Meet Jingyao Wang

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jingyao Wang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jingyao, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?

I prioritize self-reflection by asking: Do I like myself? If the answer is yes, I focus on maintaining the habits and actions that align with my values and satisfy me. If the answer is no, I work on improving the areas where I feel dissatisfied. For example, in early 2023, I experienced a severe breakout that deeply affected my confidence, particularly as a model where appearance plays a critical role. Acknowledging my frustration, I took proactive steps: consulting a dermatologist, refining my skincare routine, and adjusting my diet. These consistent efforts gradually restored my skin and, with it, my self-assurance. At the same time, I take pride in my systematic and disciplined approach to life. These qualities were cultivated during my student years and have since been integrated into both my personal and professional pursuits. They enable me to tackle challenges with confidence and persistence, ensuring continuous growth.

As humans, we are naturally social beings who desire acceptance and approval from others—this is universal. However, it’s equally important to recognize that no matter what we do, there will always be a group of people who dislike or even actively oppose us without needing a specific reason. Conversely, there will also always be those who support and appreciate us wholeheartedly.

I remember a principle my mentor shared with me during my time as a sales professional: the “Traffic Light Rule”. According to this rule, 20% of people (the “red light”) will never like you, no matter what you do. This could stem from differences in values, personalities, or other inherent reasons, and trying to change their minds is often futile. Another 20% (the “green light”) are your natural supporters—they will stand by you unconditionally. These people are your loyal allies and deserve your gratitude and attention. The remaining 60% (the “yellow light”) are those whose opinions can be influenced. Their stance depends on how you present yourself, your actions, and how much trust you build with them. This principle has taught me not to waste energy trying to please everyone. Instead, I focus on nurturing my relationships with those who support me and putting effort into building trust with those who are neutral. It’s far more productive to strengthen the “yellow” and “green” lights than to expend energy on the “red” ones.

When I face criticism, I listen carefully to understand their perspective. Sometimes, it’s difficult to view ourselves objectively, so valid feedback can offer valuable insight for growth. Constructive criticism, even if it stings, ultimately helps me improve.

We must learn to love ourselves and strive to become the best version of ourselves based on our standards. By focusing on self-growth and prioritizing where we invest our energy, we can navigate negativity and move forward with confidence and purpose.

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?

This is Jing. I’m a model based in Los Angeles, as well as a modeling coach and director for youth and adults.

Unlike robots, human beings possess a soul and passion, which the routine of daily work should never overshadow. For me, modeling is an art form where I embody the essence of each piece I wear and bring its story to life. My deep connection to the garments truly sets me apart, serving as a medium to realize the designer’s vision and allowing the clothing to express its unique narrative. Fashion, to me, is like a canvas—a place where humanity, nature, and modern civilization collide, reflecting the multifaceted values of our society.

As a modeling coach, I bring the same philosophy into my work with young talents. Instead of teaching uniform techniques or enforcing a one-size-fits-all approach, I strive to help each individual discover and develop their unique style. To me, there is no “right or wrong” in modeling like there is in mathematics. Every child or individual I coach has their own vibe, and my goal is to empower them to embrace their authenticity while refining their craft.

Ultimately, I hope to inspire others by celebrating diversity and authenticity. My mission is to create a space where everyone feels represented, valued, and confident in sharing their unique beauty and story. Whether through my modeling, coaching, or directing, my goal remains the same: to empower individuals to express themselves fully and confidently in a world that often seeks to standardize creativity.

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?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities have been the most impactful: patience, ambition, and resilience. These traits shaped my path and enabled me to overcome significant challenges. For those just starting their journey, focusing on developing these qualities can be transformative.

Patience has been the foundation of my growth. My journey was far from straightforward. Growing up, I dreamed of becoming a model, but like many in traditional Asian families, my aspirations were dismissed early on. My family prioritized a practical education, leading me to earn a degree in Economics—completely unrelated to fashion or the arts. Starting my modeling career later, with no formal training or industry background, meant beginning as a complete rookie. Building my career required patience as I learned the basics, built my portfolio, and faced countless rejections. Just like nurturing a seed before it blooms, dreams take time and persistence. Patience allowed me to endure the slow progress and long hours needed to establish myself in such a competitive industry.

Ambition has been the driving force behind my actions. It gave me the motivation to push through self-doubt, seize opportunities, and consistently improve my skills. I didn’t wait for opportunities to come to me; instead, I actively sought them out by networking, learning, and stepping outside my comfort zone. For anyone starting, my advice is simple: Take the first step, no matter how small. Progress begins with action, and ambition fuels that momentum. Set clear goals, stay proactive, and commit to continuous improvement.

Resilience has been vital in navigating the inevitable challenges of pursuing a dream, especially in a competitive field like modeling. Rejections, self-doubt, and periods of stagnation were all part of the journey, but I learned to view these obstacles as opportunities for growth. Resilience is about bouncing back, staying adaptable, and remaining committed even when the path feels uncertain. Over time, I realized it not only builds character but also distinguishes those who persevere from those who quit. It is this quality that has allowed me to transform setbacks into stepping stones for success.

In summary, patience, ambition, and resilience have been the pillars of my journey. They have shaped my approach to challenges and enabled me to grow continuously. For anyone starting their path, these qualities are invaluable—helping you stay grounded, motivated, and prepared to turn every challenge into an opportunity for growth.

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

I believe these two approaches aren’t mutually exclusive. I dedicate the majority of my time to going all-in on what I’m strongest at. As a model, for instance, honing my catwalk and print posing skills is fundamental—it’s the core of what I do. However, I also make it a point to continuously invest effort into areas where I’m less proficient. As the saying goes, a water barrel’s capacity isn’t determined by its longest plank, but by its shortest. I’ve found that many areas of expertise are interconnected and can enhance each other.

Take modeling as an example: many people view models as blank canvases, able to showcase any outfit or look effortlessly. While I don’t disagree, I also believe that specialization has its merits. Technically, I don’t need styling skills as a model. However because I have a deep interest in fashion, I naturally started studying styling while improving my posing skills by analyzing editorials and magazines. This curiosity has not only refined my sense of aesthetics but also helped me discover the styles that suit me best, which ultimately benefits my modeling career.

Another example is my journey into graphic design. What began as a casual interest grew into something I actively pursued. Along the way, I found opportunities to apply graphic design knowledge directly to my modeling work. For instance, I designed my logo, started creating a personal website, and even learned to do simple retouching on my photos. These skills, which started as side pursuits, have added tremendous value to my primary career as a model.

So, to answer the question, my personal experience has taught me that combining both approaches works best. Going all-in on our strengths allows us to become experts in our chosen fields while investing in areas where we’re less skilled opens doors to new opportunities and enriches our lives. After all, life is an ongoing journey of exploration, and sometimes the seeds you plant in unexpected places bloom into something incredible down the road.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Jing__arson

Image Credits

@ofstudio.cecilia
@alannagibertphoto
@markgonpoint
@arezoojalali_photography
LIU Fang Vision
@patrickcox
@williamleespixels
@halwphoto
@tocatlian
@zemovisuals