Leyi Zhou’s story isn’t your typical rags-to-riches tale. It’s a narrative of grit, cultural adaptation, and finding one’s place in the dizzying world of social media and modeling. We caught up with Leyi to chat about her journey, her dreams, and what keeps her going.
Leyi, thanks for sitting down with us. Let’s start at the beginning. What was it like coming to the States as a teenager?
To be honest, it was a rollercoaster. I landed here in 2014, fresh-faced and clueless at 16. High school was… well, let’s just say it wasn’t like the movies. I dealt with everything from “what did you say?” moments to “why are you looking at me like that?” situations. It got pretty rough, so I ended up ditching high school for community college in 2015.
Wow, that’s a big move. How did you end up in modeling from there?
[Laughs] It’s kind of a funny story. Picture this: I’m out shopping with a friend in San Francisco, minding my own business, when this hair salon owner comes up and asks if I want to model. I was like, “Me? Seriously?” I didn’t take the gig then, but it got me thinking, you know?
So that’s what sparked your interest in modeling?
Yeah, it planted the seed. When I was looking at universities, I thought, “Hey, why not go to LA?” That’s how I ended up at Cal Poly Pomona. I figured being close to the action couldn’t hurt.
Smart move. When did you actually start modeling?
I took the plunge in August 2021. Started with whatever I could get – background acting, free photoshoots, you name it. My first paid gig? That was in June 2022. Felt like I’d finally hit the lottery!
And now you’re an influencer too, right?
Yep, jumped into that pool in November 2023. It’s been a wild ride, but I’m loving every minute of it.
You’re not just about the glam life though. What else are you up to?
[Grins] Well, don’t tell anyone, but I’m secretly a nerd. I’m studying electrical engineering part-time. And I’ve got this blog where I talk about mental health, fighting racism, women’s rights – you know, the heavy stuff.
That’s quite a mix. How do you juggle it all?
Coffee. Lots of coffee. [Laughs] No, seriously, it’s all about time management and passion. When you love what you do, you find a way to make it work.
I hear you’re quite the linguist too.
[Shrugs modestly] I get by. English and Mandarin are my go-to’s, I can understand Cantonese, and I’m working on my Spanish. It comes in handy more often than you’d think!
What’s your end game with all of this?
You know, at first it was all about the fame and the money. But now? I want to make a difference. Use this platform to shine a light on issues that matter, you know?
Any words of wisdom for others starting out?
Don’t give up. Seriously. There were times I wanted to throw in the towel, but I’m glad I didn’t. Everyone’s got something unique to offer – figure out what yours is and run with it.
So, what’s next for Leyi Zhou?
[Smiles] Sky’s the limit! I’m open to opportunities all over the U.S. Keep an eye on my Instagram and Facebook – that’s where all the updates happen. Oh, and I’ll be hitting the books too, of course.
Leyi Zhou’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence. From navigating the choppy waters of being a first-generation immigrant to carving out a space in the competitive world of modeling and social media, she’s shown that with a bit of grit and a lot of heart, anything’s possible.
Her story isn’t just about personal triumph; it’s about finding your voice and using it to make a difference. As she continues to balance her modeling career, influencer work, and studies, Leyi remains committed to using her platform for positive change.
Want to keep up with Leyi’s adventures? Check her out on Instagram (@yes_lz0625), Casting Networks, or Facebook. As she steps into the next chapter of her career, Leyi Zhou stands as a shining example of turning life’s lemons into a pretty sweet lemonade.
In a world of picture-perfect posts and carefully curated feeds, Leyi’s candor about her struggles and her commitment to addressing real issues is a breath of fresh air. Her story reminds us that behind every glossy photo, there’s often a tale of grit, growth, and good old-fashioned hustle.