We had the good fortune of connecting with Chun Swae and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chun Swae, what do you attribute your success to?
Quality. Quality is the single most important factor behind anything I do especially when it comes to how I project myself to the world as a Model and Influencer. The reason why is because I give 110% plus my blood, sweat and tears. I take my time to perfect my walk in a specific pair of shoes, the upkeep of my body. Learning skills that may become useful if a person is unavailable to provide such as cutting or styling my own hair, or even a full glam makeup look. All of the unseen prep goes into what I do not only for myself and my own standards, but as well as the standard of quality I have set for my brand and what is expected of me when i’m at events, fashion shows etc.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I tell people i’m a model, people tell me that it’s very fitting for my personality or that they figured I was. What most people don’t know is that I never had intentions on becoming a model. In fact I actually had my heart set on becoming an accountant which has absolutely no correlation. What i’m most proud about is that in 2 years i’ve made connections and have worked with well known brands and designers alike such as Carlyle Williams who has designed clothing for Disney. I’m even privileged enough to say that my creative director Victoria Henley made it to the end of her season on ANTM (America’s Next Top Model). That there is the making of an Icon and I love that everyone gets to see my rise in the industry. Getting where I am today was fairly easy. I have quite the knack for networking with other’s in my field and just being all around social. I love what I do and I love helping other’s navigate their way as well. To my surprise I haven’t faced anything I’d consider a true challenge in my opinion. Being a young black gay male in todays society who expresses himself however he see’s fit is pretty bold, however that is how I get around facing adversities that other may have experienced. I am not afraid to be the outcast in the room, I am never afraid to be myself in any spaces and I always treat everyone with the same respect I expect to be treated with when it comes to my career. That is how I got where I am, and that is what I want the world to know about me, my brand, my career and my story so that other’s who may not be as confident in being themselves find the courage to showcase that in what ever way they want and do it unapologetically.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Visiting Phoenix would be amazing. To start we’d have to go to Breakfast Bitch for an iconic breakfast. (definitely get the mimosa flight for drinks). Next up we’d probably do a few yoga or hike sessions at Pleasant Lake Park to take in the views as well as to enjoy the nature. Coming closer to the weekend we’d go to The Grand for a night of clubbing and good drinks. We both love a reason to dress up so we’d enjoy a pleasing dinner at First and Last. and what good is a trip if you don’t go shopping? We both love sneaker’s so we’d have to make a stop at Common Hype for some sick kicks and to pair them with outfits we’d go thrift shopping. Either to Antique Sugar or Merchant Square to pick up some cool clothing pieces as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to two people my best friend Paola and my creative director Victoria Henley. Had my best friend never picked up a camera I don’t think i would’ve ever thought about becoming a model. Had Victoria never gave me the opportunity to walk for her in Mississippi I wouldn’t have made the connections I’ve made with Designers, Models, Photographers I’ve met along the way. Both of these lovely ladies have a special place in my heart especially in the story of how my career began!

Website: hype.co/@chunswae

Instagram: instagram.com/chunswae

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/dion-f-637577121

Facebook: Chun Swae

Youtube: youtube.com/chunswae

Image Credits
Lynn Henley (@LynnHenleyPhotography) Kendall Patterson (@KenKreator)

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