Who:
Chaz Perry — @chazpg — American from Honolulu, Hawaii, USA — born April 3rd — 189 cm / 6’2.5″ — he/him.

Where:
Nomad Management (Los Angeles), Larson Talent Hawaii (Honolulu)

— Share a bit about your background and upbringing.
Growing up in Japan and learning the culture and language at an early age shaped my entire perspective. When I moved back to America as a kid, I didn’t fully realize it at the time, but I saw the world differently than most people around me. I was often one of the only kids with Japanese heritage in my school, which gave me a unique opportunity to share my culture and background with others. My parents raised me to be proud of who I am, even when I felt different. When I went back to Japan to visit family, I got to return the favor by teaching my cousins about American culture and how I saw the world. As I got older, I went through phases of trying to fit in, but I always came back to the lessons my parents taught me to lead my own life and embrace who I am. That mindset is something I carry with me now, especially as a model. I’ve learned that what makes you different is what makes you valuable.

— How did you become a model?
I never imagined myself becoming a model. But one day, I ran into a scout on the beach in Hawaii, and that moment became my first real step into this world. After that, I made a list of every agency on the island, determined to figure it out. I met with the first one, and something just felt right. I threw the list away and trusted my gut. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made; that moment taught me to trust instinct and take the leap when the opportunity shows up.

— What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?
The scariest thing I’ve ever done hasn’t happened yet, but I know it’s coming. Moving to New York for the first time to pursue my dreams in modeling, photography, and fashion design will be the biggest leap I’ve ever taken. It’s terrifying but also exciting because I know stepping into the unknown is the only way to grow into the person and artist I’m meant to become.

Who:
Diya Patel — @dxyapatel — American from New Jersey, USA — born March 26th — 178 cm / 5’10” — she/her.

Where:
Streamline Model Management (Philadelphia – mother agency)

— One thing people may be surprised to find out about you:
That I have the gift of the gab and an amazing ability to talk to people.

— What is your biggest irrational fear?
One day, the cell towers are going to go down, and we are going to have no way of communication.

— If you were to choose a song that symbolizes this current phase of your life, what would it be and why?
“Pursuit of Happiness” by Kid Cudi, because this is a dream that I am chasing, and I’m happy to be on the ride.

Who:
Jack Kalani — @jack.kalani — American from Arizona, USA — born December 21st — 194 cm / 6’5″ — he/him.

Where:
JAG Models (New York), The Agency Arizona (Phoenix – mother agency)

— What’s a story your family/friends like to tell about you?
I was in a rush to the local burrito shop and crashed my bike and face into the mail truck :) I lost multiple teeth and split my chin and knee open. Months later, I was discovered!

— The most interesting thing about your family:
My ancestor was the first Hawaiian to get the Medal of Honor in the US. I have a really big family in Hawaii. Also my Mom is from New York. So, my parents met and married despite being born as far away as possible in the US.

— Can you tell us about your happiest childhood memory?
I once went boogie boarding with my cousin, and we were really far out. We waited and waited and then finally caught a HUGE wave. As we rode in, dolphins started to jump through the wave with us. They were everywhere, next to and in between us! It was amazing.

Who:
Naya Gause — @_anayalater — American from Hawaii, USA — born September 21st — 175 cm / 5’9″ — she/her.

Where:
Natural Models NY (New York), Renew Artists Hawaii (mother agency), Natural Models (Los Angeles)

— What are 3 interesting facts about you?
1. Math is my favorite subject, and If it weren’t for modeling, I’d probably be a full-time accountant.
2. I’ve been surfing since I was 13.
3. I love baking. I partially funded my first trip to California for a surf contest by baking & selling chocolate chip cookies.

— What’s a favorite book/movie/TV show, and why do you love it?
My favorite book is A Fraction of a Whole by Steve Toltz. It was gifted to me by someone I adore very much. Toltz is an Australian author, and this is really shown in his writing and display of characters’ perspectives. It’s such a hilarious and well-written novel. I wish I could read it for the first time again.

— Can you tell us about your happiest childhood memory?
I like to think I had a happy childhood, so it’s hard to pinpoint one memory… but I’ll never forget going to Kona skate park one day with my dad and my brothers. My oldest brother, Bong, watched me land my very first ollie. It was so sick. I was probably 5 or 6? We both talk about that day so vividly. I couldn’t forget it, even if I tried.

Who:
Sofia Cooper — @_sofia_chang_ — American from Oakland, California, USA — born April 25th — 177 cm / 5’9.5″ — she/her.

Where:
Scout Model Agency (San Francisco – mother agency)

— How did you become a model?
I was scouted at a Safeway. I was hanging out with my friends one day in the summer, and while we were out, we decided to go to the store to pick up some ice cream. We were in the store for only five minutes, and I ran into my scout, Becca, who just happened to be in the same aisle at the same time.

— What’s an essential part of your daily routine?
I start off every day with a cup of jasmine tea. For the past few years no matter the weather, day, or where I am in the world, I always make time to have my cup of tea in the morning. Even at school and during testing, my peers and friends can always see me lugging around my giant thermos.

— What’s a favorite book/movie/TV show, and why do you love it?
My all-time favorite show is Bob’s Burgers. I have watched it ever since I was around nine years old, and my mother and I love it more than any other piece of media. I have watched every episode (multiple times) and can recite the words to almost any episode and every. single. song.

Who:
William Yang — @life0fwilly — American from New York, USA — born May 1st — 189 cm / 6’2.5″ — he/him.

Where:
Wilson Model Management (New York – mother agency), Society Management (New York)

— What are 3 interesting facts about you?
1. I am a twin.
2. I am bilingual.
3. Huge fan of Bitcoin.

— Share a bit about your background and upbringing.
I grew up in an Asian American household with my twin sister in NY. We are children of hard-working parents who are immigrants trying to create a better life as a family.

— What is your biggest irrational fear?
Being mistaken for someone else for a crime I didn’t commit.