Interview by Minty Pender

I first met Chai at a charity catwalk event in Southampton a couple of years ago and I was absolutely blown away with her portfolio. From beautiful soft portraits to stunning sci fi studio shoots, Chai has been featured in an eclectic range of shoots and covered various styles. I caught up with her on her progress so far and the ups and downs of being a petite model. Presenting the gorgeous Chai Doll…

So Chai, when did you first discover your passion for modelling?

I was 14 when I did photography, using my mother’s canon power shot G12. My dad bought it as a gift for her to take snaps on holiday. Mostly she lent it to me to use for my photography course and I fell in love with it.

I was actually taking pictures of my friend for my project in college when I was 16, we had so much fun just arranging make up, outfits and picking location. Being teenagers, we loved taking pictures together for memories and one day at the Nothe in Weymouth (my hometown) after a day messing with the camera we reviewed the images and she suggested that I should consider modelling.

I took on what she said to me and I took ‘selfies’ of myself, where I set up a tri-pod and run back and forth till I get the right angle and pose (I didn’t have a remote control to make it easier for me). Afterwards I would do the post processing with only my basic photoshop skills.

I had my first proper photoshoot when aged 18, I moved out of Weymouth and went to Winchester University. I was studying, working in my part time job as a waitress and still looking for more photo shoots which meant that I was always busy but I was so keen to get everything kick started! I think 3 photo shoots in and I was there with my modelling career, being new to it I didn’t even ask for pay back then.

As a petite model, do you feel there’s an element of bias in the industry towards taller models and has this ever affected your work as a model?

Being a petite model there has been great feedback from photographers, I always been told if you get the right angle they can make the model look taller in shoots. Poses and the outfit make a big impact on the height, I am only 5ft 4 and below is an example of showing off the legs to make yourself look taller or how fitted the clothing is.

In regards to industry work, I would say it would stop me from doing catwalks or high- end fashion shoots where you work with designers. They often look for 5’7 female models, which I admit it does look amazing on taller models. It does stop me getting more work from time to time, but you have to prove yourself in other ways and that is what makes you different to other models.

What’s one of the most interesting shoots that you’ve done?

Probably my shoot with photographer Becky Lally, working on her sci-fi themed university project. She had this brilliant idea of covering me in black body paint from the shoulders and up to the neck, then splashed loads of glitter on me, the effect was amazing!

What has been your favourite shoot so far?

My favourite has to be my shoot with Natasha Jay and her team of stylists. It was a totally different look for me and I loved Natasha’s creative ideas. The hair took roughly one hour, maybe more. I was just blown away of how they managed to do it! Natasha was the one who kept me intrigued in modelling and told me to take my creativity as far as possible into my photo shoots. I’m so grateful for meeting her and the distance her shoot has taken me.

Shoots require you to wear a lot of make up products, how do you keep your skin looking fresh?

I have dry/sensitive skin so it can sometimes be a pain when it comes to applying make-up or how the weather is going to affect me. However, after long years of my routine, my skin is compatible with most make-up brands.

My morning routine:

1. First I wash my face every morning with water.

2. Followed by moisturising with Innisfree - The Green Tea Seed Serum or Centalla 70 cream - Pure heal's by Nature Village.

3. Next I spray my face with Nature Republic Aloe Vera Toner and pat dry.

4. I finish by using the Innisfree facemask the night before a shoot to get rid of any dull skin.

Removing make-up after the shoor or before I go to bed:

1. Rub Shu Uemura skin purifier cleansing oil on my face and wash with water, or if I'm feeling lazy I use Nivea sensitive cleansing wipes.

2. The I follow my morning routine at night time.

And your hair?

My hair is naturally straight so I don’t need to use straighteners. I would recommend avoiding heat unless you have a heat protection product but I always go to the hair dressers (Regis) at least once a month to get rid of split ends anyway. They also recommended that use Redken Softening Cream Spray for dry/brittle hair, which I spray on towel dry hair and blow dry as normal.

I often get a few tangled hairs, especially in the morning, so I use a tangle teezer brush. It works wonders! Or try buying a paddle brush as it creates a smooth, sleek and shiny hair, plus it also provides a scalp massage. Its flat and wide shape will keep your strands at it’s best!

How would you define your personal style?

I’m very attached to my blazers so I’d say my style is pretty smart, a combination of clean and sophisticated lines with soft details and colours. I like to wear belts and costume jewellery to add a bit of high-end fashion in there as well.

Who’s your style icon?

Katarina Cas, she’s absolutely stunning.

Your favourite designer?

Jimmy Choo.

Do you have a favourite trend from the SS15 catwalks?

I love the Bora Aksu collections, they’re full of elegance and attention to detail- beautiful. Also I adore Amanda Wakeley’s clean cut and glam selection of white outfits.

When you’re not busy modelling, what are your favourite things to do in your spare time?

Eating! I like to spoil myself sometimes after a shoot, as I work hard to get fit and cut down on unhealthy food. I bring my partner to join me, I love the company of dining with somewhere for lunch. Besides that, I greatly enjoy travelling, site seeing and capturing memories.

What’s the best advice that you’ve ever received?

Never look back and regret it, take it as a experience and one of life’s lessons.

What you think the future has in store for you?

I want to continue modelling for as long as I can, and see how far it will take me. I’ve done a lot of project work for university students in the past and have since moved on t0 fashion and commercial shoots for websites. My next aim is to get published doing editorial work and I’m in fact scheduled to work with Portrait X in March 2015: https://www.facebook.com/portraitxofficial?fref=ts To one day model full time, now that would be my dream.