Rising Stars: Meet Paris Chong of WEHO

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paris Chong.

Hi Paris, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The very short version of a very long story? I began as a photographic model in Europe, but music was always the real dream. That restlessness took me around the world with Culture Club, into rooms with legends—David Bailey behind the camera, meeting Bowie and Warhol and I got to travel via the Concorde. Eventually, I landed in Los Angeles with big dreams and a very real wake-up call.

Like many people, I came back down to earth. I worked in hospitality, then radio, all while mingling with the fast crowd of musicians and creatives. When I had my son, everything shifted. I slowed down, refocused, and found my true calling—championing artists.

I went on to represent some of the world’s most extraordinary photographers and artists, working with Farmani Gallery and later Robert Berman Gallery during its heyday at Bergamot Station. Hossein Farmani and Robert Berman were pivotal mentors who deeply shaped how I understand and respect art.

From there, I helped pioneer the pop-up art scene in Los Angeles with my traveling ARTfront shows, creating new ways for people to encounter art outside traditional walls. Today, I’m proudly the Gallery Goddess of Leica Gallery LA, where all those chapters—music, fashion, photography, hustle, and heart—finally come together.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If you are on a smooth road, you probably aren’t alive. The struggle is real in life but the rewards are greater. Being a single mother is a struggle, selling art when people lost their homes is a struggle but I choose to stay positive no matter what. Peace and happiness remain my main goal.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in curating art and sequencing images to tell a cohesive story. I mentor and guide artists, offering encouragement while identifying work that resonates and sells within my market. Above all, I treat everyone with kindness and respect.

I am a juror for many prestigious photo competitions and I do portfolio reviews around the world.
I also have a podcast called The Paris Chong Show chatting with my artsy friends.

I serve on the board for The West Hollywood Design District and I was on FAM which helped raise money to build STORIES: The AIDS Monument in West Hollywood. I am so proud to have been a part of that project,..it turned out so beautifully and it brings awareness to all we lost during that time.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think they find you and you will know it.

I suggest just getting out there. Go to art events, take classes, go to book signings, do the portfolio reviews, enter competitions, put yourself in the company of other artists. and yes, this absolutely has worked for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @paris.chong
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paris.chong
• Other: @pchoshow

Image Credits
My headshots credit Manfred Baumann
Outdoor gallery shot credit Earl Gibson III
Alanis Morissette Invite credit Dennys Ilic
Picture of me and Peter Turnley credit Miles Bitton
B/W Photo of man walking in rain credit Terry LaRue