“Image Powerhouse is an organization for commercial clients and consumers to transform their vision into reality. We have the capabilities and resources to host an event during a photo and styling session at our studio. We help people improve their goals through simple lifestyle changes to cultivate a well balance life in their personal and business relationship. Image Powerhouse is a 2,500 square feet studio consisting of a creative team of photographers, stylists, videographers and image consultants, as well as our talent roster through Prestigious Models.
Prestigious Models is North America premier Asian & Eurasian modeling agency. We have been specializing in the Spokesmodeling industry for the past 9 years. We are excited to expand our business into the Commercial and Print market representing different ages and gender, and have recently launched Image Powerhouse here in New York City.” – Image PowerHouse
Last week I attended the Grand Opening of Image Powerhouse which featured a Bone Marrow awareness drive for Asian mixed raced donors sponsored by www.bethematch.org. The event was classy and modest, filled with like-minded people who happened to be quite attractive, talented, and generous. Alcohol and Asian themed Hors D’oeuvres were flowing in abundance, as well as the masses that were more than eager to become donors. Registration was quick and easy, which made it convenient enough for you to get back to mingling with your peers.
The event featured 8 extremely beautiful and talented girls from Prestigious Models, who were more than willing to participate in the shenanigans and entertainment. A photo studio was set up for complimentary photos with your peers and the models, as well as free styling sessions from professional make-up artist.
All together the event was a huge success. The crowd was plentiful and lasted way past the scheduled end time. As the party began to wind down, I was able to find the mastermind behind the creation of such a successful event, the ever pleasant Kim Loan. I sat down with Kim and she was gracefully able to spare a moment for JackFroot to give us this exclusive interview. Read as I pry into the minds of one of the most successful models/entrepreneurs the industry has ever seen.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH KIM LOAN
JF: Introduce yourself, and What do you do?
My name is Kim Loan, and I am an Entrepreneur at heart, I am the CEO and Founder of Prestigious Models, and Image PowerHouse.
JF: Coming from Houston, TX to New York City is a huge change, Did you find it difficult adjusting to the New York Lifestyle?
I was born and raised in New Orleans and I think coming from a town that has Mardi Gras and a drinking and partying type of atmosphere a good amount of the time that it gave me a lot of great experiences in life that could prepare me for anything. But coming to New York was amazing. There’s so much energy here, I just felt like I belonged here and so I just love it here.
JF: When did modeling become a business for you?
Just recently I realized that I’ve been doing this for almost 10 years and it’s sad to see it’s about to end. But I need to embrace this new stage in my life. I’ve accomplished so much as a model and am so thankful for all the opportunities that this business has given me and with Prestigious Models I have been able to not only give back to the business, but to also give those same opportunities to other people. And with the Image Powerhouse I wanted something more stable in terms of being grounded in one place and that’s doing photo shoots in one city. So in the last year and a half I’ve been traveling and getting certifications and here we are now at the opening of the Image Powerhouse studio in New York City.
JF: Starting a Business can be difficult, what was a huge obstacle for you when you first started?
Probably the biggest obstacle is always asking myself the question “am I doing the right thing?” Sometimes when you’ve been doing it for such a long time it just comes a bit naturally and it makes you wonder if it’s ok to always trust your experience, but that’s what experience does, it gives you the confidence to make the right decisions. So I don’t really see it as an obstacle, just more about embracing and overcoming challenges you might have going forward. I see it as an experience that was meant for me so I can further myself.
JF: What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
Oh my god, I love singing karaoke, I love spending time with family and friends singing karaoke. (laughs).
JF: Your name has become infamous in the world of Asian Modeling, How has that helped your business grow?
I think it helped it grow tremendously. The fans and Prestigious Models gave me a purpose and support I needed to grow. Having others believing in you helps reassure you through tough days.
With the Image Powerhouse concept I don’t think I would be where I am with out the Prestigious Models and the fans. They help point me in the right direction and It really helps me a lot, like when they tell me “good job†it helps to reassure that I’m doing the right thing.
JF: When did you first start modeling and what advice would you give aspiring models?
I started modeling about 10 years ago when I started Prestigious Models, and my number one advice for aspiring models would be individuality. Be grateful, humble, and optimistic and be yourself, don’t try to feel like you need to be someone else. Embrace your inner celebrity, that’s the whole motto here at Image Powerhouse.
JF: Has Prestigious Models reached the goals you had first set out to accomplish?
I never really set any goals in terms of what I wanted to accomplish when I first started Prestigious Models. Meaning I didn’t set out to have a famous name in the industry or the most sought after or anything like that. My intention at that time was to have fun and do what I love, and love what I do. I believe success will come when you enjoy what you’re doing.
Then a few years ago I realized I wanted to be known as the go to Asian-American modeling agency here in North America, representing different gender of all ages.
JF: How does it feel to be running one of the most successful all asian based modeling agencies?
It feels amazing. I feel like this is only the beginning of the venture. I wouldn’t have made it this far with out my team, my family, my friends, and the Prestigious Models. I wouldn’t say the success is all mine. I’m fortunate to have really good people around me believing and supporting me and I think that’s what’s really important.
JF: What are the criteria’s for becoming a Prestigious Model?
The criteria now is definitely personality and work ethic. If you are passionate and determined about the industry and willing to work hard, than call Prestigious Modeling Agency because we’re definitely looking to represent strong candidates.
