Sherise is a content creator, Belle model, photographer and an all round cool lady! Living in Hamilton, she makes the most of her small slice of the internet and puts herself out there to make waves! We are so lucky to have her as part of the Belle family and can't wait to see what else she does in this world!

Make sure to follow her - links below!

Tell us more about how you started into the content creation world Sherise?

I have always dreamed about being a star, a singer, a dancer, an actress and more. I have been into modeling and photography since I was 13 however, being a bigger Asian girl in an Asian country is difficult to be in the industry. Until I came to New Zealand I keep doing what I love and keep posting on social media until Belle Models provide me an opportunity to become a model.

What do you have coming up that you can share?

I have a few Afro beat event to attend to be a photographer and participate. These event have other models from a different agency, these models have invited me to collab and do cultural fashion walk in Auckland. I also have different ideas of photoshoot to do in the future.

What are your top tips for ladies wanting to start putting themselves out there?

Think of yourself as a main character, a dancer, a star. Confidence is the key, beauty also shine form inside and how you present yourself. Your insecurities might be the most attractive features and you just don’t know it yet. Start going to gym not to lose weight but to sweat, fall in love with sweating enjoy the music while you work out and feel yourself.

You live in a small town, how do you make this work in your favor?

Online connection is the main key to put yourself out there. Reach out to successful influencer models and ask them advice. Travel to big cities and go to fashion events. You can meet a lot of experienced models and people that see your potential.

Do you have any tips for a models first shoot experience?

Don’t think about how to look good but how you feel about yourself - express that through your body. Practice in front of the mirror. Look at different poses and which suits you the most and make you feel comfortable.

Tell us about your first shoot experience!

My first shoot was quite awkward, I did a lot of research how to post and look confident but that didn’t help me at all. I still felt shy and not comfortable with expressing my poses. I had a friend with me, she played music to cheer me up that can help. The more practice you put into yourself the more comfortable you feel and it’s really the mindset which is feeling confident.

What do you think is some important traits for a model to have?

Confidence, your smile and self love!

Do you see more opportunities becoming available in NZ?

Yes it depends on the location. Small cities can be difficult to find opportunities. However social media is taking over, starts taking selfies in your room or on the street and post them on social media.

We are seeing more diverse models smashing it in big campaigns! What are your thoughts on this change - some say it's just a trend!

I personally believe that beauty is subjective and we are seeing more diverse models. I do believe the society or the fashion industry use diverse models as tools or decorations to influence the company or the brand seems more welcoming. But there are also companies that mainly use diverse models because they believe models should not be just “ slim, thin and tall”.

Do you think that a social media presence is important for building your brand?

It’s extremely important for a brand. Since social media is taking over the world, people get to see everything on Instagram, Facebook, websites and the Internet in general. Social media presence allows people to keep paying attention to content. When your social media presence is frequent, audience would notice these models more often. Audience would remember these models and what content they create. A lot of these audience are magazine manager, photographer, model agency, clothing brand and others. So when there are shoots, advertisements and others , they would like reach out to these models and work with them.

You are a women of many talents Sherise! Tell us about your photography!

I have been doing photography for three years. I know how to capture a good picture and I know how to teach model how to pose. I still am learning to develop some skills and I hope one day I’ll be a famous photographer guiding models and making them feel beautiful and confident.

Do you have any tips for ladies in front of the camera? What makes your job easier as the photographer?

Confidence is the key. Listen to the photographer, ask for advice, check the photos, believe in yourself that you are a good model.

My Instagram - @bunny.yan_

Photography account - @sherise_studio