Who:
Carlos Lauchu Jr — American/Panamanian from Saline, Michigan, USA — born May 6th — 186 cm / 6’1″ — he/him.

Where:
Major Model Management (New York)

— Share a bit about your background and upbringing.
I am a native of Panama. At the age of 7, I came to the United States with my father, who was a physician. I grew up in Saline, Michigan, and graduated from Michigan State University. Following graduation, I moved to New York City to pursue a career as a singer, dancer, and actor. I performed on Broadway, in commercials, and in several TV series. Additionally, I became a champion ballroom dancer and taught ballroom as well. Later, I moved to Los Angeles to dance in two music videos for Prince and expanded my career with leading roles in television and film.

— What advice would you give to models who are considering entering the modeling industry later in life? Are there any key lessons or insights you wish you had known earlier in your career?
The world of modeling is not what you see on the cover of a magazine. What you see on the cover is just one job at a time. You need to find a way to be happy all the time, whether you are currently booked or not. Find something you are passionate about and immerse yourself in it. When the work is there, it is exhilarating and exciting. And when it is not, you will have to fill in the blanks. The great thing about modeling is that it is one of those rare careers that offers opportunity. Seize it.

— The most interesting thing about your family:
One of the most interesting aspects of my family is that my father eventually returned to our native country of Panama and became the Surgeon General, while simultaneously, his wife — my stepmother — held the position of the top Medical Director in charge of all medical personnel in the Canal Zone for the United States.

Who:
Jackson Cryns — @jackson_cryns — American from San Diego, California, USA — born April 26th — 188 cm / 6’2″ — he/him.

Where:
No Ties Models (Los Angeles – mother agency)

— What are 3 interesting facts about you?
– I play the drums in my band, Faux Fur – I’m an adrenaline junkie – I love exploring abandoned places

— If money wasn’t an obstacle, what would you be doing with your life?
Some of my favorite moments in life are being humbled by nature. If money were no obstacle, I’d likely be traveling the world seeking out the most impressive nature. One of my top travel destinations currently is Dettifoss Waterfall in Iceland.

— The most interesting thing about your family:
My grandfather was the son of a famous German psychiatrist who essentially abandoned him in the Sierra Foothills at 15 years old. There was a small community and makeshift school on the property where he was taken in. My family now owns some land there and tries to visit every year.

Who:
Jasmine Oudendijk — @jasmineouden — Canadian from Vancouver, British Columbia, USA — born September 24th — 180 cm / 5’11” — she/her.

Where:
WANT MANAGEMENT (Toronto – mother agency)

— One thing people may be surprised to find out about you:
I have a lot of grandma hobbies! I like to bake, sew, knit, cook, read, and craft in basically any way (very exciting, I know)

— An issue or cause you are passionate about:
I’m extremely passionate about mental health; it’s something that I have personally struggled with and continuously working on. I think there’s a lot of shame and taboo surrounding a lot of mental illness, and de-stigmatization makes it much easier to be open about it and pursue the help and support you need.

— What’s an essential part of your daily routine?
When I have the time, my favorite part of my day is having a slow morning, drinking tea, reading, and sitting with my cats.

Who:
Ritu Chauhan — @ritu_chn — Indian from Delhi, India — born August 19th — 176 cm / 5’9″ — she/her.

Where:
ParaScoutt (India – mother agency)

— What advice would you give to models who are considering entering the modeling industry later in life? Are there any key lessons or insights you wish you had known earlier in your career?
If you’re thinking about starting a modeling career later in life, there are a few key things you should keep in mind. First, it’s really important not to take rejection personally—remember, it’s not a reflection of your worth. Keep pushing and pursuing opportunities, even when it gets tough. Authenticity is also crucial; always be true to yourself. On the practical side, make sure to plan your finances wisely and save whenever you can. Lastly, surround yourself with supportive and encouraging people. With the right mindset and approach, you can definitely thrive in the modeling industry at any age.

— Share a bit about your background and upbringing.
Born and raised in Delhi, as the youngest of three siblings, I was definitely the most pampered and protected. Coming from a traditional family with no connections to showbiz or fashion, my sister was a huge support and encouraged me to get my first portfolio shot. At first, I was a bit nervous about telling my parents. To my surprise, when I finally told them, they were really happy and totally supportive of my decision. I studied fashion and enjoy painting, gardening, and swimming, all of which enrich my life :)

— What’s an essential part of your daily routine?
Cooking for my family is essential—good food brings joy and health. Additionally, I incorporate yoga, meditation, and healthy eating into my daily routine to maintain a balanced lifestyle. These activities keep me physically fit and mentally centered and ensure my overall well-being.

Who:
Tong Ji — Chinese from Hebei, China — born December 16th — 188 cm / 6’2″ — he/him.

Where:
Maxime Models Management (Guang Zhou City – mother agency)

— How did you become a model?
I took part in a modeling competition in Shanghai and I met my agency so it was a natural thing to being a model.

— What’s an essential part of your daily routine?
Gaming. I like to play CS2, Squad, Mount & Blade ll: Bannerlord, and I spend a lot of time playing these games.

— What’s a favorite book/movie/TV show, and why do you love it?
My favorite movie is The Godfather because I think it is very educational. It teaches a boy how to become a man and tells us to care about our family.

Who:
Yejin Hyun — @hyun.ye_jin — Korean from Osan, Kyonggi-Do, Korea — born December 25th — 173 cm / 5’8″ — she/her.

Where:
1ST MGT (Seoul – mother agency), 26 MODELS (Milan)

— What are 3 interesting facts about you?
1. My birthday is on Christmas Day
2. Cooking for my friends on my birthday every year
3. I can remember anyone if I met them even for one second

— What’s a favorite book/movie/TV show, and why do you love it?
A Star is Born is my favorite movie. I randomly came across the soundtrack first, then watched the movie afterward. Because I watched the movie knowing the music, it made it more dramatic. So far, I’ve watched it 5 times already, and I cry every time I talk about the movie with someone else.

— Tell us about your hometown.
I grew up in Osan, the smallest city in South Korea. You could say it’s not a convenient environment to live in, but lots of trees are always there every time I visit. It’s such a peaceful hometown.