Myami Lawson is a new face on VODA beginning her career as a model. She is determined to make her mark in the fashion industry. &nbsp;<h3>How do you stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset in your daily life? </h3>I meditate, do yoga, and dance because I know my physical health plays a huge factor into my mental health.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What qualities do you look for in a good friend?</h3>Someone who has a great sense of humor is super important because I love to laugh and I’m pretty goofy honestly. My friends need to be fun and trustworthy. If I don’t trust you, we are not friends which makes my inner circle is small because I am selective on who has access to me like that.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What are your long-term goals and aspirations in life? </h3>I have to be the best Myami I can be. With all my goals, I want to be in movies, published magazines, walk for top designers, and retire my parents.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What role does fashion and style play in your self-expression? </h3>Fashion plays a big part in my self expression, and I tend to dress according to how I feel. For example, if I’m going to a specific artist’s concert, I will use their vibe as my outfit inspiration and be creative to match that energy.
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">How do you handle constructive criticism from photographers, designers, or agencies?</h3>Honestly it doesn’t bother me because I know who I am. I make the adjustments as needed and learn. Everyone is different and what works for some doesn’t work for others. I don’t take anything personally.<h3>What do you think truly makes someone photogenic?</h3>Confidence and connection to the camera/photographer. <h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What do you enjoy most about being a model?</h3>I love the variety and different concepts I get to see myself in. I enjoy all the people I meet in the industry and all the traveling I get to do.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What advice would you give to someone aspiring to enter the modeling industry?</h3>I say go for it. Even if you don’t make it big, as long as you’re having fun, you won.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What’s your guilty pleasure snack?</h3>Taki’s.
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">Where are you going, if you could travel anywhere?</h3>Jamaica because it’s been a place I’ve wanted to go since I was a young child&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What’s a movie that you can watch over and over again?</h3>Princess &amp; The Frog<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What’s your take on people who stand up as soon as the plane lands?</h3>Where do you think you’re going? You’re stuck here with the rest of us until the plane opens anyway.

Myami Lawson VODA personality interview

10 Questions with Myami Lawson

Paz Malo

VODA presents Khalil Golamco from the Philippines. She is mixed Chinese, Spanish, and Filipino. Her own personal brand is focused on fashion and skincare. <h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">How do you define beauty and confidence in your life? How do these concepts influence your daily decisions?</h3>I would say beauty is within, but don’t forget to take care of your appearance as well. I feel much much better when I’m put together. If I look good, I feel good. And feeling good makes me feel much more confident than usual and it makes me make better decisions. Makes me think clearly because I feel sure of myself.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">How do you stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset in your daily life?</h3>I live by what The Dowager Countess said in Downton Abbey, “ You&#39;re a woman with a brain and reasonable ability. Stop whining and find something to do.” I believe that every human being has a brain and unique capabilities. I believe in myself and I know myself very well to know I can achieve things and that makes me live life with a positive mindset.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What role does fashion and style play in your self-expression? How do you use it to communicate your personality?</h3>A classmate back in college once described my style as elegant and sophisticated. And that was before I started to experiment more with my style. The way you dress actually says a lot about yourself. But now I’m much more versatile with the outfits I put together. I really like dressing up especially when I’m filming a reel. And I like to look glam because that’s me. Fashion is just so fun.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">Who are your biggest inspirations in the modeling industry and why?</h3>I grew up reading Teen Vogue and watching Fashion TV. I remember seeing Karlie Kloss on the cover of Teen Vogue and seeing Coco Rocha on the runway. I love high fashion. And I understand the art of fashion. I started to watch Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show too. There are so many models I look up to and each one of them are so disciplined and honestly so magnetic to look at. And they’re very smart too.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What trends are you currently excited about in the fashion world?</h3>I’ve been seeing a lot of 2000’s trends and leather. I like RnB music. I like the 2000’s fashion and would love to dress like that. Love that.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">How do you see social media impacting the modeling industry today?</h3>Social media has made so many people famous. I’ve gotten so much fashion and make up advice through social media. It can really elevate a model’s career. I mean who doesn’t wanna get to know a model you look up to? People follow people they get inspiration from.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What do you think makes someone truly photogenic?</h3>Be truly confident with how you look and know your angles. It really shows in photos. We all have bad days but just believing you look good will emulate in photos.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What&#39;s your favorite guilty pleasure snack?</h3>Well…it’s not really a snack. But I loooove iced coffee. I gotta have one or two everyday. I know…so LA of me.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What&#39;s the most adventurous thing you&#39;ve ever done?</h3>Go with someone I just met to the beach and leave my friends behind. They got mad at me cause I packed my luggage and left without telling them. They went out to eat at that time. I didn’t even tell them I was going to leave. That was reckless of me.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">If you could have any job in the world for one week, what would it be?</h3>I would love to be barrister or a human rights lawyer. There are so many injustices in the world and it’s my dream to help the people in need to find justice.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">If you could swap places with any celebrity for a day, who would it be and what would you do?</h3>Lisa from BlackPink. She’s an amazing dancer, the face of designer brands, and recently a new addition in White Lotus. Love that life.&nbsp;

10 Questions with Khalil Golamco

VODA presents Kylie Johnson.<h3>Can you describe a significant challenge or setback you&#39;ve faced? How did you overcome it?&nbsp;</h3>I really struggled to find a career path after high school. I didn&#39;t have a big passion for anything and found myself lost on what to do next. I wanted to have freedom to travel while also making money, but I didn&#39;t want to have a huge pile of student debt. That&#39;s how I landed on computer science. I&#39;ve been around computers since I was a baby, thanks to my dad, and found myself interested in learning more about them. When looking into the field, I found myself noticing many remote jobs that paid well and paid for schooling. It really helped redirect me and will always be a skill needed, which allows some leeway if I wanted to change career paths down the line. But I think I finally found the one for me.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">How do you stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset in your daily life?&nbsp;</h3>While I definitely have ups and downs, especially when things get busy with school and work, I always try to think “You&#39;ve just gotta get past this, it&#39;s only a little bump.” I try to think about the bigger picture in life. I&#39;m only 18 and have the rest of my life ahead of me, this is just a small setback that I know I can get through. There&#39;s still so much I want and can do, I&#39;ve just gotta make it over that little bump.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">How do you balance the demands of your career with maintaining a healthy work-life balance?&nbsp;</h3>I set clear priorities and establish firm boundaries between work and personal time. Effective time management and learning to say no when boundaries are pushed is essential. Regular breaks and self-care, like exercise and relaxation, help reduce stress. Periodically reassessing this balance ensures I can adapt as work or life circumstances change.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">How do you prepare for a photoshoot or runway show? Can you describe your routine?</h3>I always prepare my model bag and go over any emails sent to me by the stylist, production team, or photographer to ensure I have everything. Showering and shaving the night before, especially if it&#39;s an early show, is a must. I always check navigation right when I wake up to ensure I&#39;m not late and pack snacks, water, a charger, and anything else I think I may need on the way out the door. And I usually wear an all black outfit that&#39;s easy to remove for any last minute fittings or hair and make up.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What do you enjoy most about being a model?</h3>I love seeing and experiencing different cultures and styles! I&#39;ve participated in a multitude of cultural shows, one example being Africa Fashion Week. During this show I experienced not only the diverse clothing designs and patterns but also the music, dance, and culinary dishes. I love educating myself and talking to the designers and production team about why they&#39;re there and why they decided to run or participate in the show.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">Can you share a memorable experience from your modeling career?</h3>My most memorable experience, while not very positive, opened my eyes to what modeling could be like. I went to IMTA (International Modeling &amp; Talent Association), while meeting with one of my first agency call backs I was asked if I&#39;d be willing to lose weight. I was 12 at the time and already tall and skinny. It came as a slight shock, but ultimately prepared me for others that may ask me that. I learned not to take those comments to heart and to set healthy boundaries.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What’s the most interesting conspiracy theory you know of, even if you don’t believe it?&nbsp;</h3>I&#39;d have to say the egg theory is the most interesting theory I&#39;ve heard of. “Every human to ever exist is simply a reincarnation of you. This world, as we know it, is made for you and only you.” It&#39;s a theory that tries to explain the meaning of life. You reincarnate until you live every life that has existed or will exist until. Until you mature and become something more, the whole universe is an egg, just for you.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What’s your stance on the great toilet paper debate: over or under?</h3>I have to go with over! If the toilet paper is under than it&#39;s resting against the wall. And if it&#39;s a communal bathroom everyone&#39;s hand will end up touching the wall and it kind of gross to think about! (Over also just looks better.)<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">Should you always tell the truth, or are there times when lying is acceptable?</h3>I feel that there will always be times when lying is acceptable. Times when you&#39;re not physically or mentally prepared to say something or when someone is too young to grasp the context or comprehend complex situations are two good examples. It&#39;s important to know there is a fine line when it comes to important details and white lies. And it can often be hard to find but with time and experience you&#39;ll eventually figure it out!<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">Is it better to be a morning person or a night owl?</h3>As a night owl I&#39;d have to say it&#39;s better to be a morning person. I personally love being a night owl but most of society is bent to being a morning person. Most jobs, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. Have open hours scheduled to morning people making it more difficult for night owls to get what they may need or want to get done.

Ten Questions with Kylie Johnson

10 Questions with Kylie Johnson

We are thrilled to announce the latest expansion of VODA Talent Group – a brand-new office in the heart of West Hollywood, California! As we continue to grow and represent some of the most talented individuals in the entertainment industry, this move marks a significant milestone in our journey. Location, Location, Location! Situated at 9225 Sunset Blvd our new West Hollywood office, is strategically located in one of the most iconic and bustling areas of Los Angeles. This location places us at the epicenter of the entertainment world and allows us to be more accessible to our clients and partners in the area. Why West Hollywood? West Hollywood, often called WeHo, is synonymous with glamor, fashion, and the arts. It&#39;s a place where creativity thrives and dreams come to life. By establishing our presence here, we aim to be at the forefront of the industry, ensuring that our clients always have the best opportunities at their fingertips. What This Means for Our Clients With this new office, we are better positioned to offer our clients various services and opportunities. Whether you&#39;re a model, actor, influencer, or athlete, our West Hollywood location ensures you&#39;re always in the loop with the latest industry trends and opportunities. Let’s Celebrate. We invite all our clients, partners, and friends to make an appointment to visit our new space and see firsthand the exciting new chapter we&#39;re embarking on. Our commitment to excellence remains unwavering, and with this new location, we&#39;re more ready than ever to elevate your career to new heights. Stay tuned for more updates from VODA Talent Group. Here&#39;s to new beginnings and continued success in West Hollywood! <div style="font-family: Montserrat; font-weight: 300;"> </div>

We are thrilled to announce the latest expansion o...

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VODA Talent Group: A New Chapter in West Hollywood

VODA presents Caylen Johnson. She is a talented model on the runway, and behind the scenes she&#39;s working hard towards earning her Masters degree. Outside of modeling and school, she enjoys taking care of her many plants—though she admits keeping them alive isn’t always easy!&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">Tell us a little about yourself. 
</h3>I&#39;m known for being a debater. My personality type is ENTP and actually I found the personality description relatively accurate to how I am in real life!<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What values do you hold most dear in both your personal and professional life?</h3>The core principle I live by is to treat others how you want to be treated. It’s the golden rule for a reason and I feel that living by that rule has made me a better person. Another core value I live by is honesty. I try to be as genuine as possible in everything I do.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">How do you stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset in your daily life?</h3>I try to stay motivated and positive in my daily life by not worrying about the little things. I know if I work hard and try my best in everything I do, I will be able to achieve whatever goal I&#39;m working toward. It isn’t always easy, but I know everything will work out in the end.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">In what ways do you hope to inspire others through your personal journey?</h3>I hope to show people that you can achieve whatever goals you want to achieve if you work hard for it. I want to show people that you can be yourself and still be a model. I don’t really fit the typical “model stereotype” being a nerd and all, and when I said I was starting to model people never really took me seriously. I want to be a relatable and honest public figure so people can see you can do whatever you want even if you don’t fit the mold.<h3 dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.38;">&nbsp;How do you handle constructive criticism?</h3>I think my mindset plays a huge role in how I handle criticism from others in the industry. I know there is always room for improvement. I seek out constructive criticism from the people I work with because I know there are always things I can improve. I also know they aren’t coming from a place of malice, but rather also wanting to see you improve.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">How important is social media presence to you, and how do you manage it?</h3>Social media presence is relatively important to me. I don’t engage with it as much as I should because I am working or in school most of the time, but I do like to give people an eye into my daily life. I use social media to show people the “real” me outside of my modeling work. It is an effective portfolio and place you can build a community with your audience.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What advice would you give to someone aspiring to enter the modeling industry?</h3>The number one thing I tell people when they mention getting into the modeling industry is to make sure you have thick skin. The product you’re selling is yourself so you tend to receive a lot of criticism. You need to make sure you understand not to take it to heart and that rejection does not mean you failed or are less than. If you don’t maintain a positive mindset, it can be difficult for you to move forward in the industry.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What impact do you want to make on the fashion industry and the world through your work?</h3>I want to inspire more people to join the modeling industry. Through showing my authentic self online, I want to help break some of the stereotypes surrounding the industry.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What’s a movie or TV show that you can watch over and over again?</h3>There are a few movies that I can watch over and over again. When I was young, I would watch either The Croods or Emperors New Groove every single night before bed. I could probably recite every line of those movies. White Chicks is also one of my favorite movies so I could watch that on repeat too.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">If you had to live in a fictional universe, which one would you pick and why?</h3>I would choose to live in the universe of the anime &quot;That Time I got Reincarnated as a Slime.&quot; I would pick this because it is one of my favorite animes due to its lightheartedness. It would be awesome to have special abilities and interact with the interesting characters.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">Is it acceptable to put ketchup on a steak?</h3>No. The simple answer is no. Your steak should be seasoned good enough to not have to use any sauce at all. If you put ketchup on a steak I will probably judge you.

VODA personality interview with Caylen Johnson

10 Questions with Caylen Johnson

VODA presents Sophia Bajinya from the Democratic Republic of Congo. She immigrated to the United States in 2015 and found the opportunity to pursue an education. Her modeling career began at 16&nbsp;when her face became the cover for MALVIE magazine.&nbsp;<h3>Tell us a little about yourself. What key experiences have shaped who you are today?</h3>My name is Sophia Bajinya, and I was born in a country that has known war more than peace. Growing up, I was a refugee in my own homeland. As a child, my days were often spent causing mischief in the village and sneaking into neighbors&#39; mango trees. Coming to America was a turning point in my life. I was placed in the 5th grade, even though I had never attended school before. It was my first experience with formal education, and everything was brand new to me. Living in the U.S. has given me the chance to go to school, sleep peacefully without the sound of bombs or gunfire, and enjoy a sense of safety that I once thought impossible. These experiences have taught me to be grateful for everything, big or small. Though, most importantly, they’ve instilled in me a deep sense of humility. I’ve learned never to look down on anyone because life is unpredictable, and you never know what tomorrow holds.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 6pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 6pt;">How do you define beauty and confidence in your life? How do these concepts influence your daily decisions?</h3>To me, beauty is about embracing your individuality and celebrating the unique qualities in others. It shines through authenticity and self-acceptance. Confidence comes from understanding and valuing your worth, independent of external opinions or societal standards. It’s an inner strength that radiates outward, inspiring how you carry yourself and interact with the world.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 6pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 6pt;">What role does fashion and style play in your self-expression? How do you use it to communicate your personality? </h3>Fashion and style are essential tools for self-expression, allowing me to showcase my personality, heritage, creativity, and confidence without saying a word. One way I use fashion to communicate my personality is through my big Afro, whether it’s my natural hair or Afro wigs. I began embracing this look during middle school when I was bullied and my friend expressed her frustration about her hair not being straight. Wearing my Afro became a powerful statement of pride in my roots and a way to encourage self-love.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 6pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 6pt;">In what ways do you hope to inspire others through your personal journey?</h3>I hope to inspire others through my personal journey and remind them that with God, everything is possible. Never give up, even when the road feels tough. It’s also okay to not be okay sometimes. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We all deserve support, and no one has to face their struggles alone.<h3>Who are your biggest inspirations in the modeling industry and why?</h3>Adut Akech,&nbsp;because her story is similar to mine. She’s also a hard working model, humble and amazing model. <h3>What do you enjoy most about being a model?</h3>What I enjoy most about being a model is the opportunity to meet creative designers, photographers, and talented models. It’s inspiring to collaborate with such diverse and skilled individuals. I also love the chance to be myself while stepping out of my comfort zone—whether it’s trying new makeup looks, experimenting with different styles, or embracing new challenges on set. It allows me to grow and discover new aspects of my creativity.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What advice would you give to someone aspiring to enter the modeling industry?</h3>My advice to anyone aspiring to enter the modeling industry is to avoid comparing yourself to other models. Focus on competing with yourself and your own progress. Rejection is a part of the journey—it’s not the end of the world. In this industry, setbacks happen, but they don’t define you. Don’t take it personally. Keep applying, stay persistent, and continue building your portfolio. Every experience is a step toward growth and success.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What impact do you want to make on the fashion industry and the world through your work?</h3>I want to show that it&#39;s possible to rise from nothing to something, no matter where you start. I also want to prove that being 5&#39;2&quot; doesn’t limit your potential in the modeling world. You can be a supermodel at any height. My goal is to inspire others to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face.<h3>If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?</h3>It would be Tanzania because I wouldn&#39;t have to struggle with speaking English. Honestly, English can be tricky—it comes and goes whenever it wants! But with Swahili being my first language, it would feel natural. Also, the people there are amazing and the food is good too.<h3>What’s a movie or TV show that you can watch over and over again without getting tired of it?</h3>Black Panther is a movie I can watch over and over again without getting tired of it. It’s not just an amazing film; it also had a personal impact on me. It was a movie that made kids stop bullying me for being African. Seeing my culture celebrated on such a big stage was empowering and gave me a sense of pride.<h3 dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #0d0d0d; text-decoration: none; line-height: 1.38;">If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be and why?</h3>Strength, so I can just finish the war in Congo.

10 Questions with Sophia Bajinya

<a target="_blank" href="https://music.apple.com/us/artist/christian-burghardt/429061977">Apple Music</a>&nbsp;//&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4URKy8206uCYX8MKlZtrLe">Spotify</a>&nbsp;// Pandora “Hookups, Hangovers, &amp; Heartbreak” was created from a whirlwind of life changes and relationships, and all the different versions of myself I experienced through the course of the last 2 years. Christian’s involvement in the creative process of his music sets him apart from many other musicians. He writes, produces, and engineers most of his material, drawing from a lifetime of experimentation. In 2023, Christian signed with Lemarco Entertainment, marking a significant milestone in his career. With this new chapter in his musical journey, the future is bright for this rising star, and his unique sound can be heard in this latest album release “Hookups, Hangovers, &amp; Heartbreak”.This is the first time I’ve released this many songs on my own. I wrote, recorded, and produced nearly all of the content myself. It feels very honest to me, especially the sad songs. They helped me get through some tough breakups and allowed me to compartmentalize my pain”- Christian Burghardt <div> </div>

Christian Burghardt Announces “Hookups, Hangovers,...

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CHRISTIAN BURGHARDT’S “HOOKUPS, HANGOVERS, & HEARTBREAK” ALBUM RELEASE MAY 26TH

VODA proudly welcomes Honoka Tsuji, a kickboxing star from Japan who is now entering the world of acting. With her powerful presence in the ring and passion for new challenges, Honoka is set to make her mark in both sports and entertainment.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">How do you define beauty and confidence in your life?</h3>I find beauty in a smile. There’s something powerful about it—its ability to bring happiness regardless of the circumstances. A smile isn&#39;t tied to how things are going in the moment, which makes it so beautiful to me. As for confidence, having experience builds my confidence in myself. Every failure and success has been a lesson, slowly building my confidence. Through that cycle of trying, failing, and growing, I’ve truly learned what it means to be confident.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What values do you hold most dear in your personal and professional life?&nbsp;</h3>I value hard work because you cannot get what you want for free. Of course, just because you work hard doesn&#39;t mean you will always succeed, but I believe my efforts are never wasted. Each step contributes to the experience that ultimately leads to success.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">In what ways do you hope to inspire others through your journey?&nbsp;</h3>I want to encourage people to have courage and strong will. As a kickboxer, I need the guts to endure rigorous training and the determination to overcome anxiety and pressure. Now that I’m part of VODA and pursuing acting, I’m taking on new challenges, and I hope my journey can inspire others and move hearts.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?</h3>Whenever I fail at something, my father always tells me that it’s important to have my ideas and to challenge myself. No one can hand you the solution—you have to think hard, take action, and grow from the experience.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">How do you see social media impacting the modeling industry today?</h3>I get excited when I wear new clothes, and in the same way, I think social media creates excitement by diversifying trends and giving people something to look forward to.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What do you think makes someone truly photogenic?</h3>Confidence. Your emotions are reflected in your expressions and actions. If you’re insecure, it shows. But if you’re confident, you can present your fullest self.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">How important is social media presence to you, and how do you manage it?</h3>Social media is crucial to my career development. Whether it’s in kickboxing or working with VODA, name recognition is key. No matter how skilled you are, it can be wasted potential if people don’t know you. Social media helps me increase visibility and expand my opportunities.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What’s your favorite guilty pleasure snack?</h3><div>I love cake. It’s my dream to eat an entire cake! However, I feel a lot of guilt after indulging, so I save it as a reward for accomplishing something significant.</div><div> </div><h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">Should you always tell the truth, or are there times when lying is acceptable?</h3><div>As a matter of Japanese courtesy, there are times when it is acceptable to lie to show consideration for the other person.&nbsp;This is when you know that telling the truth will make the other person uncomfortable and that lying will not cause too much trouble. For example, when you say that the food prepared for you tastes good even if it doesn&#39;t, or when you tell someone running late that you just got there.&nbsp;</div><h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies that might surprise people?</h3><div>I have a hidden talent for drawing. I enjoy sketching what I see around me, and I can also bring to life scenes from my imagination.</div>

10 Questions with Honoka Tsujii

VODA present Aliyah De Novo. She is an inspiring model and she is also passionate about her work in healthcare. 
<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">Tell us a little about yourself. What key experiences have shaped who you are today?</h3>I’ve been working in healthcare since I was 16. My mom was a nurse her whole life and sometimes took me to work with her, and so I grew up hanging out with residents. She really inspired me to go into healthcare since I learned the importance of empathy seeing a lot of people at their worst.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What values do you hold most dear in both your personal and professional life?&nbsp;</h3>Integrity, respect, gratitude, resilience, and innovation.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What are your long-term goals and aspirations in life?</h3>I would be living my dream to have a house in France and a condo in Thailand. I love to travel and completely immerse myself in different cultures. On the modeling side, I also want to make my mark as a plus sized model in the industry.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">Who are your biggest inspirations in the modeling industry and why?</h3>Right now my biggest inspiration is Precious Lee. She is bold and sexy, and committed to diversity in the fashion industry.<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">How do you handle constructive criticism?</h3>I take it with gratitude because a lot of people will let you fall on your face. It’s always about how you take it and how you use it to your advantage.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">Can you discuss the importance of networking in your career?</h3>Networking allows you to meet people from all types of backgrounds. It opens doors for you into potential friends and career opportunities. Which is important to me because I don’t want to be stagnant in life and I’m focused on my growth.<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"></h2><h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?</h3>I would go to Japan. It’s always been my favorite place to visit and there’s a couple of cities I haven’t even explored yet! I&#39;m in love with the fashion, the food, and have I mentioned their public transportation?<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">What’s your stance on the great toilet paper debate: over or under?</h3>OVER. Okay. Y’all that say under…um, who raised you?&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">Do you think technology is making us more connected or more isolated?</h3>It depends on your worldview. I didn’t like social media growing up, but now I see it as a tool for keeping in touch. Otherwise you really get forgotten because everyone’s so busy hustling.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38;">Is it better to be a morning person or a night owl?</h3>I used to be a night owl because I found a lot of peace when everyone’s asleep. But it’s better to be a morning person because you create so much time in your day. I wake up at 6 AM, get all my tasks done, and then I make plans to have fun and enjoy the rest of my day.&nbsp;