Meet Shian Long: Fashion Model

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

Hi Shian, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I think it’s safe to say that we have all had the question of whether we should keep doing what we’re pursuing or if we should give up. To me an important indicator of the answer to that is how does doing what you’re doing make you feel? If you feel empowered and truly love what you are doing but you are having doubts whether it be from not having enough financial gain, not enough bookings, or not having a large following. Those things are apart of the process of really going after what you want in life. It’s in all of our best interest to go after that lingering thought that has been in your head and that feeling that has been in your heart. If it sparks true joy that’s how you know to keep going. Giving up should only be an option when you’ve been working at whatever it is for so long and you’ve exhausted all of your options that you no longer find joy in doing whatever it is. Only give up on something if you are sure that it isn’t contributing to the growth of you.

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.
Before I became a model I have always viewed myself as artwork. I feel like that alone sets myself apart from others, as many people still view models as being boring or just plain looking. In these ever so changing times I see the beauty in myself and my look, I think of myself as a painting that with each modeling gig I’m being captured with new, beautiful and exciting painting frames. I look at myself as a creative simply because I do love to create things that will move people or even inspire them to be a better them. That is apart of the excitement of working with new and different people, seeing what energy I can help them channel through their photography. I was most excited to see all of the published work I was in during 2020, so I am even more hopeful and optimistic about all the new accomplishments that are in store for me this year. I got into modeling thru a friend of mine Mariah, also known as Kaij. We were still in college at the time and she had a fashion design class that she needed models for and she reached out to me, my first response when she asked me to be apart of her assignment was “YES”, I instantly agreed. All I could remember were the times of me being four years old giving runway shows to my family or even being in grade school telling all my peers that I was going to become a Victoria’s Secret model. That was in 2018 and since then I’ve had my ups and downs with inconsistencies of applying myself to be the best super model I’ve always had in mind, and it hasn’t been easy but anything worth it isn’t easy and anything easy isn’t worth it. I want the world to know that you can truly do anything you put your mind to, as long as you believe that you can.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Growing up in LA, is used to go to the Grove practically every weekend to go get crepes and shop at TopShop so that would be spot number one. I would then take them down the street to this delicious spot called Vegan Glory, they legit have thee best vegan pad thai that I’ve ever had! The beaches are a must as well, Will Rodgers beach in Palisades has a nice view of the coast and is a great beach to sit and watch the sunset behind the Malibu hills in the distance. The next day I would take them to this vegan joint called Doomie’s Home Cookin’, their “Mighty Cristo” and bacon, egg, and cheese english muffin are so yummy and perfect to start the day off with. We would then go to the Museum of Illusions to take cool pics and have some fun. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to start by giving a shoutout to the Creator of all things for allowing me to have an able body, mind and soul. Next, with great honor I want to shoutout Mariah Jackson who has been such a helping hand in my career, because of her I have found the confidence to become a model and she never hesitates to mention me in a room full of opportunities. I want to give a shoutout to all the great and talented photographers, makeup artists and stylists that I’ve worked with. Last but not least, a huge shoutout to my family, for their constant and continuous love and support with everything that I do but especially with this life long goal that I am pursing.

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shian.long/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=OJ3K5oqjgoVPpWS1Fl737g

Image Credits
Ke Han, Kristina Lisa, Jenna Mchele, Tony Adams