JULY: Leading Lady — Lia Cha

Name: Lia Cha

Dimensions: 34DD – 25 – 42

Zodiac: Aquarius

Occupation: Celebrity Make-Up Artist / Student / Model

Hometown: Queens, New York

Bio: Growing up between New York and California, Lia has always been in the spotlight. With her charming personality and exotic blend of Ghanaian, Native American and Korean lineage, she is always in demand among the industry’s elite. She has done it all, films, television, videos, and covers… this leading lady has us all mesmerized.

Why did you get into the industry?
After a rough divorce, I put on a lot of weight… I was huge and not feeling very good to myself. I remember telling my sister I was going to change, and so I did the Master Cleanse. In less than 2 months, I dropped 32 lbs! I looked at a lot of eye-candy magazines for inspiration, then I started looking into agents and I also had a few friends in the industry, encouraging me too. And that’s how I started. I was with True Star Studio at first, and then branched out on my own.

What was your first gig in the industry?
My first shoot was supposed to be with Show Magazine but it kept getting pushed back and I ended up doing a shoot for Black Men.

Where do you see yourself in a few years?
After I graduate with my Ph.D, I hope to be closer to serving my purpose, which is to help others. I plan to start a life counseling practice and continue acting, especially on the big screen!

What do you like about the industry?
It’s part of living my dream… I’m an artist and I’m able to share that with the world. The dreams of fame that I had when I was little came true: to put my name and my art out there as a form of self expression.

It’s sad because you’re already chasing this thing, so to have to look back slows your momentum.

What don’t you like about the industry?
A whole lot, because it’s shallow its empty. It’s sad that everybody’s in it for the same thing, but no one wants to see each other succeed. It’s like crabs in a barrel most of the time. It shouldn’t be, there should be more unity. There aren’t a lot of genuine people, so you gotta watch your back.

Understand [that] every time you step outside, you’re your own boss and your own business. Always dress to kill. Always!

What advice would you offer a new model?
Be in competition with yourself and yourself only. There is no need for hate, so make sure there’s no room for it. Don’t do anything that make you feel like you’ve sold your soul because it’s never worth it. Know your worth… and it’s more than people knowing your name, the red bottom shoes, the trips here and there. Make sure everything that you is because you want it to last, winning in the game is about longevity. If you do that there’s no stopping you.

What would you ask a seasoned model?
First, I would pay homage and thank her for paving the way. I would ask “what was the worst thing she’s encountered in the business,” “what has gotten her this far,” and “what does she think I can do better?”

Who is your fave model or #WCW?
That’s so hard. You’re going to get me in trouble, but I’ll say Yolie Monroe.

Have you been published?
Show Magazine, Black Men, Urban Ink, Straight Stuntin’, King, Vibe, Titanium Girlz, and best-selling Girls From Da Hood #4. I’m on all 3 covers for the “Millionaire’s Mistress” book series. I was also featured in the “Urban Girls” photo book by renowned photographer Howard Huang.

What major bookings have you done?
I’ve had principle roles in several music videos: “Million Bucks” by Maino ft. Swiss Beatz , “Body Ya” by Fabolous, “Miss International” by Method Man and Redman ft. Eric Sermon,”Stretch” (short) and “Put Ya Hands Up” by 50 Cent, “Money Good” by Lil Cease ft. Mafia Dons and many others. I’ve also been in Power, Are We There Yet, Mother’s Dying Wish, and Point which is actually being shopped to HBO and Netflix. [Lia Cha’s IMDb]

Keep learning your craft. Go on YouTube, ask questions, take classes and practice. There are a lot of resources out there.

Your photos look amazing, what’s your secret?
Working out doesn’t have to be going to the gym, but do something you love to do. Whether it’s a dancing, going to batting cages, running, or even just walking, do what you feel good doing on a regular basis. You should also get your makeup done professionally. Learn the different kinds of makeup. If you’re shooting HD video, taking pictures in the studio, or at an event your makeup is different in every situation. And meditate, I’m big on meditation!

How are you empowering yourself and others?
By staying positive, and staying genuine, staying me. I take what I’ve learned and everything that I’ve gone through and help other models. I always try to give back, to teach what I was taught and I’ve had positive results. I have a lot of friends in the business because of my personality, not just my makeup, or my beauty. I really do believe that just letting people fall in love with my heart.

Do you feel this industry objectifies women?
It does, but this industry wouldn’t exist without the demand, it moves with what everybody wants. If it wasn’t a win-win situation, it couldn’t survive. So I really think that people have to look at themselves to understand their views, and what part they play in all of it.

Any interesting you’d like to share with your fans?
I don’t like to say “fans,” fans are fly-by-night… “supporters” are loyal. So I want to thank everyone that follows me, that’s given me their time and patience, and has pushed me. Without you I wouldn’t be in this fortunate situation, I wouldn’t be doing this interview, I wouldn’t be working. So I just want to thank you!

Model: @liachavip

Makeup Artist: @liachavip

Designer: @bedroombehavior

Photographer: @shotbyjason

Studio: @HallofFameStudios