Rising Stars: Meet Andy Chang of Los Angeles, CA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Chang.

Hi Andy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been a creative at heart — I grew up playing music, DJing, and even trying to start a YouTube channel. But over time, those passions were overshadowed by education, entrepreneurship, and the usual distractions of life.

When I was 17, right before college, I was scouted by a modeling agency in New York. At the time, I had a pretty negative view of the industry — so when they asked for headshots, I rebelliously puffed out my stomach to make a food belly.

Fast forward to today, after moving to LA, I’ve become much more open to new experiences and started embracing modeling and commercial work again — this time with intention and self-acceptance. It’s been a real blessing to meet amazing people, reconnect with my creative side, and learn to focus more on self-love and growth.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve had to balance a full-time career as a product manager in tech while pursuing modeling and content creation on the side. As things started to grow — especially after one of my videos went viral — it became overwhelming at times.

Suddenly, people around me saw me differently. Some were incredibly supportive, but others became distant or even a little jealous. It was strange having my creative side become such a public part of my identity. After that viral hit, I actually took a break for a while — but people still recognized me as “the guy from the squirrel video” (haha) [Link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CoXhYYqJYhy/] Honestly, figuring out what to do next without letting that one moment define me was tough.

Finding that balance between ambition, creativity, and personal well-being has been one of the hardest but also most rewarding parts of the journey. And honestly, I’m still figuring it out.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In my creative work, I have been modeling for a few years now, doing both photo and commercial shoots for brands like Adidas, Kia, Samsung, and American Express. I would not say I have a clear specialty yet. I am still figuring that out as I continue pushing my own boundaries and stepping outside my comfort zone.

What I am most proud of is simply putting myself out there. Taking that first step, recording a self tape, showing up for an audition, or trying something new felt uncomfortable at first, but it has been incredibly rewarding. I have never really been someone who is into myself, but this journey has taught me a lot about self love, confidence, and the effect of showing up authentically. It has also been amazing to see how my work can impact brands and make my agent proud.

What sets me apart is my mix of experiences and the way I think. Coming from a product management and entrepreneurial background, I tend to approach creative work with both logic and curiosity. But lately, I have been learning to quiet the logical side and let my heart lead more, and that balance between structure and spontaneity has shaped the way I create.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is becoming the best version of myself and setting an example for others that it is possible to work smart and achieve their goals. It is not always easy, because growth can be uncomfortable and at times really tough, but I want to keep showing up for myself, my family, my friends, and the people who support me. If I can keep learning, stay grateful, and help others in the process, that means the most to me.

I also think it is important to count your blessings and recognize how far we have come. We are privileged to even have a platform or a voice to share, and I am just thankful for the opportunity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://achang326.wixsite.com/andymodel
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andwych/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-chang-/

Image Credits
Welkin Tang
Joseph Ascioti
Boulevard
SkoopMarketing