Today we’d like to introduce you to Cherry Gong.
Hi Cherry, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hello, my name is Cherry. I was born in Shenzhen, China, but came to the US when I was six years old. I always grew up feeling out of place as an Asian American. I felt insecure about my “Asian” small eyes and my features in general. As a child, I participated in ballet, piano, and violin. I never truly felt confident until I got scouted by a photographer for modeling. I never thought modeling or fashion would be a part of my life as much as it is now. I was a tomboy growing up, always playing rough with the boys and dressing in shorts and a t-shirt. I have since been in many magazines, such as British and Italy Vogue and I’m currently signed with SALT Model in Atlanta. I have found success in school at the University of Georgia not only for modeling but also career-wise as well. I am in the school modeling agency and participate in various runways and photoshoots. In addition, I recently accepted an internship offer from Deloitte.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have definitely been some obstacles that I had to overcome. As a typical immigrant family, we had to adjust to American culture and traditions. Learning the language was difficult as well as fitting in with my peers. However, I have come to love this country and the friends that I have made here. My path in modeling was not smooth sailing at all. I battled an eating disorder in an effort to fit with the beauty standards of high fashion modeling. Because I also faced adversity in family matters, I wanted to have an escape. I focused all my energy, doing as many photoshoots and runways as possible. It was only recently had I learned that calories and weight weren’t the only things that mattered. Instead, loving yourself was.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an inspiring model and full-time student. I once traveled to New York and saw many big agencies. I was devastated when I never heard back from any of them due to the strict height requirements. However, I have learned and treated it as a valuable and fun experience. Ever since my junior year of high school, I have worked at an IT sourcing consulting firm in Atlanta. The experience of working in corporate at such a young age inspired me to become a finance and international business major at UGA. What I am most proud of is getting to where I am today. Even though there were many setbacks, I believe I am satisfied with myself as a person and my path to the future I desired.
Any big plans?
I plan on graduating at UGA soon- maybe earlier than expected. My hope is to study abroad in Europe during my last semesters and enjoy college as much as I can after the pandemic is over. I hope to maintain modeling as a hobby and traveling for work as a consultant. My goal is to focus more on myself and the people I care about, perhaps discovering a new hobby and new destinations along the way.
Contact Info:
- Email: xcherry4869@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xcherry4869/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xcherry4869/
Image Credits
@jmaxwell.creative @cmillsappphotography @stephanielopez.co @simonsaltphoto
