Hi you all,
It's been a while since last I wrote a long post, so bear with me as I try to gather my thoughts and pen them down.
As most of you already know, I have been in the modeling industry for over 20 years now. I have been blessed with many opportunities and I count my lucky stars that I was fortunate to capitalise on them. However, it wasn't always smooth sailing. I have seen as many downs as I have experienced ups. I have been through tough times and have come out on the other side. Suffice to say, I have experienced almost every emotion during my journey in the modeling world. My career is like a relationship that have blossomed from shared experiences. I fell in love with modeling at a young age and I am still deeply in love with the industry that gave me everything I have today.
Every model that begins their journey, every model that begins to rise in their ranks, and every boy or girl that aspires to become a model, I truly feel like you are all family to me, no matter where you are from or which modeling school you attended. When I decided to start Amber Chia Academy, it was a business decision, but it quickly became something that I poured my heart and soul into, because it was driven by my passion to continue to contribute to the modeling industry. I wanted to build a platform for models that I never had coming up. I wanted to ensure that models got not just the proper training, but the proper guidance from models that have experienced it all. I realised that having the right people with the right experience and the right motivation was essential in helping carve the right path in this industry for aspiring models. This is why all the catwalk gurus and coaches that we engage have a wealth of credentials and experience, but most importantly have an undeniable passion to pass on their knowledge and experience to the next generation.
Whilst building a business, it is inevitable that you will come across a bad apple once in a while. I understand that this is part of doing business, and all I could do was to weed them out. A few years ago, I had to cut ties with one and I am not going to elaborate on who, what and why, as I believed in moving on. Throughout the years, it was brought to my attention that this bad apple had continued to engage in unethical practices but I had decided to ignore them and continue with my own business. Recently, it was brought to my attention again that the unethical practices of this bad apple has not only put my own business and reputation at risk, but also the models that he had recruited at risk. After encouragement by numerous industry professionals, I have decided it is time to sound off on this matter.
First, I would like to re-affirm that I only ever had one model teach me the catwalk. Her name is Rebecca, a model that I truly respect and who really helped me when I started out. Even though she has retired from the modeling industry, we still keep in touch and she is one of my closest friends. As for posing for photoshoots, I really just learned on the fly and was very fortunate to be able to develop my own style that resonated with the industry. Today, my academy is an extension of my experiences and what I have learned, to further help equip aspiring models with the right skills to excel in the modeling industry at a quicker pace. So, for those who were unsure about who taught Amber Chia her catwalk, now you know. Anyone who claims to have trained me to become a model, besides Rebecca, is outright telling a lie.
Second, since I have been asked by many about a "modeling certificate" offered by some modeling schools; I would like to highlight that I have been a model for over 20 years and still going strong without a "modeling certificate". In fact, I would venture to guess that the top 100 models (if not all models) in our country do not have nor need a "modeling certificate". As a model that has been to thousands of casting calls, I think I have a pretty good understanding of what casting directors look for in a model, and it is definitely not a "modeling certificate". Even my international model friends that have had a successful modeling career do not hold a "modeling certificate”. It is more important to learn the right skills from the right people that can give you proper validation in the eyes of modeling agencies. Hence, at this point in time, I think it is safe to say that there is no need to invest extra dollars to attain this "modeling certificate".
I am not saying that every aspiring model will become successful, let alone get into the modeling industry. However, like I once did, I implore you to follow your dreams. Give it everything you've got. If you never try, you will never know. Along the way, the experiences you gather, the friends you make and the knowledge you amass, will inevitably make you a better person, no matter what you do. Of course, if you are able to get help along the way, that may help you get to your destination quicker. However, please be careful who you seek for help and training. Please do your research as best as you can on the people you are seeking help from. Make sure their claims are true and verified. Make sure they have the proper credentials. Make sure they have your best interests at heart.
With this post, I am opening up my chat channels to answer any questions you may have about modeling and the industry. In fact, for any model that has enrolled with other schools and are not happy, I will have my team on standby to answer any questions and offer you any assistance that you may need. Just leave me a private message.
In signing off, as we all come together to battle the pandemic we are facing now, I would like to once again remind everyone to stay vigilant in keeping safe. Keep your hands sanitized often, keep surfaces clean and keep taking those vitamin Cs.
Take care.
Love, Amber. ❤️
