Meet Thea Chavez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Thea Chavez.

Thea, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I used to be a television host and professional dancer in my country, the Philippines. I modeled on the side as well. After college, I migrated to Los Angeles, CA, where I became a hotelier at the Courtyard By Marriott in Sherman Oaks and also a flight attendant for Allegiant Airlines then Virgin America.

I was still actively dancing as well during my 13 years in Los Angeles. I moved to Houston, TX four years ago due to heartbreak and wanted to start my life altogether. I then became a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines. However, I missed being in the limelight and thought to myself that I should continue something that closely resembled what I did when I was younger. I’m now 38 years old but it didn’t stop me from reinventing myself from my stints way back 18 years ago to present. I got involved representing myself for the meantime doing freelance work as a model for runway shows, print modeling, and visuals. I am in the search for THE ONE agency that will represent me and like any relationship, it’s a lot of trial and error but you can’t just give up.

Also, I don’t let my height stop me from doing any height sensitive jobs. I’m a flight attendant after all, saving lives 38,000 feet off the ground – and some airlines require you a certain height, as modeling do as well. Yes, I have come across a ton of rejection too but hey, big things come in small packages. My mantra is not trying – but either you do it or you don’t do it. I enjoy modeling on the side because it gives me the avenue to be my creative self away from my flight attendant uniform. I love engaging with different people I meet and making vivid memories in pictures and visuals. I may be older now to pursue modeling but I take good care of myself, my skin and my health and am available for age appropriate projects. I am having fun with my jobs… one allows me to walk the runway in the center aisle of the aircraft and the other allows me to walk the runway wearing awesome creations or smile and emote on camera.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No. I didn’t realize I wanted to continue modeling when I was living in Los Angeles. The access to agencies were right at my fingertips. When I moved to Houston, it was even harder finding an agency to represent you because majority of the agencies ask money upfront and scam you.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
My business is technically representing myself as a freelance model for the meantime. I am equipped with experience and talent to walk on runways, pose in photo shoots and action visuals. I’m proud because I have the flexibility in my hands and my job as a flight attendant also allows to travel anywhere at no cost to help me reach for my dreams in modeling. What sets me apart from others is that I have confidence and grace and have work ethic that shows my determination. I am very imaginative too and I make my ideas alive in photos. My professional training in dancing also helps me when I execute poses for the camera.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
The people who deserve credit are my family, friends and photographers, designers and make up artists that I have worked with. It’s all a team and if not for them, I wouldn’t have the energy to continue going for it. I also give credit to the two Miss Universe titleholders from my country, 2015 and 2018. Why? Because I look up to them as my inspiration. I get empowered by them and their success and intelligence pushes me to reach higher.

Contact Info:

• Address: 1805 Valentine St #1144
  Houston, TX 77019
• Phone: 8182396580
• Email: misstheacintx@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtheachavez/

Image Credit:
Houston Photographers: Steven Robinson, Alex Biserchich, Raj Nitro, Juan Robert Chapa Jr.

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