Interview with asian model Agnes Liong
Agnes is a 23-year old beauty queen currently living in Mesa, Arizona. I got in touch with her because of her unique look and amazing portfolio.
Do you have a nickname or artist pseudonym? Who came up with it and how?
Empress Evangeline. I like princesses and royalty since I was 5, as it portrays elegance, poise, honesty and bravery.
When and how did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
One of my friend was a photographer and he asked if I could become one of his models; I always wanted to become a model so that was the perfect start. From then on more and more photographers asked me to be their models and I am lucky and blessed to be able to work with various photographers, designers and brands.
What are your goals? Where do you see yourself in five years?
My goal is to become one of the few international petite Asian model to be a positive inspiration to others that everyone is uniquely beautiful just they way they are. Bullied as a child due to my appearance, I never felt I was good enough and I struggled to love myself. Modeling has enable me to be confident in myself and accept me for me. Hence my goal is to become an international model, singer, actress, designer and modeling agency owner, who embraces and encourages inner beauty by accepting everyone regardless of their height or shape.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
My best experiences were getting to know various people, share the same passion with them and evolve that passion into final products (images, videos, commercials, etc.) Although it is a lot of hard work, at the end of the day when I see the final images and people loving our work, I am so happy that I can put a smile on other people’s faces. =) My worst experiences are when someone rejects me. I know not everyone can be liked by everyone, but you should not judge or reject someone based on their appearance. That is why I think part of the modeling industry is one of the reasons of eating disorders and lack of self-confidence, because we are consistently judged by how tall and skinny we are. We are role models for many young girls and so we have the extra responsibility to depict inclusivity and accept everyone who they truly are. 
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
When I was walking down the runway, the light was so bright that I couldn’t see anything. However, I kept walking with confidence and pretended that I knew exactly where I was heading (believe me I was so not!). I almost fell off the stage, when I turned around to walk back, but luckily my sixth sense told me that it was time to turn around. My heart raced so fast during that runway. LOL!
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
Yes, the height restriction. I still get a lot of rejections, because I am not 5’8″? The average population has a height of 5’4″ ish, so why don’t we represent the majority? What purpose does a model serve, when the clothes or brands she wears is only applicable to the minority?
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat?
No sports, lol. But I exercise for 1 hour every morning. I do cardio and hip hop dance. I eat very healthy (I am a pescetarian), so I eat salads, seafood and of course desserts!! =D
Please tell us something most people don’t know about you.
I am part German, Indonesian and Chinese, so I speak 3 languages fluently. When I was 8, I moved from Indonesia to Germany due to the May 1998 Riot War. I learned to become independent from a young age. I didn’t know anyone nor the language, but I never gave up and worked hard to learn the German language fluently in 5 months and also created an after school curriculum for International students. This journey shaped me into the strong woman I am today. =) It helped me to realize the values of hard work and perseverance, because I know that with hard work and positive mind, you can achieve everything! =D
Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise)?
I am truly happy with how God has made me. I believe that He made us the way we are with a good purpose. Although we all have flaws, I think that what makes us unique and memorable! Wouldn’t the world be boring if everyone is picture perfect? (That is what photoshop is for! LOL!)
For more, check out www.agnesliong.com