Today we’d like to introduce you to Sun Alarcon.
Hi Sun, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my career in the fashion industry when I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in 2015. Starting from unpaid internships in social media to visual merchandising, I was ready to display my skill set which had stemmed from my childhood dreams. Growing up as a queer, flamboyant kid you pocket in the little things you have the freedoms to express yourself. For me, that was in fashion, imagery, which then led to diving in many beauty trends, hair phases, and too many cut-up thrifted clothes. Blossoming into this industry was not easy in fact, I’ve spent many years of mental and physical challenges working for big brands climbing the corporate ladder just to let everyone know I was worth something. I gained and honed in on a lot of skill sets including buying, merchandising, e-commerce, and marketing. I somehow felt hungry for more.
In the midst of it all and with self-reflection gained from the pandemic, I asked myself if it all felt fulfilling. My answer was no. An honest deep dive turned into the realization that I was 24 at that time and knew deep in my soul I am not who I said I was. I am her/them, I am Sun. I realize all these avenues of expression I keep taking all pertain to that same kid who was at the end of the day wanted to be themself but couldn’t. Taking that same ownership of self then led to projects in modeling which was always a fantasy of mine, but I was too shy to speak on and didn’t think it’d be possible. I spoke into the universe and with more projects, shoots, collaborations, connections I gain make me more comfortable in my own skin and body. My mind and body for years did not feel like my own and I understand now how much society, environmental factors, the industry has influenced it. But as I endeavor into modeling and art more and more so I know that if I remain who I am to a core, nothing can stop me. In a way I feel like the Barbie doll I wasn’t allowed to own as a kid, I’ll be whomever I want to be as long as it feels right.
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?
A smooth road would be quite ideal but alas here we are. Let’s just say not all work environments are built with rainbows and smiles. I have experienced the toxicity of the corporate world firsthand. Some traumatic moments do include verbal and emotional abuse in a workplace as well as trans or queer discriminatory behavior. At the end of the day, I would be left so numb of putting on fake smiles to submitting to that kind of defeat. Over time, I found my tribe, I surrounded myself with inspiring people that encouraged me. I have made great genuine connections which really elevated my skill set and allow me to apply them. Environmental factors could truly impact how you feel, and if you make the right connections and surround yourself with awesome people, you’ll find how much control you possess in the midst of it all. And for those that assume the fashion industry is full of snobby elites and that no one is genuine, it’s so not true, good people exist and you are one of them.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Currently, I am an apparel buyer for a retailer with up to 60 stores nationwide. I take care of both men’s and women’s apparel bringing in designs that register best for our clientele. Just last year I began pursuing modeling as well. I am blessed to organically curate the best relationships to help me grow in the modeling industry which all helped me to book jobs, various creative projects, get signed to an agency, and build my portfolio of experiences overall. Did I think I’d be able to balance it all? Probably not, but I surprise myself every day by growing in the many roles I play in life. Having different passions can be hard at times but at the end of the day, I feel genuinely like myself. You can say that I’m taking on a lot of work, but at this point, I’d say I’m doing me. Spending some time in this industry, I think I’m more known to have a very creative and collaborative mind.
In buying and merchandising, I include my experiences in social media marketing. It adds an empathic flare to the market when you know your customer and audience very well. I do also bring my knowledge of business to my modeling jobs as well. I apply the intention of knowing what a business is trying to achieve and the objectives they might need to accomplish with the imagery I can create. I’ve also taken a lot of rejection in my day which honestly does not phase me since it’s all part of the business. I know I won’t fulfill everyone’s needs but I’ll try and I’ll perform to the best of my ability through it all.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Confidence is key! Only you can deliver what you were brought to do. There’s only one of you so love yourself, treat yourself with respect, and be kind. When you feel secure in you’re own flaws and loving the skin you’re in, your inner beauty will radiate. It will go unnoticed as your performance levels will increase but also your approachability to more opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/suntheunicorn?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Other: https://www.onyxunity.com/models/283-sun/
Image Credits
Sav Nakasone Sick of Being Famous Productions
