• What's Your model name and what made you first become a model?

My model name is real simple, it's just Misz.Asia. I wanted to be a model ever since grade school. At the time, to me models were beautiful, poised, fashionable and perfect. Americas Next Top Model was one of the most popular shows being aired and I soaked it all up.

• How did you feel when you did your first ever fashion show or photo shoot? My first photoshoot with this wedding photographer is what made me realize my potential and love for modeling. I did photoshoots here and there and it was very calming for me, I really enjoyed the art of photography and modeling. My first runway experience wasn't the best. It was more learning what I'd be possibly facing going into the industry. I swore after my first experience I'd never model again because I was in a dress for 6-8 hours waiting to show this beauitful garment off unpaid remind you. I didn't do anything for a few years after because I've heard of this being normal and thought it was too much for me at the time.
• Who was your role model as a child an how did that help in being a model?

My role model of course was the beautiful Tyra Banks. I think every little black girl looked up to her because of her role in Life Size and hit show Americas Next Top Model. She was always spreading positivity about embracing your flaws and to keep striving for what you want despite what anyone else says.

• What did your parents first think of you being a model and where they supportive?

My parents would always urge me to become a model, especially my mom. They've always been supportive, looked out for me and given great advice about what goes on in the industry and how to handle it.

• How do you feel about the controversy of the "size 0" debate in the industry ?

Oh what, that's still a thing? I had no clue being a size 0 was still desired. The industry has changed so much and has become very broad. I don't think there's anything to argue about when it comes to sizes in today's industry, maybe 10 years ago this was more serious. If high fashion companies only want a size 0 don't audition for them, there's too many opportunities to be hung up over someone who's going to body shame you or make you starve yourself to represent them.

• If your were not a model, what other profession would you have been doing instead?

Well I'm not a paid full time model just yet but my other interest is acting and dance. If it was a profession outside the entertainment industry I'd be a business owner of my own franchise.

• What are guilty pleasures food wise?

Don't get me started. I don't "watch my figure" or count calories. I eat what I want when I want it, I am a big foodie. I love me some shrimp fried with with gyoza, salt vinegar chips, fried chicken, ribs, you name it.

• How do you cope under the pressures of being a model?

I keep calm and envision what I see in my future with modeling. I remind myself why I model so women won't have to feel these pressures of modeling. I believe a lot of the pressure comes from ourselves rather than others. Its important for your sanity to kill the outside noise and listen to your inner self and what you believe. There will be certain expectations but if it stresses you out you shouldn't even worry about them.

• What health tips do you swear by?

Omg drink LOTS of water. Water is vital for your skin, hair, nails, organs, etc and people don't drink enough of it. I would also encourage people to take care of their mental health which goes unchecked year after year. If you're going to be physically healthy you need to be mentally healthy.

•  If a young girl/boy wanted to be a model what would your advice for them be?

I would tell them to start practicing their runway, poses, do shoots and come up with their own expectations. The industry and society will tell you to be this height, weight, color. They will set beauty standards for you, but you're not like everyone else. You are your own individual and you set your own rules. Its great to take advice but remember you define what makes you beautiful.

www.instagram.com/misz.asia 

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