When Leyi Zhou arrived in the United States as a 16-year-old immigrant from China in 2014, she never imagined she’d one day be gracing runways and social media feeds. Yet today, this rising figure in the modeling and influencing world is proving that with determination, adaptability, and a dash of serendipity, anything is possible.
Leyi’s path to success was far from smooth. Enrolling in a private high school in the San Francisco Bay Area, she faced a barrage of challenges – cultural shock, language barriers, and even hints of racism in an environment lacking diversity. These struggles led to a pivotal decision: dropping out of high school and transferring to a community college in the winter of 2015.
“I had always wanted to prove myself to everyone that I deserved success,” Zhou recalls. Little did she know that a chance encounter would set her on an unexpected path. While shopping in downtown San Francisco in early 2016, a local hair salon owner approached Zhou, asking if she’d consider modeling. Though she declined due to academic commitments, the seed of an idea had been planted.
This brief interaction sparked a flame of ambition in Leyi. As she prepared to transfer to a four-year university, she set her sights on the Greater Los Angeles Area – the heart of the U.S. entertainment industry. “I understood that Los Angeles is the capital of the entertainment industry in the United States,” Leyi explains. She ultimately chose Cal Poly Pomona, bringing her one step closer to her blossoming dreams.
It wasn’t until August 2021 that Zhou took her first steps into the modeling world. Starting with background acting and TFP (Time for Photos) shoots, she was willing to take on any job to gain experience. Her persistence paid off in June 2022 when she landed her first paid modeling gig. By November 2023, she had caught the attention of the Stack Influence Platform, opening doors to influencer campaigns.
Today, Leyi’s portfolio boasts an impressive array of projects. From runway shows to commercial print work, she’s become a versatile presence in the industry. A standout moment came in Spring 2023 when she served as the main board model for luxury jewelry brand IVI, her images splashed across their official websites and social media platforms.
But Leyi isn’t content with just pursuing fame and fortune. Her challenging experiences have instilled in her a deep concern for social issues. “At first, working as a model and a social media influencer only meant money and fame for me,” she admits. “However, as I learned different life lessons, I realized it is very important for me to use the publicity and fame I have gained from my career to achieve more meaningful things.”
Mental health awareness, anti-racism efforts, women’s rights, and global peace are causes close to Zhou’s heart. She maintains a blog (check her instagram for the link) focused on self-growth and mental health, planning to dedicate more time to this platform in the future.
Despite her busy schedule – juggling modeling gigs, influencer campaigns, and electrical engineering studies at Cal Poly Pomona – Zhou finds time for her passions. An avid artist, she enjoys drawing and painting. She’s also a self-proclaimed enthusiast of anime, comics, games, and television shows (like most of us).
Leyi’s multicultural background is reflected in her linguistic abilities. Fluent in English and Mandarin, with a good grasp of Cantonese, she’s also tackling Spanish at an intermediate level. This versatility allows her to connect with a diverse audience and brings a unique perspective to her work.
As she looks to the future, Zhou remains open to opportunities across the United States, though she primarily focuses on the Greater LA and San Francisco Bay Areas due to her ongoing studies. Fans can keep up with her latest projects and appearances via Instagram and Facebook.
Leyi’s journey from a struggling immigrant teen to a rising figure in the modeling and influencing world is a testament to the power of resilience and self-belief. “I have experienced countless doubts, challenges, and setbacks from all areas of life,” she reflects. “However, I never give up and always believe there is hope in every desperate situation.”
As Leyi Zhou continues to make her mark in the entertainment industry, she stands as an inspiring example of perseverance, adaptability, and the pursuit of one’s unique value. Her story reminds us that with determination and an open mind, it’s possible to turn challenges into stepping stones toward success.
(Readers can follow Leyi Zhou’s journey on Instagram at @yes_lz0625, view her professional profile on Casting Networks, or visit her Facebook for the latest updates on her projects and appearances)
