Page 74 - Demo

74 || FASHION MAGAZINE || NOVEMBER 2014FMM: What made you first want to become a model?AL: When I was a little girl I was bullied for my appearance and from that moment on, I told myself to show the world that beauty comes from within, regardless of your skin color or physical appearance. Although I still face a lot of rejections due to my height, I never give up believing in my dreams to inspire others to always believe in and cherish themselves!FMM: How do you manage to do it all and stay focused? (Model, Finance, Volunteer, Creator)AL: I believe it%u2019s all about time management and prioritizing. First, I make a list of things that I want to accomplish (in the order of their importance). Then I make daily, weekly, and monthly goals and the actions required to achieve those. At the end of the month, I review my goals so I can see, %u201cHave I achieved my goals?%u201d %u201cWhat went wrong?%u201d %u201cWhat went well?%u201d Then, I learn from my mistakes and improve that for my next month%u2019s goals. Persistence and being detail oriented are very crucial characteristics in being effective at multi-tasking.FMM: Who inspires you the most?AL: My grandmother inspired me the most. She never gave up on her dreams and always had a big heart to help others no matter how difficult her circumstances were. During her battle with cancer, she still pursued her careers in singing and volunteer teaching. Unfortunately, she didn%u2019t get her big break, and that is why I am determined and passionate to continue her journey and fulfill her dreams. I remember her last words, %u201cNever let the fear and underestimation from others hold you back from unleashing your fullest potential.%u201d So since then, I always tell myself for every three no%u2019s I will get three yes%u2019s! Thanks Grandma!FMM: Do you exercise regularly and do you have any special diets or exercising regimes?AL: Yes! I am a pescatarian (I only eat seafood and veggies, and I don%u2019t eat meat). I also don%u2019t eat fried or fast food. After eating a %u2018guilty pleasure%u2019, my body just shuts down so I have learned to not cheat with bad foods! However, I cannot resist desserts! My favorite is Asian-style shaved ice; I can%u2019t hold back on those! I exercise regularly for one hour each day, seven days a week. I alternate between HIIT Cardio and Hip Hop Abs. I don%u2019t like the gym; it%u2019s too boring for me! I have to move to the beat and be able to perform different moves. FMM: You have dealt with rejections in the fashion industry due to your height and are working to change the industry standards. Have you seen any shifts yet and believe that you are making a difference?AL: Yes, I have dealt with numerous rejections from agencies just because I am not 5 feet 8 inches tall. Most %u2018normal%u2019 women are not as tall and skinny as runway models, so I don%u2019t see why designers design clothes for the minority of people? Also, I feel like a lot of young women are looking up to models for inspiration, so we have the extra responsibility to show them that it is alright to have flaws; that%u2019s what%u2019s makes you a unique you. Sadly, I have not seen any changes yet. I applied to agencies in Asia as well, and you might think that because the women there are a bit shorter on average, they are looking for more petite models, but I was wrong; they still are looking for 5%u20198,%u201d minimum. I am trying to make a difference by still applying to various agencies around the globe with the hope that one will pick me for my portfolio and passion and not for my height. And when that day comes, I am sure that I can start revolutionizing the modeling and fashion industry!FMM: Do you enjoy pageants or photo shoots more? What is your favorite show or shoot you have ever done?AL: I enjoy photo shoots more to be honest, because I have competed in several pageants