Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrina Hong.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Katrina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started “Instagram modeling” the summer of 2017. That is when I really started to work with talented photographers not just from Chicago but also from other states and countries visiting Chi. My account @katrina_hong started as a personal account where I would post my car selfies and outfits in front of a mirror. It was a platform I used to showcase my love for fashion. I never really thought people would be interested in it until I noticed the growth in my audience and collaborations within just a year.
A little backstory, I used to take film photography and really enjoyed it. I loved developing the photos on my own and seeing the raw film come to life. No edits. No photoshops. Just raw images of my perspective. I suppose you could say I started behind the lens first. I didn’t know my modeling experience would start then. This all began during my photography class in high school when my friends would use me as their muse for their projects and portfolio building in college later on. I actually didn’t post any of those photos on my Instagram until years later, hence summer of 2017. That is when I started to take this platform more seriously.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road in a creative aspect. I used to be a dancer and would teach kids in a dance studio before. Dance was my passion for a very long time. However, that creative aspect of mine was snatched away from me by reality. The reality of having to juggle work and school was rough. I currently work as a nurse and am back in school full time for my bachelors. There’s always this conflict between managing time for my career and doing things like dance which I love. Dance was something I had to sacrifice for my future. That is when portraiture kicked in. I found modeling to be fairly similar into dance actually. You have to use your body to create certain poses and emotions to be portrayed and captured in photos, much like how dancers use movement to express emotions and feelings through their body. Portraiture became my escape to the hectic day to day life. It was something I was able to do during my free time without any strict commitments. This summer of 2018 is when I started training dance again with this dance group called Daily Center Chicago. It’s a group where they cater to individuality and train you to embrace your own style. Being in that group’s atmosphere and dancing alongside these amazing artists ignited my love for dance. I am actually planning on incorporating dance into my account for my audience to see more of what I do and inspire people to do what they love no matter what the obstacles are in the way.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the @katrina_hong story. Tell us more about the business.
I do modeling, collaborations, and promotions on social media.
I am very grateful to have collaborated with multiple brands such as Adidas women, ZeroUV, Banana Republic Factory, SunglassLA, Leaders1354 x Blackhawks, Lux Mobile, etc. What sets me apart from others is that I choose my collaborations cautiously. The way I see it, what you say and put out to the public to see is a reflection of yourself and your own branding. Instagram is always growing and updating. It’s definitely a very competitive platform but no matter how many times the algorithm changes, I believe that as long as you showcase what you like to do rather than having social media dictate on what you post, people will see your talent and real intention through your craft.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I am very lucky to have been gifted with many new friends through the Instagram platform. I have turned many collaborations into friendships and I am very grateful. These individuals aren’t just labeled as some people I have worked with or became friends with. They are genuine supporters of what I do and that’s the kind of people one needs in their life.
Contact Info:
- Email: katrinahong1219@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katrina_hong/
Image Credit:
Rafael Fernandez (@rafdezzz)
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