Q&A: Felicia Chong
Part I: The Interview

Ktown213: Hey Felicia, give our viewers your 30-second intro!
Felicia Chong: Hey Ktown213! I'm Felicia Chong and yes, I'm mixed...Korean and Black! Raised on my Asian side, grew up in Washington. I currently just had a beautiful baby boy who is keeping me pretty busy! I'm working on getting my Bachelors Degree in Fashion Marketing where I will coordinate Fashion Shows and collaborate with Fashion Designers in selling their Merchandise. By the time I graduate I will have my own Boutique with a high class taste!

Kt213:  Great!  Hopefully that'll go well for you.  So tell us, how did it all start for you? What was it about modeling that caught your eye?
FC:  Well when I was younger I used to bug my mother about getting into modeling, but my mother didn't believe in that stuff. I always had a passion for it and my mother couldn't understand why.  So one day at school we had to take this career path quiz to see what type of career we were most fitted for, and mine was modeling. I showed the packet to my mother, and finally she thought she would give me a chance. So when I was turning 16 my mother surprised me by calling this Korean Modeling Agency in Seattle, and we set up an Interview with them. Now of course at that age you're suppose to have a parent with you at the interview...so I wasn't too scared about the opportunity! It was so intimidating to walk into this big agency with older people just waiting for their turn, and here I was...still young, and with my mother...ha ha ha. The person that interviewed me was this gorgeous Korean lady, who didn't smile at all...you could tell she meant business! So she asked me a few questions and I was just too shy and scared to say anything to her...she would just stare at me with no smile. So than my mother started talking to her and they were blabbing forever in Korean.  And yes of course I understood!  Then she took my measurements and weighed me. I mean this was serious stuff to me at that age. I didn't even have to read the commercial  because my mom and the lady hit it off pretty well! I kinda lucked out! At that moment she smiled and told me congratulations. I was accepted and I started modeling right away. I did modeling every Saturday and practiced acting on Sundays. So since the age of 16 I have been modeling on and off. I took a break for awhile to concentrate on school. Than I moved to California just before I turned 21 and decided to try again. I got into the whole Import Scene in 2003 at IREV in San Mateo.

Kt213:  What's been the most memorable part or your career, good or bad?
FC:   I would also have to say when I got accepted to do a Runway Show for Seventeen Magazine for formal wear. But here's an incident for ya, something every girl would hate! I was chosen to be one of the technical hair models for American Crew, DI:FI Hair Products.  A stylist would basically cut my hair in front of an audience.  She told me she would cut a little, do some coloring, blah blah blah.  Well I started to get a little worried as the stylists was cutting my hair....I mean she just kept cutting and cutting. I looked over at the other model and she had a startled look on her face. I kept seeing chunks of my hair flying off on stage!  Now imagine trying to keep a happy smile on your face in front of everyone.  Did not happen! I had this pissed off look on my face.  I wanted to run off the stage!  At the end, she cut my hair really short.  This was really unexpected and it was a total disaster.  I mean what a nightmare!  Ha ha ha.  I hated my new look, but they just kept telling me that it was the new look and that it didn't look bad...I didn't care because I missed my long hair, which I haven't been able to grow back since then.  I went home crying and wished I never went to the stupid audition!  Ever since, I don't trust anyone with my hair!

Kt213:  Wow, that's real unfortunate.  I know you're taking a break from modeling now, how come?
FC:  Well I had to take a break because I found out I was pregnant!  Plus, I thought it was a good idea to take a break because I felt that I wasn't really working with the right people in the Industry.  You have to watch out for those snakes who don't really care about the models well-being.  It's just a minor break!  I'll be back in the scene again with a whole new look in 2006, and hopefully be working with the right people in the industry.  For my big come back shoot I'll be working with ImportIcons.com! Can't wait!

Kt213:  Cool...meanwhile, where can we see more of you?
FC:  Well at the moment I'm actually just networking getting things set up for my return.  I recently signed a contract with a mobile company for Import Model Wallpapers. Mine is in the works right now, so be sure to purchase mine when it's available everyone!  I'm also talking to people about traveling to more events outside of California, so I plan to have a big year next year! In the meantime, you could find me  on my Yahoo groups page (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FeliciaChong) and Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/feliciachong).  My website is also in the works right now but that will be launched at the time I return next year!

Kt213:  What would you say to young girls wanting to get into your industry, any words of advice?
FC:  I would have to say make sure you do your homework and ask people in the industry for their opinions on anything you're unsure about.  Make sure that the people you work with are the ones you can trust.  I like to build a friendship first and really get to know the people I'm working with...just so that I feel more comfortable and can have fun when I work with them!  Don't ever flake!  It's just not professional!  Be honest.  Have fun with it.  It's a fun experience working with all these great people who are willing to help you!

Kt213:  Do you like our site?
FC:  I like it! It' keeps everyone up to date with all the party's in the area and also other things going on!

Kt213:  What are your turn-on's and turn-off's?
FC: I love guys with a good head on their shoulder...must have a great sense of humor, be smart, be faithful to his lady, must be goal-oriented...someone who  knows what he wants and knows how to get there. Sexy eyes, great smile, someone that cooks, knows how to dress, and someone that will spoils his lady.  My turn-Offs are cheap guys, B.O., bad breath, someone too cocky...you can tell when they really have nothing to show.

Kt213:  What do you like to do during your free time, if you have any?
FC:  Spend time with my handsome son and my hubby!  Otherwise, I like to go shopping, hang out with my close friends and family, talk on the phone, go out dancing, and can't forget about this...going to the Spa!

Kt213:  Well Felicia, that was great!  Thank you for your time, and good luck to you in the near future.
FC:  No, Thank you K-Town!