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Astana, Kazakhstan • 14 February, 2023 | 10:10
2 min read

From Hobby to Career: How an Almaty Model Appeared in a Rolex Ad on Vogue

Becoming a model was not part of Vanessa Kan’s plan

Instagram/vanessaakan
Instagram/vanessaakan

Two years ago, modeling was just a hobby for Vanessa Kan. Today, the Almaty model has photos of her wearing a Rolex watch on the glossy pages of Vogue, QazMonitor reports citing Tengri Lifestyle.

22-year-old Vanessa hadn’t planned on becoming a model. When she first got into it, she was studying hotel and restaurant management at university.

Instagram/vanessaakan

In 2020, she went to a casting call from the local modeling agency just for fun, not expecting that she would turn out to be a perfect fit. The young woman had to find a balance between her studies and attending photoshoots until graduation.

“I never really dreamed of being a model, and it just so happened that I became one. But I'm very grateful for that! I was noticed by the Cassis Model Management agency and they offered me a partnership, thanks to which I'm now working internationally," Vanessa said.

Instagram/vanessaakan

Currently, the model works closely with Primo Model agency based in Hong Kong.

As soon as I flew in, the agency sent me a message that I was going to have a shoot for Vogue. I was beyond excited! Even in my wildest dreams, I couldn't have imagined that my first experience in Hong Kong would be a shoot for a Rolex premium watch.

Since that experience, Vanessa has spent enough time in the industry to point out some of the downsides to the job – being away from loved ones, unstable income, and a lack of personal space in living quarters.

Instagram/vanessaakan

“It’s pretty hard to combine modeling with other work. The competition is tough, but luckily I manage to maintain good relationships with other models,” she explains.

Right now the model is enjoying her growing popularity in the fashion community.

“I have always had a lot of desires and goals, but my most cherished dream is to live as the best version of myself! To be truly happy and create a beautiful family in the future. To make the most out of life and to inspire people.”

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