will be people who tell you to do something else, something smarter and more secure. Then there will be those who pushes you towards your dreams. All in all, she inspires me to always forge my own path and I will find my way. Itβs hard not to believe her, when sheβs already so successful.
Swim Week 2017 in Miami Beach was a blast! First, I have to give Sun Bum a huge thanks for inviting me along and letting me participate in a fun show. If you havenβt read my latest blog post on them please do! They are now oxybenzone free and do great things for the community. As an aspiring model, watching the runways and fashion shows were truly an experience. I have been fortunate enough to be given this opportunity, and it has continued to inspire me to chase my dreams! Unfortunately, I do not have high quality photos that I personally took of the show. I do however, have fun photos of adventures with the Sun Bum Crew (look a couple posts back!).
Welcome to our hostel! We stayed at Freehand in Miami Beach.
Upon arriving to Miami Beach, we dropped off all our luggage and bags in our cozy hostel. I snagged the top bunk! Sun Bum rented out the entire room, so we did not get to experience what a real hostel would have felt like. All in all, it was awesome to have our entire group stay in one room and we didnβt to share it with strangers this time around. Maybe for the next adventure! See my friend Michaelaβs adventures in India for more fun in hostels and a foreign country (mermaid blog). I only had two bags packed. Luckily, my friends Victoria and Liz are super stylish and wear close to the same size as me.Even the locals walking around or attending events had a great sense of fashion. Sorry for the lack of photos, but I assure you that the fashion was awesome! In Miami, there are several styles that all flow together. No matter what it is, people will admire what you have on. It is so different and such a versatile environment that all fashion ideas go a long way. I stuck to bohemian meets beach.
If you happened to follow me or Sun Bum on Instagram and also in the area, then you were some of the lucky few that snagged some of our freebies we were leaving around. We set up umbrellas, tanning oil, towels, and also threw a pool party!! Hope you all got to hang out via out Instagram stories if you didnβt get a chance to come!
The fashion shows probably had to be my favorite part. Besides the fun pool party and mini vacation with fun friends, I loved watching the runways. Modeling for me, it lets my voice be heard. On Instagram I get to highlight my talents as a self-taught and short model. I get to create content, and let my creativity run wild. Modeling gives me the confidence I never thought I would have. I feel like I didnβt find myself until I chased my dreams to be a positive role model in the social media world. When I model, I feel like I get transported to another world where time almost stands still. Iβm in the spotlight, but more importantly I get to create a moment that cannot be recreated with other creatives.
Hopefully next time that I am in Miami for swim week, I will be writing about being a model in the fashion shows and strutting on the runway!
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
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I used to write style blogs a couple years back, but took a break to focus more on modeling and photography. So now I have returned to the blogging world, and I can only hope I write as well as some of my very talented blogging friends :) (Iβll include links to their pages at the end!) I hope I can make my page more personable, and give my photos and modeling depth with writing.
I have turned back to blogging in order to inform my followers or any who is interested in some of the companies I work with, and what goes on behind the scenes with modeling. I want everyone to share in the fun, and hopefully feel inspired to write about what they are passionate about too! I get asked frequently with how I land modeling gigs, or how I got started collaborating or being part of the team for certain companies. And for this blog post I am focusing on Sun Bum.
I have been an ambassador for Sun Bum for over 2 years. They messaged me on Instagram, were nothing but nice, and I was more than stoked to accept their invitation! Not only is Sun Bum a sunscreen company, but they are a team of creatives who love the beach and makes a positive impact on the environment and the local communities. We share a love for the ocean, and always spreading positive vibes. They host fun community events, organize beach cleanups, and supports all every kind of surfer and beach-goer. I am honored to be a part of the team, included in their photo shoots, and I love creating content for them.
This is a little bit of a side note, but I have a Bachelorβs Degree in Biological Sciences from Florida Atlantic University. My main focus was Marine Biology, and although I am more active in my modeling and social media marketing career I still have a passion for saving the planet and protecting animals and wildlife. I will save all that for another blog post, however. So what is Oxybenzone?
Oxybenzone is a common component of most sunscreens. It is an active ingredient that protects our skin from UV rays by absorbing it. As we slather ourselves in sunscreen to protect ourselves from the harmful effects of the sun, we also inadvertently harm coral reefs because of oxybenzone. When sunscreen is rinsed off of us in the ocean, it stresses out the coral and oxybenzone acts almost like an inhibitor towards reefs. Corals will then bleach themselves due to the stress as it cannot function properly, and will become sterile or die. However, there has been some resolutions to evade this glaring sunscreen issue. A few have pointed out to me their opinion about Sun Bum and their use of oxybenzone in their product. I am here to tell you why I love Sun Bum so much!
At the springs or at the pool, it is completely safe to use Sun Bumβs original series of sunscreen. It is all fresh water or chlorinated water. For those who have sensitive skin, Baby Bum is an all natural and organic series that Sun Bum has formulated. There is no oxybenzone and it smells like cucumbers. Baby Bum is perfect for the beach, and if you are really concerned about the chemical components of sunscreen I would suggest sticking to using Baby Bum. Please use sunscreen. It is important to protect yourself, especially if you live in Florida like myself.
What is shown here is the current active ingredients in Sun Bum. And GUESS WHAT? IT IS OXYBENZONE FREE!! While some of their earlier versions contained oxybenzone, their new line of product is oxybenzone free. This is not to be confused with avobenzone. Avobenzone is a component that helps the anti-aging process from extended duration in the sun, and does not harm coral reefs. If you are restocking in Sun Bum make sure to read the back if you are concerned about which sunscreen to use at the beach. My choice is still Sun Bum. And now, I can choose among the original series, Baby Bum, and the high performance series. I trust the bum, so thanks for protecting me!
This photo was taken by @melikinis (instagram) at Kelly Park / Rock Springs. Thanks for reading! Comment below for questions, concerns, or just to say hi!
Make sure to also check out my good friends, @hsswanson
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
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Free to watch β’ No registration required β’ HD streaming
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