Daily Inspiration: Meet Chalita Natakuatong

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chalita Natakuatong

Hi Chalita, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started modeling at the age of 14. I had zero knowledge about the modeling industry, and honestly, my naive self was very hesitant and insecure about becoming one. But after signing to my mother agency, Ei Management, located here in Atlanta, I felt a strong drive to bring my best to the table. I was hard at work building my portfolio, practicing my runway walk, and posing in front of the mirror. One day after another, I finally got my first real job. I modeled prom dresses outside of a dress shop in a shopping mall for their grand opening. Although it wasn’t a photo shoot or a typical runway show, standing in those dresses made me feel content.

My passion for modeling really kicked in during those times, and it continues to grow with each passing day. Fast forward more than one year later, I cast for Kim Kardashian’s shapewear line, Skims. It was a huge holiday campaign where they chose eight ladies to share their inspiring stories. I got the call that I was one of them and that I had to get on a flight soon to go to Los Angeles and shoot the campaign. I was extremely overwhelmed with joy, exhilaration, and fulfillment. I learned a lot about myself during that trip, and shooting for Skims was definitely one of the most impactful life experiences I’ll ever have. Today, I’m blessed to say I am continuing down the path of modeling and hope to do so for as long as I can. I’ve signed to agencies around the country, and internationally, as well. I enjoy every aspect of modeling and the fashion industry- the creativity in the clothes you wear, the hair and makeup you put on, the camera work that is done, and of course, all the wonderful and uplifting people you meet. I don’t want to be a model just because of a pretty face, I also want to be a role model because of a pretty heart.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Being in this industry, especially at such a young age, was not the smoothest road. As a freshman in high school, I found it pretty time consuming and stressful to learn to balance both my schoolwork and my career. I had lots of great and supportive friends, but there were also a few peers that were doubtful of me- doubtful that I would ever make it in the industry, and doubtful of my appearance as a model. Words hurt, but I wasn’t going to let it get to my head. Gaining self-confidence was a major challenge in my life that I have worked on for so long and continue to work on. I found it most impactful to surround myself with only the most uplifting and supportive people. The relationships you create throughout your lifetime will affect you in countless ways, so why not build the best relationships possible?

Alongside building these amazing lifelong friendships, I also worked on myself and my mental health. I began to understand myself and my intentions for living life to the fullest. I took into account how dynamic my teenage years would be- I would eventually leave public high school for online school so I could travel full time for work. I was overwhelmed with the thoughts and anticipations of my future, but I learned to plan ahead while living in the moment, for I would regret not living my teenage years later on. Sooner or later, the time came where I began to focus on my career full time in the Big Apple. At only 16-years-old, I said farewell to my hometown friends and left my life back in Georgia for over a month. It was extremely overwhelming, but thankfully, I had a really close friend of mine join me on my adventure through New York City, and we made the most out of every little moment there. Day in and day out, I was going to photoshoots and attending multiple castings a day, all while doing online school work. It started to take a mental toll on me, and I felt as though I were being constrained to make it out of this trip successfully. However, I found it refreshing to just talk to my parents on the phone at the end of the day, grab dinner with my friends and family, or even watch a movie to unwind. I’m glad to have been able to find ways to cope with the stress because it definitely allowed me to power up and maintain my mental health for the time being. Despite the hardships, this trip was life-changing and I’m so grateful to have been able to be there.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a fashion model! I bring clothing, accessories, makeup, and photography visions to life. It is truly one of the most unique and creative art forms, and it is so inspiring to see the number of effort people in this industry put into their work because the end result is always worth it. I love being able to travel to cool places, try on amazing designs, and meet such charismatic people. As a fashion model, I must be on standby 24/7, just in case a client needs me last minute. The endless amounts of castings I attend are beneficial to me whether or not I book the job. It’s all to create future connections to boost my career- the more exposure I get, the better. As far as my personal bookings go, I have worked with many amazing clients and creatives! I do lots of e-commerce and print work- I’ve shot for Skims, Cuvee Beauty, Aeropostale, State the Label (located in Athens, GA), and Belk. My photos have also been published in magazines such as Jejune, Picton, and Elegant. Alongside the various photoshoots I’ve done, I’ve also walked the runway for designers/brands such as Octavius Terry, Tarik Ediz, Mon Cheri, and even had my NYFW debut walking for Tiffany Brown.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising that most people don’t know about me is that I have a love for music! I’ve had training in many different instruments- violin, piano, flute, guitar, ukulele, vocals, and even traditional Thai instruments. I’m always singing at the top of my lungs during car rides (ask anyone). I started learning how to read and write music when I was only 6-years-old, so it’s became like a second language for me. I definitely want to start promoting myself and my hidden skillset more in the future.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.eimodels.com/women/chalita-natakuatong/portfolio/women
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalitanata/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chalita-Natakuatong-1122164361324382

Image Credits:
Lena Melnik. Paras Griffin for Getty Images. Kira Bucca. Jackie Nickerson. Elbert Ivory. Neta Zuk. Amber Gray.