Conversations with Elizabeth Sun Lee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Sun Lee.

Hi Elizabeth Sun, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I wish I could share every detail but here’s some of it.

I am a first generation Korean-American raised by my grandparents in the beach suburbs of LA in Gardena. My mom was not able to take care of my older brother and I because she struggled with schizophrenia and addiction, and I never knew my father. My grandfather was a jazz musician and loved to fish. My grandmother was a house wife who cooked and loved to sing and garden. My grandparents were Korean War survivors so I was raised very traditionally and conservatively. There was a lot of pressure to do well and perform well in school. I lost my grandmother in the beginning of high school from cancer.

I am also a first generation college graduate from UC Irvine where I received a BA in Film and Media Studies. Originally I applied with Psychology but ended up switching my major to Film thanks to a friend in sorority who suggested I take a film class because she thought I’d enjoy it and I did. It was a huge decision for me to declare film because that meant not following a safe path anymore but it was the first and best decision I made for myself.

I have always been active on social media since grade school. From MySpace, Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Vine and Snapchat. Being a Gen-Z — I am a digital native and always loved the screen. I grew up in a gaming household so I had a lot of screen time as a child. I have always loved art and being creative since I can remember. My imagination and being online has always been my safe place and escape from reality.

In middle school, I was in Yearbook for 2 years and in high school I was in ASB Leadership every year helping create posters, sweaters, and managing social media for the school.

I was enrolled in foster youth programs and had counselors all throughout my school career and I wouldn’t be here without their support. They helped me get to and finish undergrad.

College was where I got to find myself. I struggled with addiction during college and was in a sorority for 3 years where I also took on leadership roles and managed social media. I had to leave the sorority to focus on myself and my mental health. I was posting frequently on my personal instagram at the time and started getting noticed and reached out to model. Eventually my instagram got me signed to casting agencies.

By staying true to myself, giving myself grace, being persistent in what I love to do and with the power of social media — I have been able to accomplish things my younger self would’ve never in a million years believe would be possible. I still have a hard time processing the things I’ve done. From having my face in billboards, music video sets for famous artists, commercial campaign sets for beauty and fashion to wellness and finance companies.

I am forever grateful for the support I have received from friend and strangers. That I have gotten to a place where I can just be and express myself and collaborate with people from all over the world. That all my experiences have led me here to a life where I get to be what I needed when I was younger. To share my story and inspire others to give grace to themselves and others. You never know what people are going through. Kindness is so valuable. It creates a safe space for everyone. I want others to feel safe to be their true selves. For them to know their dreams are real.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not having parents or a solid support system. Having family members struggling with illness. Not feeling like I knew myself or where I belonged. Struggling with addiction. Moving a lot after college. Losing my grandparents. Having many different jobs.

It has not been a smooth road at all because it’s hard to survive financially as an artist. So I have had many different jobs in different fields to support myself while pursuing my art career.

It’s still not a smooth road now but that’s okay because we are progressing, slowly but surely.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a multidisciplinary artist. I am known as a commercial model and actress. I am also a photographer, videographer, editor, writer and produce my own content. I style and do makeup as well for myself. I also draw.

I am most proud of my Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation campaign because I have loved Lady Gaga since I was in elementary school. My inner child is still screaming. I am shade 270N if anyone wants to check it out.

I think what sets me a part from others is nothing. We all have a unique story that sets us apart from one another.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work, collaborate or support me by connecting with me and following me on Instagram. People can inquire and reach out to me personally through my email or instagram. I am always open to connect.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Instagram.com/elizleezy

Image Credits
Photographer credits Kate Takenaka Lindsay Ellary Sohyun Lee Patrick Park David Jung Christine Hahn Jasmine Durhal