If you’d told me years ago that I’d end up in modeling, I would’ve laughed it off. Growing up, confidence wasn’t exactly my strong suit, and modeling seemed like a world reserved for other people. But then, I hit a certain height, and a small part of me started wondering… what if?

It all started back in 2014. Back then, it was rare to see Asian men in the modeling world, so I wasn’t seriously considering it. But then one of my closest friends asked me to model for their t-shirt company. I agreed, not thinking much of it—and honestly, I tried to cancel at the last minute. It was my junior year of college, and I’d gone out the night before, so let’s just say I wasn’t in peak form. I was in that half-awake state when I got the call: they were already outside waiting for me. With no time to spare, I threw on some clothes, skipped washing my face or brushing my teeth, and dashed out the door.

Once we started shooting, something shifted. Even though I had zero experience, the photographer saw potential in me and suggested I seriously consider pursuing modeling. The whole thing felt surreal. I was a finance major with dreams of running my own business someday, used to brainstorming ideas and crafting strategies — not striking poses. At one point, I even had to take some shots in my underwear, which felt like another level of vulnerability. I remember laughing nervously behind the scenes because I had no clue what face to make or how to pose. At one point, a model called me out, asking why I was laughing. But honestly, being in front of the camera felt so raw, like I was exposing a side of myself I wasn’t used to showing.

Right before my first shot, I actually ducked into the bathroom to crank out some pushups—just trying to get a little pump going. It was strange to be in this world where attractiveness and confidence were on full display. Growing up, I never saw myself that way. There were always insecurities about whether I looked the part, whether I was “enough.” But in that room, surrounded by people who owned their looks and presence, I started to wonder if maybe I could do the same.

After that, I began working with photographers and friends, inching my way toward feeling more comfortable in front of the camera. By 2019, as I was finishing grad school, a photographer friend encouraged me to submit to a modeling agency. I took the leap, signed with 10MGMT in Chicago, and found myself on a completely unexpected path. Not long after moving to Los Angeles, I signed with LA Models and spent the next three years working with some great brands. I even ended up signing with a hand-modeling agency and booking hand gigs—definitely not something I saw coming! 

Looking back, modeling has taught me so much about self-image, confidence, and being open to the world seeing you as you are. It’s a journey that’s reshaped how I see myself and given me a chance to represent Asian men in a space where we’re not often seen. For me, that’s been the most powerful part of it all. I was given an opportunity and I did not take that for granted.