Meet Hongsheng Jin

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hongsheng Jin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hongsheng below.

Hongsheng, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Finding my purpose has been a journey shaped by my passions and the unique opportunities I’ve embraced. From my early days as a model to my work in fashion and entrepreneurship, I’ve always been drawn to fields where creativity, discipline, and connection intersect.

When I moved to the U.S., I noticed a significant lack of representation for Asian designers, models, and creatives in the fashion industry. I knew these individuals were just as talented as their peers but often lacked the opportunities and platforms to showcase their abilities. That realization ignited a mission within me—to create meaningful change while aligning with my love for fashion and community-building.

Through ETFashion, I’ve had the privilege of empowering talented Asian professionals by providing them with opportunities to grow, develop, and shine on international stages like New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, and Milan Fashion Week, as well as in prestigious fashion publications like VOGUE, Harper’s BAZAAR, and ELLE. Witnessing their growth, success, and recognition has been incredibly fulfilling and continues to reinforce my sense of purpose.

Ultimately, I found my purpose in helping others succeed—whether through mentorship, creating opportunities, or elevating their talent. My journey has shown me that true purpose isn’t defined by personal success alone, but by lifting others up and making a positive, lasting impact.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m Hongsheng Jin, an entrepreneur, model, and the founder of ETFashion, Inc., the first fashion platform in North America dedicated to empowering Asian designers, models, and creatives. My journey in fashion began as a model, where I was fortunate to work with world-renowned brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Gucci, Christian Cowan, Alice+Olivia, Kate Spade, Saks Fifth Avenue, Stella McCartney, Galia Lahav, Ted Baker, Dennis Basso, Cavanagh Baker, adidas, Sephora, Estée Lauder, Kiehl’s, MAC, and feature in VOGUE, BAZAAR, Forbes, Marie Claire, ELLE, L’OFFICIEL, WWD, NYLON, HYPEBAE, CFDA Runway 360, Fashion Week Online. I’ve had the opportunity to model at Paris Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Project Runway, and other prestigious showcases, as well as win awards like Top Model at the international model contest, 2019 Female Runway Model of the Year at the Boston Fashion Awards, Winner at the International USA Miss Asia Pageant, and World Expo MFA Ambassador.
Through my personal experience, I saw a clear lack of representation for Asian professionals in the fashion industry, despite their incredible talent and creativity. This realization inspired me to establish ETFashion in 2017 to bridge that gap. ETFashion is dedicated to helping Asian fashion enthusiasts and professionals gain visibility, grow their skills, and develop on international platforms.
Since its founding, ETFashion has supported over ten thousand models, designers, photographers, and fashion enthusiasts through events, programs, and competitions. We provide professional training, mentorship, and exposure to global opportunities. Models from our programs have walked at New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, and Milan Fashion Week, signed with agencies like Elite Model Management, and featured in top fashion publications, while designers have gained international recognition and been invited to prestigious showcases.
Some highlights of our programs include the ETFashion Global Design Awards, which promotes designers whose work reflects eastern influences, and ETFashion Week in Boston, the first event in North America focused on female Asian designers and models. These events not only offer invaluable exposure but also celebrate Asian creativity and talent on a larger stage.
At ETFashion, we believe in creating opportunities for emerging talent, building confidence, and introducing a greater Asian influence into global fashion. Our mission is to help these talented individuals turn their dreams into reality.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand our programs to all ethnicities, host new competitions and events, and continue collaborating with global brands to create even more opportunities for fashion enthusiast to thrive. My personal journey and work with ETFashion have shown me that true success is not just about personal achievements, but about helping others shine and creating a lasting, positive impact. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far and look forward to seeing ETFashion grow and empower even more talented individuals in the years to come.

What does ETFashion do?
ETFashion is the first fashion platform in North America dedicated to empowering emerging designers, models, photographers, and other creatives by providing opportunities to develop their skills, gain visibility, and showcase their talents on an international stage. Since its founding in 2017, ETFashion has supported over ten thousand fashion professionals and enthusiasts through events, mentorship, and training programs. Our platform helps models perform at a professional level, connects designers with global audiences, and opens doors to major opportunities like walking at New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, and Milan Fashion Week, as well as being featured in prestigious publications such as VOGUE, Harper’s BAZAAR, and ELLE.
ETFashion also organizes impactful events such as the Global Design Competition, which highlights emerging designers with eastern influences, and ETFashion Week in Boston, which was the first event of its kind to showcase female Asian designers and models. Through our programs, we aim to celebrate Asian creativity, elevate talent, and build a strong, global community within the fashion industry.
What do I feel is most exciting or special about the company?
What excites me most about ETFashion is the ability to create meaningful change. I founded this company because I saw a gap in representation for Asian professionals in the fashion world—despite their talent, they lacked opportunities to thrive. ETFashion is not just about fashion; it’s about empowerment, representation, and breaking barriers.
The most special part of ETFashion is witnessing the transformations and successes of those we support. Seeing models, many with no prior experience, walk confidently at international fashion weeks or appear in top magazines, and designers earn global recognition and opportunities, is incredibly fulfilling. ETFashion is a platform that turns dreams into reality, inspires confidence, and helps talented individuals share their work with the world.
By introducing greater Asian influences to global fashion, ETFashion is not only creating opportunities but also fostering cultural appreciation and diversity, which is more relevant and needed than ever before.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey are:

Vision and Perseverance
One of the most important qualities in my journey has been having a clear vision of what I want to achieve and the perseverance to see it through. Founding ETFashion came from a desire to create opportunities for Asian creatives in the fashion industry, and that purpose guided me even when challenges arose. Success doesn’t happen overnight—it requires persistence, belief in yourself, and the ability to stay focused on your long-term goals.

Advice: If you are just starting out, take time to identify your vision and what truly drives you. Write it down, and remind yourself of it when you face setbacks. Perseverance is a muscle you build by staying committed, even in difficult moments. Every small step you take toward your goal matters.

Building Strong Connections and Networks
Relationships have played a huge role in my success. Whether as a model, entrepreneur, or organizer, I’ve found that surrounding yourself with like-minded, supportive, and talented people can unlock doors and provide invaluable opportunities. Many of ETFashion’s successes—like connecting designers to New York Fashion Week or helping models land features in VOGUE and other top publications—have been made possible through strong professional networks.

Advice: Start building your network early, and be authentic in your interactions. Attend events, connect with people who inspire you, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice or mentorship. Always look for ways to add value to others, as relationships thrive when they’re mutually supportive.

Adaptability and Willingness to Learn
In industries like fashion, things move fast, and success requires adaptability. I’ve had to continuously learn, grow, and embrace new challenges—whether stepping into entrepreneurship, organizing international events, or finding ways to innovate during the pandemic. Being open to new experiences and constantly improving yourself has allowed me to bring ETFashion to where it is today.

Advice: Stay curious and develop a mindset of lifelong learning. Whether it’s improving your craft, developing new skills, or staying informed about trends, being adaptable makes you resilient and helps you thrive in any situation. Learn from both your successes and failures—they are equally valuable teachers.

Final Thought: My journey has shown me that success is about more than just personal achievements—it’s about making an impact, empowering others, and staying true to your vision. If you focus on these three areas—perseverance, connections, and adaptability—you’ll not only grow as a professional but also create opportunities for yourself and others. Stay committed, stay open, and believe in your ability to make a difference.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

At ETFashion, I am always looking to partner with individuals and organizations in the fashion industry that have the resources, platforms, and influence to align with our mission of empowering Asian designers, models, and creatives. This includes established brands, industry leaders, and fashion professionals who are passionate about creating opportunities and advancing diversity in fashion. Whether through access to international fashion weeks, collaborations on events, or features in prominent fashion publications, these partnerships help elevate emerging talent and showcase their work on a global scale.

What excites me most is the chance to connect with those who share ETFashion’s vision—people who believe in fostering creativity, expanding representation, and bridging cultural gaps in the fashion world. By working together, we can provide more opportunities, open doors for deserving creatives, and bring fresh perspectives to the global stage.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etfashion.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etfashion.co