Today we’d like to introduce you to Hana Park.
Hi Hana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
For as long as I remember I’ve been told that I could be a model. This comment was almost as redundant as being called Hana Banana throughout my childhood. I did not pay too much attention to this path since I am from an Asian household and these career paths aren’t traditionally seen as viable. I also grew up being a tomboy so I was a late bloomer into the makeup and fashion world. However once I discovered it, I was all in. My first encounter with modeling was through ANTM and this world seemed so beautiful. I tried my hand at modeling during my freshman year at UGA. This was cut short by COVID but with hard work and perseverance, I am here today working towards a dream that I once thought was impossible. I have been with a number of agencies and they all had their separate specialties. I learned from them and found exactly what I wanted to do. Through my current agency, I was able to sign with another agency in NYC and get closer to my dream.
Till this point, I have been creating my own network and creating strong relationships with creatives in Atlanta. Through this partnership, I have been able to produce a portfolio and learn from the various types of shoots I have done. To help me as well as other models I started a passion project to help other models with their modeling journeys. Arch Models was born from my regrets and mistakes. I hope to teach models to work past the rejection and learn about all the ups and downs of the industry that I have experienced. Modeling is my passion and it has brought so many beautiful people into my life. These people are beautiful inside out and I hope that we can all continue to support each other and rise to even higher heights.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has had its ups and downs. Mainly downs since this industry is full of rejection. I had to work to find a niche where I belonged and an image that set me apart. I also had to find an agent that could see my potential and foster growth alongside me. It was the hardest to find a reliable agent, especially in Atlanta, since it is outside of the current fashion hubs. I also had doubts but I quickly learned to change my mindset and become my best supporter. Once I became centered, I was able to deflect negativity and chase my goals. It was hard to hear criticism at first but I learned to grow from it and not be disheartened. Through my journey of modeling, I also had to learn to take care of myself and value self-care. I learned to have self-confidence and be independent. You are your worst critic and your best supporter. You just need to find the balance.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a fashion model based in Atlanta and New York. I specialize in dynamic posing and I pride myself in being able to help newer models learn different poses to strengthen their posing are arsenals. I believe that my intuition sets me apart. I can adjust and improve models and I had the opportunity to teach younger models during my time at UGA. I am known for my open nature and willingness to learn. I am always learning and growing and I love being able to absorb other model’s wisdom and know-how’s.
Arch Models has been a fun project for me to produce shoots for newer models and creatives in Atlanta. Through this partnership, many models have been able to grow and branch out into the vast creative space Atlanta has to offer. A model needs a brand and I work to help guide them to find their own unique image in this harsh industry.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
The best thing about Atlanta is the community and food. There are so many different cultures in this city. You can turn a corner and be transported into a completely different zone. The energy will shift and even the smells will change. The bustling hubs within as well as around Atlanta make it feel like home. You can find a wide range of foods that feed my food-loving soul. Atlanta is home to delicious Asian food, and a few of my favorites at the moment are Kisoya, Dan Moo Ji, and LanZhou Ramen. The downside of Atlanta is the traffic. The roads will always be full and you will always need to plan ahead for this dreaded downside or you will be late. Traffic is there all throughout the day and all throughout the city. Any and every part will have some slow down, especially when you are trying to get to Hartsfield. The airport has an extension of traffic within its walls. There are an enormous amount of people at the airport and there will always be a lengthy wait for your flight.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Rachael Humphries Sabrina Costley Savannah Rose Zoa Mackenzie Tyra Clark
