Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Le
Hi Karina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up believing I had to choose one career, one dream. It was being a model, actor, or a career in health care. I have many entries in my diary asking myself, “Are we an actor yet”. I liked to ask my future self questions where I wondered if certain things came true. I always enjoyed the camera, either being in front of it or behind it. In high school I took a Media Tech class for two years. I enjoyed every aspect of the cameras as I filmed sports, skits, interviews, news shows, and more. I also enjoyed editing and publishing my works. As that was a hobby, I also enjoyed fashion and being what the camera can capture. I was told I could not pursue these jobs and secure an educated job. In high school, I never saw myself going to college as I had a very negative mindset. I was told no to a lot of careers I wanted to pursue leading me to think to go straight into the workforce after graduation. A teacher of mine at my High School influenced me to treat myself with more respect and think highly of myself. I was reminded of my self-worth regardless of what others thought. I was nominated to participate in my first pageant held by my school called, Miss Stratford. Who knew this sparked my desire for more. I then competed in another pageant held by my school called Miss Excalibur. I did not stop there. After High School graduation I started to study Nursing and look into modeling. I decided that I was going to do both. I competed in two more pageants, Miss Vietnam of the Carolinas and Miss Bikini United States. I now hold the title of the first Miss Bikini Charleston Model 2024. I am proud to show the diversity as an Asian American representing Charleston, South Carolina. Pageants have opened doors for me for the modeling industry.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have always been indecisive on my career because I had so many interests. I have not always received support in my decisions, receiving a lot of criticism from my family. The criticism motivates me to prove that my interests are not foolish. I love the idea of a normal life, with a normal job as a nurse in a quiet town but I also love the idea of becoming a model. Both roads have struggles. Financially, it is hard to study at a University which has led me to switch to a community college for a more affordable education. Also, being 5’3” in the modeling industry is under the standard requirement. That being known, it takes more work to become successful under those certain circumstances. I may have not won any of the past pageants I have participated in but placing in them proves the potential that can be grown. Switching to a community college may be lonely but I am still receiving the education I need. My journey for both roads is a building story where I am expected to meet more struggles but also success.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a college student and model. I advocated for self-confidence as someone who struggled with severe acne for years. As a model, I would like to set a different standard. I believe you do not have to be tall or have perfect features. A model is someone you should look up and someone you could relate to. Being perfectly put together and tall is not relatable. I am most proud of who I have become, someone real. Someone who wants others to accept themselves as who they are by sharing who I am, a person with flaws but yet is achieving their dreams regardless.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I have many hobbies and interests like becoming a chef, baker, barista, model, nurse, videographer, designer, etc. I was never able to pick one, and I don’t think you should pick one for the rest of your life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karinaa.le/?hl=en
Image Credits
Rook Barber
Sophia Park
J. Peyton
