Meet Anja Meyer | Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anja Meyer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anja, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think taking risks is important for growth and success. I found myself moving all alone several times across countries, with moves from Berlin to Vancouver, Sydney, Singapore, and then Toronto with no guarantees of work and not knowing anyone starting all over each time. Taking too many risks is generally not my style, though I always make sure it is a manageable risk. That means, for example, I always had some emergency savings just in case!

If you always play it safe, then often times you will not be able to grow outside of your comfort zone. I used to work in a regular part-time office job and took the risk to resign in order to fully focus on my modelling career. In February 2016, I had a lovely last shift, with wonderful memories and life lessons remaining forever. The so-called “back-up plan” gave me peace of mind and financial stability. It was time for a new chapter in my life: give all in one area instead of doing everything half, like always before. Will Smith once said, “There’s no reason to have a Plan B because it distracts from Plan A.” It was a scary decision to take, but you just gotta trust the process.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been a model for more than 15 years now. I was fortunate to have worked on four continents with prestigious brands like Singapore Airlines, HP (Hewlett-Packard), and many more. I did not think this was a business, just a hobby that I enjoyed and would undertake in my spare time. Little did I know then that I would be travelling the world doing what I love doing. I am still a working model, but because of the way the industry has changed during the pandemic, I put most of my energy and focus into hosting for the social media platform Bigo Live. Similar like my own TV show, I get creative hosting various broadcasts, talk shows, virtual fashion shows, live drawings, etc. With countless hours and effort, I was able to grow my income and success on the platform. I placed in multiple competitions, winning medals and prizes, including the Annual Bigo Awards Gala and Mid-Year Gala Awards. In July 2022, I was flown to the US and awarded “Top1 Broadcaster – Champion of North America” in Paramount Pictures in Hollywood for the BIGO Awards Gala 2022. It was such an exciting and unforgettable milestone: I received prize money, paid flights, accommodation, and a trophy.

I’m a model at heart; it’s what I love to do. I believe that when you enjoy what you are doing, success will follow. It’s crucial to invest in yourself to get the knowledge you need to find your unique factor. When you find it, focus on it, and persevere, your success can blossom. As a host, I think what I attribute most of my success to is wanting to keep pushing forward and wanting to learn everything I can about the platform and utilize those tools. Building my brand as a broadcaster is also pushing me to explore new ideas and become more creative.

One of the most important lessons I learned along the way was that teamwork is everything. Alone, you can only be successful to a certain level, or even, at times, you are literally nothing. Author Porter Gale said that your network is your net worth, and I fully embrace this quote. Your ability to build a network of authentic personal and professional relationships is the most important asset. It includes building strong relationships with my team and fans and also collaborating. It has been a learning curve for me to interact with everyone. It’s all about surrounding yourself with the right people that you vibe with and can trust, and climbing together. I am determined and more motivated to be the best I possibly can be while being in the right community.

As I get older and more mature, the importance of becoming financially stable is more significant now than in my twenties, when I was purely living the moment for joy. Therefore, I work very hard on Bigo, even though it feels tedious at times, but the flexibility is a true blessing. I have the freedom to stream from anywhere and can make my own schedule for the most part. It is also financially rewarding and more stable, but it still allows a lot more flexibility to make time for modelling shoots and castings compared to working a 9-to-5 career. I am a model, host, and mentor. I also support and teach other hosts on the platform. I like to pass on my years of experience and share tips and knowledge with other creators. You can find a contact link to submit questions on my website, and I will guide you on how to become a paid broadcaster. Long-term, I can also see myself growing more into a business owner by creating my own brand and company, but time will tell when that moment feels right.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I visited Los Angeles a few times and found a few places I’d definitely recommend. I would take my friends for a walk around the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Trader Joe’s has such a vibe and feels like an experience, not just a grocery store: interesting selections of private label products, more environmentally friendly packaging, and pretty designed shopping tote bags.

LA is known for hiking, and it is something that I personally enjoy very much. With so many trails and places to go, for sure I would explore Runyon Canyon and do the hike to the iconic Hollywood Sign.

A few beach days are a must too, like Manhattan or Malibu Beach. Venice Beach is a must-see; it’s filled with entertainment from the famous Muscle Beach, Venice Ball, or Venice Skate Park. It’s nice to walk all the way to Santa Monica Pier and enjoy a nice seafood meal at Bubba Gump.

The glitz and glamour of the Los Angeles area can’t be missed on Rodeo Drive; lavish window displays and luxury cars are a show on their own.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Throughout my life, I have had some mentors as well as people who have motivated and inspired me. I’d also like to thank my family and friends for always being supportive. To all the people I’ve met travelling, working, and sharing our adventures: Especially a big shout out to all the crew on set, because the audience doesn’t feel or see the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. Thank you to everyone who supports my channel and has been watching my broadcasts. It means the world to me. Love you all, and you guys fill my heart with joy.

Website: https://www.anjameyers.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anjameyers/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anjameyerspage/

Image Credits
– First main photo: Jules Oille – Fashion ecommerce photo: Jules Oille – Siemens screenshot of video commercial: AASIA Productions – Razer Gaming screenshot of video commercial: Starburst Productions – Temple Athletic Co. behind the scenes photo: Dave Lucchese/Modern Man Prod. – DR HO’s Photo: Tony Law – Bigo Awards photo: Bigo – Lumi Property photo: Jimmy Ennett/Crux Media – Lanternclub Roselands billboard photo: Exquisite Model Management