For those of you who didn’t see the pictures and posts, my friend and I were asked to model makeup & wedding dresses a couple months ago in China. “How did you become a Chinese model?!” you may ask… Well, we showed up. Really. It was that simple. Often it is a con (to me) to be white* in China because you get too much attention. For instance, today on the bus a guy and a girl took paparazzi pictures of me for over an hour straight. During that time, I was just sitting there looking like this…

* I say white because that is how I am often described. In actuality, my skin tone is olive- exactly like the majority of Chinese people’s skin. Isn’t it ironic?

It’s flattering for the first month or so, but then you just want some peace. I often want to look like crap on my 5 hour bus rides without it being posted all over Chinese social media….but I digress…

Sometimes it’s a major pro! It’s a pro when your Chinese bestie’s friend wants to make you into a model and all you have to do is show up. When someone else wants to do your hair and make up and make you look like a bridal princess because they think you’re exotic and special, then it’s a pro!The bigger the city in China, the less exotic you are. I live in a small city, though, so I’m often stared at and photographed.

So, if your dreams are to become a Chinese model, move to a smaller city in China and just show up. It’s that easy. They’ll make you a celebrity over night.