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

Hi Lydia, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
From a young age, I fell in love with different mediums of storytelling. From theater productions to written works, from films to photos, I wanted to do it all. Each having the ability to tell a story from a unique perspective excited and inspired me towards an artistic career. I started out behind the scenes in theater productions where I got to create sets and help manage the stage. The ability for a group of individuals to come together to create a story amazed me. Photography was introduced into my life by my father. Having the world frozen in a picture gave me a sense of wonder. Film was always an interest to me; I would be creating little videos with my friends growing up. Film allows the capturing and creating of memories. There is so much to explore in the creative field.

Because I grew up in multiple countries surrounded by various cultures, I am blessed with a wide perspective of the world and the people living in it. All around me were different stories. I was experiencing, witnessing, and hearing all these stories, however, the majority of them were left untold. This is why I pursued an artistic career, to tell those untold stories to the world. I am passionate about people and their stories, about cultures and influences. I want to spread good news in a world where bad news is more easily accessible.

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.
There is so much more for me to experience and create with different mediums. So many more stories to be told. 2020 was a challenging year, to say the least. I had a rough plan, but of course, like the rest of the world, this rough plan was now nonexistent. Through it all, I was able to focus on specific projects and positions. I got more into filming and photography, gaining more professional experiences and life lessons. I was also blessed to have projects within illustration publishing which was the unexpected twist of my 2020 career-wise. The next couple of months will be exciting for me because more opportunities and projects are available to me. I have a couple of projects in development right now and I have some personal projects that I am excited to execute coming soon.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love taking people on food runs, it is one of the greatest joys of life. Some of my favorite boba spots are ChiCha San Chen and Bopomofo Cafe. For a more traditional tea, I would go to ChiCha San Chen. My go-to order is the High Mountain Pouchong Tea with Mango, no sugar, less ice; depending on my mood, I would go for no boba, boba, or konjac jelly. For a modern taste, I would go to Bopomofo Cafe. My go-to order is the Taro Sweet Milk, no sugar, less ice, with boba. Although the Assam Milk Tea is also really good. As for food, I would be down to go to Poke Republic, Tacos 1986, or Pasta Sisters! If a friend is coming into town, I would try to score some free live audience tickets because, you know, LA! I would take them around to different classic LA spots like the Last Bookstore and the Hollywood sign if they have never been. But exploring different cafes in LA, finding new views, and continuing our food run while catching up with each other is a win.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have an amazing group of people around me who has endlessly supported me throughout my life. My parents have supported me since I was young. I have an interest in a lot of things and they are always there encouraging, guiding, and loving me no matter what I decide to do. I would not be able to do half the things I have accomplished without them. My friends who are close to my heart, are an endless encouragement to me. Having to deal with unfinished and finished projects, they see my process of creation and continually help me achieve more. To all my friends that I have met on my journey of life, each of their stories has given me the push to continue on my craft. There is so much more to be done and I am so thankful to everyone who has given me a chance.

Website: sllydiaho.com

Instagram: instagram.com/lydia.actually/

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/sllydiaho/

Image Credits
Suzann Lee

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