How I Met Elizabeth Tran & Became a "Model"

When I was 16-17 years old in high school, I had a tumblr at that time. I remembered I was scrolling down my dashboard and saw this really pretty model name Elizabeth Tran. I didn’t know who she was exactly until later I found out she is an import model!

When I was a senior in high school, my boyfriend, Chris told me that he followed her on Instagram and she commented on one of his pics saying “so much cuteness in one photo” (something like that) and YES I FANGIRLED BECAUSE SHE NOTICED US. HAHA OK. We had a little conversation and told us to come to Spocom Anaheim on May 2013. During that time, we did not have the money to go so I remembered telling her I will go at another time. Exactly a year from that date, on May 2014, I purchased my tickets to go to Spocom Anaheim to see Elizabeth Tran. YES IT IS WORTH TO PAY $20 PLUS $15 PARKING TO SEE HER. I’ve been waiting all year to go because I really want to meet her and get to know her. And yes I dragged my boyfriend to come along too hehehe.

Once I arrived at the place, it was still early until it was around 5pm, she finally came!

I went to the model booth and introduced myself and she REMEMBERED me. I was definitely fangirling inside of course hahaha. We took many selfies and had personal conversations together. Honestly, Elizabeth is a nice, kind hearted person and she is naturally beautiful. No plastic surgery whatsoever! Not only she models, but also goes to school and pursue her career. 

After that day, I felt like she is my inspiration and gives me hope of doing photo shoots. I believed you don’t need to have breast implants or “try hard” to be sexy/hot in pictures. Just be you and be confident of yourself!

I remembered I had second thoughts of doing of photo shoots because I have a scar on my chest from heart surgery, but then I believe I should just embrace it and follow my dreams.

I started my first shoot around July 2014 with Gilbert Chen (@girlsbutt). I had no experience and I didn't know what to do exactly so I asked him if he can teach me how to pose and/or show me better posture. It took awhile for me to get the hang of it but I eventually got it.

As time progresses, I started to work with multiple photographers such as Patrick Pugeda, Scott Hayashi, Leo Trajano, Ples Robertson, Dan Nakon & my friend Ryan Phung. I believed I got better at it when I worked with variety photographers. I mainly did outdoor photo shoots especially during the summer time and when school started because I had more free time.

I am glad that I first worked with Gilbert Chen with his amazing skills; without him, I do not know where to begin and I wouldn't become a “model” as of today.

Timeline of My Photoshoot Pictures

July 2014 +Gilbert Chen 

August 2014 @hayashigallery

September 2014 @thepatrickpugeda

October 2014 +Leo Erro Trajano 

October 2014 @thervynkollective

November 2014 @apokc

November 2014 @dannakon

Life Changing Experience

Let me talk about my life changing experience from high school to college...
When I was in high school I was much chubbier and had no sense of fashion what so ever. 
Yeah, I've dealt with people talking down on me saying I won't be successful...I won't go far in life..point out my flaws... and other nonsense such as slutty/dumb/no friends.
Honestly, I look pass that because I know who I am and I can strive for success/goals. 
It did bother me from time to time because people gossip and it goes around but I wasn't very emotional about it.
Just to fast forward everything, it was my senior year of school and it was time to apply to colleges. I applied to mainly CSUs and I got accepted to CSU Los Angeles, Fresno, San Fran State, Northridge, and San Bernardino. I initially wanted to go to either LA or Northridge but I chose San Bernardino. (long story won't be attention to the public).
Once I graduated High School, I only kept in touch with my closest friends & I still do today. They're very supportive of me and are always there for me whenever I need them.
 As I entered college, I started to go to the gym during my freshman year. I was 140 lbs when i entered college and I dropped down to 125 lbs at the end of my freshman year (and still around 122-125 lbs today). Honestly, I just stopped eating junk food, soda, candy, drank more water... I still eat fatty foods haha but at a minimal. I did not do any "clean" eating.. that's too hard for me to do hahaha. 
I started to dress differently as well rather than just basic outfit when I go out (tshirt, jeans, shorts etc) 
I also felt more confident about myself and start over since it's the beginning of my college career. No one is going to judge because no one cares like high school kids.
Just be yourself and do you.
Also, I interacted with more people in college (since it is kind of diverse here) & made a handful of friends. Honestly, I love them all; they're not judgmental & accept me for who I am. They are not the type of people that would talk shit to other people or backstab them. I believe I met my "true" friends out here and they're always there for me. I've became more outgoing and explored many places with them. 
Thank you for those that made a huge impact in my life <3

Transformation pic below :)

July 2013

October 2014