Today we’d like to introduce you to Shi Honey.
Hi Shi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I would say, I was born into a world of art. I grew up in a small town in Northern California surrounded by plenty of nature and in that, there is art. I first learned how to really draw when I was 5 years old. Around the same time, my older sister had one of those plastic film cameras and wanted to try it out. Taking photos was something we would do often and I don’t ever remember being shy in front of the lens. I spent a lot of my childhood drawing, painting, sculpting, and doing random crafts. The arts have always been a part of me even with balancing life as an athlete.
I went to a charter high school, Inspire School of Arts and Sciences, and was able to further improve on my natural talents & experience new interests. In my photography class, I realized that I enjoyed modeling and post-production more than capturing photos. Once I got into college in 2017, I focused on my potential career path, majoring in Kinesiology, and had my plate full with academics, a part-time job, and soccer and track. Nevertheless, that artist side of me needed to be fulfilled and I needed some extra cash.
My sister referred me to some local photographers she worked with and I started reaching out to some on my own once I turned 18. Since then I’ve done an array of styles in freelance modeling including fine art nudes, creative portraits, glamour, and boudoir in studios and outdoors. I just moved to Houston in August seeking a new environment and new experiences that I may not see in Cali. Currently, I am going with the flow of things, hoping to create with other individuals as opportunities arise and seeing where my talents can take me in the city.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been anything but a smooth road and I am always reaching towards my next level. Being a nude model comes with never-ending controversy on nudity, battle of the sexes, sexual harassment, and people often not viewing you as a professional. Recently, moving out to Houston for a change in scenery was me grabbing the bull by its horns and hoping I wouldn’t fall but I definitely did a number of times.
Finding a place of my own was the biggest hurdle. I could have easily gone back home to California where I know I have people and support all over. My intuition kept telling me to not give up because I didn’t drive all this way just to turn around. I spent 3 months staying in an Airbnb and then hotels with just myself and my dog, so money has been very tight. Still, I continue to stand firm for my individuality and whatever passions I want to pursue in this lifetime.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I offer modeling services for commercial, video production, and figure studies. I specialize in creative modeling and fine nude art. I am starting to get back into my painting and I will be able to offer acrylic and watercolor pieces, specializing in realism and expressionism.
My ability to not let the opinions of others depict my arts or stop me from authentically expressing myself through my modeling, visual art and even poetry is something I’m most proud of. I have always been set apart from others because I was never afraid to hide any creative part of me that others judged and will speak my mind when necessary.
To me, I am a jack of all trades and avant-garde; an individual who is experimental and pushes the boundaries of what is accepted as the norm.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice for those starting out is to figure out your ‘why”. Why do you want this? What are you doing it for? and What are you hoping to get out of it? You can take constructive criticism without taking it personally and use blatant criticism to fuel your art into something next level.
There is always room for improvement or expansion so keep groovin, keep moving. Before I got into pursuing an entrepreneur lifestyle, I wish I knew more about salesmanship because the world is significantly run by sales. I’m learning as I go.
However, I believe that as long as you move with good intention and authenticity, you will achieve what you define as success. It is all about balancing your light and dark.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shihoneyy/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/shihoneyy
Image Credits
Kerry Bruton, Robert M. Bennet, Daniel Gonzales, Invicta Photography, Freddy Mac, Abel Lambert, Michael Lawrence, Cap City Photos, Kevin Roberts, Cloee Thomas, and Gary Christopher
