Could you share a bit about yourself—who you are, what you do, and your biggest loves

Hey.. hehe I am Joanna. Full time I work in digital marketing for fashion and lifestyle brands and also do a wee bit of modelling on the side. My biggest loves in life are; my mum and sister, pho, long walks, chilled red, spicy food, manifesting, my friends, karaoke, listening to the same song on repeat and pickles.

 

International Women's Day is about celebrating women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. What’s something that makes you proud to be a woman? Or something you’ve personally achieved that you’re proud of? 

What makes me most proud to be a woman is the deep sense of community that women share. My whole life has been centered around my all-female family and my female friendships. The way we support, uplift, and show up for each other has 100% shaped me into the person I am today. I love being a woman and all the amazing women in my life. 

 

International Women’s Day has its critics, but why do you believe it remains so important? When you think about the meaning of International Women’s Day, which powerful woman comes to mind and why?

International Women’s Day is important because it’s a moment to uplift and honour the women who have sacrificed so much for us to be where we are today.

I am a proud daughter of a first-generation immigrant. My mum moved to New Zealand on her own from China when she was around my age, and later had my sister and me. She was our sole provider, raising us with the help of my grandma—another incredible woman who immigrated from China to support us.

I don’t remember a single day growing up when my mum wasn’t working. She was either at her job or taking me to my piano or dance classes—always present, despite working 6-7 days a week. Her drive, selflessness, and unwavering support for the people she loves are what I aspire to embody. She is, and always will be, my biggest inspiration and the most powerful woman I know.

 

You have an incredible group of female friends, what do you love most about them? And how do they make you a better person? 

My female friendships are the most important relationships in my life. All of them bring something uniquely special to my life and make my days so much more fun and beautiful <3

My friends make me a better person by enriching my life in every way. When we text all day in a group chat, make dinner together, go on walks for a strawberry matcha or receive a late night facetime from your long distance best friend. Life truly wouldn’t be worth living without these friendships.

 

As a model and creative, how do you push back against industry norms and advocate for a deeper, more inclusive definition of beauty?

I was approached and then rejected by 2 modelling agencies before being signed. The industry norm has always been size 6, white, tall — no category that I would ever fit into. I don’t see what I am doing as “pushing back”; I’m only in this space because I was invited into it.

Even as a size 10, I’m still considered plus-size in modelling, which shows how limited the industry's definition of beauty still is. Inclusivity exists, but only within certain boundaries—there’s still a heavy emphasis on the same brand of girls we’ve always seen. That being said, things have definitely shifted in recent years, and I’m so grateful for that progress… otherwise I wouldn’t be here lol. But there is so much more room for growth, and so many more people that deserve to be highlighted. 

I know that I would have felt so much better about myself growing up if I had seen a plus-size Asian girl in the industry. I hope that my presence in this space can help someone else feel represented in a way that I wasn’t. 

 

We adore working with you, and you’ve become somewhat of an OHEN muse, not just because of your beauty but your kindness and confidence. How do you approach life to stay so effortlessly grounded?

Wow I am blushing hehe… I would never have thought of myself as a muse growing up. Honestly, I will forever stay grounded and humbled because I was the chubby Asian girl who got called a fatty at church camp and always put to the back of ballet recitals behind the skinny white girls. 

I love you OHEN, thank you for all the love and beautiful opportunities xxx