Mia Kang has achieved success at the highest level and has travelled the world as a successful model working with brands such as GUESS, Max Factor, Vogue, Nike, Sports Illustrated and many more.
Mia has very kindly made some room in her schedule to share some of her story and allow us to learn about what has made her a global success.
Hello Mia, can you remember what first inspired you to get into modelling?
I never aspired to be a model. I actually grew up overweight and very bullied. When I was 13 I was scouted by my dance class teacher – her friend owned a modelling agency and she told me to go in. I went in and a few days later I had already booked my first job. Then that was it! The ship had sailed.
Hopefully your story can inspire others who are going through a similar situation right now, so what would you say is your personal definition of success?
Reaching your potential.
I certainly agree with that. What are some things that you have been proud of in your career so far?
My education is the thing I’m most proud of.
I’m proud of so many things…a couple of highlights are: the first time I was in Vogue, my first GUESS campaign and becoming a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model.
Those are incredible achievements, especially for someone that did not set out to be a model. Is there any advice that you would give to a young person who is thinking of becoming a success in the future?
The difference between people who are good and who are great is how much you want it. If you really want it, it’s all there for you to go and take.
Do you believe in setting goals or just taking each day as it comes?
A combination. Especially in my industry where so much of my success is dependent on other people’s opinion of me, so I never know what will happen tomorrow. I have general macro long-term goals and I have micro short-term goals. Even small day-to-day goals like making it into the gym.
Something I do is I wake up and drink 1 litre of water. It sounds silly but I kick-start the day feeling like I’ve already achieved something.
Do you have anything exciting going on now that you would like to share?
I just launched a fight career! I won my first professional Muay Thai fight.
Congratulations! I hope that is the first of many victories to come for you. Many thanks Mia, and it was a pleasure to hear your perspective on things, and if anyone wanted to hire you or find out more about you, where can they get in contact with you?
Follow Mia on Twitter @missmiakang
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Follow Mia on Facebook @miakangofficial