Who:
Abuk Yor — @abukyorr — American/Sudanese from Cairo, Egypt — born June 8th — 180 cm / 5’11” — she/her.
Where:
ONE Management (New York), One Management (London), ONE Management (Los Angeles), ONE Management (Chicago)
— How did you become a model?
My best friend and I decided to go to a music/art festival in Kansas City. I saw a woman with a big Afro and thought she was pretty. My best friend told me to tell the woman that, so I did. Turns out that she and the man she was with were mother agents. They asked for my pics, and I got signed with One Management a month later. A compliment definitely goes a long way!
— What’s one non-physical thing you’d like to change about yourself?
The non-physical trait I would change about myself is being comfortable. This year, I want to put myself out there more. I want to make more friends, go to more outings, travel more, do more hobbies, and try new things. I would like to reach my full potential and enjoy life while doing so!
— Can you tell us about your happiest childhood memory?
I love memories of when my family would go on road trips to visit extended family. I always loved traveling and seeing how other people in different places lived their lives. That motivated me growing up, and I knew that that was something I wanted to do as an adult. I am so grateful that I am a model now and am able to travel to other cities and explore the world the way I wanted to when I was younger.
Who:
Anant Pal — @anantp4l — Indian from Akaltara, Chhattisgarh, India — born January 20th — 191 cm / 6’3″ — he/him.
Where:
Inega (Mumbai – mother agency)
— What’s a story your family/friends like to tell about you?
As a child, I was very curious, and I once touched an open wire, which burned my fingers.
— How did you become a model?
Watching ads of supermodels while walking on the streets of big cities always delighted me. Growing up, I learned that I could turn this childhood excitement into a career, and that’s when I started researching how to become a model.
— Share a bit about your background and upbringing.
My father is a farmer, and I belong to a very humble family. My parents always wanted me to study and get a good, secure job. This is how I was raised as a child.
Who:
Boyan Yanev — @b.ynvv — Bulgarian from Sofia, Bulgaria — born October 23rd — 186 cm / 6’1″ — he/him.
Where:
Ivet Fashion (Sofia – mother agency)
— What is your biggest irrational fear?
Bees. When I was a kid, I was at a picnic with my family and friends and I saw a friend of ours get stung by a bee and have a really serious reaction. At the time I didn’t know that he was allergic, so it was pretty scary to watch, and even though I understand it now, that moment kinda stuck with me, and even now I can’t help being a little irrationally scared of them.
— What’s one non-physical thing you’d like to change about yourself?
I’m working on being less harsh on myself and learn to let thing be. Accepting that not everything has to go perfectly has helped me feel more carefree and confident.
— How did you become a model?
My mom had been telling me that I should try modelling for a while, but I didn’t seem to have enough confidence or faith in myself. Then one night at a friend’s birthday party, I got a sudden boost of confidence and decided to take the leap and go for it, so I emailed my current agency that I had researched beforehand and it all kind of went from there.
Who:
Jingxian Wu — @wujin_gxian — Chinese from Maoming, China — born November 23rd — 174 cm / 5’8.5″ — she/her.
Where:
Lacoco Model Management (Shanghai – mother agency)
— How did you become a model?
Becoming a model was completely unexpected for me. I used to be a sports student—after finishing my college entrance exam, I was discovered by a talent agency and started my modeling career that summer. To me, modeling is a journey full of new experiences and challenges.
— What’s an essential part of your daily routine?
Keeping a diary. I’ve been writing a diary every day to record all the big and small things in my life since the first grade of primary school. Whenever I look back on these memories, they spark my anticipation for the future. It turns out my life has been so colorful and vibrant, which fills me with passion and longing for each new day.
— What are 3 interesting facts about you?
I love all kinds of new things, so I have many hobbies. I’m someone who gladly accepts whatever outcome comes my way—I believe what’s mine is mine, and what’s not isn’t meant for me. I’m always on the go and hope to have things to do every single day of the year.
Who:
Qin He — @qinzi1215 — Chinese from Panzhihua, Sichuan, China — born January 18th — 176 cm / 5’9.5″ — she/her.
Where:
UmoModels (mother agency), a.sset (Seoul)
— What’s a favorite book/movie/TV show, and why do you love it?
My favorite movie is The Shawshank Redemption. I hope to be as resilient as Andy: Stay true to yourself, don’t assimilate, and become someone with the strength to burn all bridges and start anew.
— What’s an essential part of your daily routine?
Delicious food. When I’m happy, I reward myself with good food; when I’m unhappy, I comfort myself with something tasty.
— How did you become a model?
One day, my friend sent me a model recruitment poster and hoped I’d go with her. It opened a new door for me. Obviously, I succeeded.
Who:
Wender Sango — @ws.goncallves — Brazilian from Jequie, Bahia, Brazil — born February 6th — 187 cm / 6’1.5″ — he/him.
Where:
Ella Models (mother agency) – Independent Model Management (Milan), a.sset (Seoul)
— One thing people may be surprised to find out about you:
At first glance, I may seem like a very unsociable person, but when someone comes to talk to me, they realize that I’m very friendly and easy to befriend.
— What is your biggest irrational fear?
Being squeezed by something very heavy.
— Tell us about your hometown.
Jequié, known by some as the “sun city” because it’s very hot year-round, is located in Bahia. Its best aspects are its constant growth and change; the downside is that crime is very high, even with extensive police patrols.