Today we’d like to introduce you to Hitomi Matoba.
Hitomi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I always knew I was going to be a model since I was this young, full-of-life 8-year-old girl living in the small town of Lake Arrowhead. I started taking my modeling career seriously about five years ago with zero knowledge of how the industry worked. There were so many ebbs and flows throughout the beginning. I didn’t know any photographers to test shoot with, any models that could give me advice, and every agency I applied to I was rejected from. So, I turned to the best resource I had: Google and Instagram. When you don’t know where to start, the best thing to do is say screw it and take that first step, while keeping in mind that it will be full of trials and errors. Most likely, there will be more of the latter, and that’s okay. After years of constantly reaching out to models and photographers on Instagram, of test shooting to build my portfolio, of getting rejected by multiple agencies, I finally met an agency in LA in 2021 that saw the potential in me and wanted to help build my modeling career. Thanks to my wonderful agent Janelle and the entire team at Stetts Models, for the past year I’ve had the opportunity to work with some really amazing brands. Brands that I’d wear as a child and never see any representation of girls that resembled me, but now I get to be that image for other Asian-American girls.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My biggest challenge was the lack of resources I had. Also, living in a small town, I was faced with obstacles that I wouldn’t have otherwise if I was based in a bigger city like LA or NY. Living in Lake Arrowhead was beautiful, but it wasn’t ideal for my dreams of becoming a model. So, the location was one thing, then the standard of the industry was/is another. I’d say I’m very confident in who I am today, but there have been times when I wonder if I’m “fit/thin” enough or “beautiful” enough to fit this role of a model. Imposter syndrome definitely had a hold on me at one point and still passes through my mind at times.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a model and I also write. I mostly do a lot of commercial modeling, I’ve done brand content for social media, UGC work, and a few campaign shoots (my last one was for Wrangler Jeans SS22!). I mostly do fitness modeling, however, I’m working towards getting my foot in high fashion and editorial work as well. I’d love to shoot with/walk for brands like Savage Fenty, Kim Shui, Jacquemus, Rick Owens, PeterDo, HE, and the list goes on.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’m blessed to be able to say that I have a handful of friends that have supported me since the very beginning, before I signed with my agency, before working with these well-known brands, and before my career started heading in the direction it is now. First and foremost, a grand shoutout to my agent Janelle Mckenzie (Stetts Models) for believing in me and seeing the potential I have as a model (you’re the best!). Shoutout to: Lyena Kang, a creative soul who inspired me with her platform and also helped me get my poetry published in my first magazine “Allen & Houston”; to Tomer Oz–very talented Actor/Screenwriter/Stunt performer and choreographer/Muay Thai instructor/dear friend of mine–has inspired me with his mere existence. He moved to a new country alone, went through months of trial-and-error, and dealt with the ‘”no’s” of the industry, yet here he is today working on major films and doing exactly what he came to LA for. His story encourages me when I get too in my head and it reminds me why I started in the first place.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hitomimatobaa/?hl=en
- Other: www.tiktok.com/@hitomimatoba
Image Credits:
Elizabeth Kaminski, Erik Pelyukhno, Yasmine
