Celebrating Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month: The Inspiring Journey of Anthia Mo
Photographed by Christian Montoya
In a world that often adheres to rigid standards, Anthia Mo has not only carved her own path but has also illuminated the way for others. As a Taiwanese-American model standing under five feet tall, Anthia has redefined what it means to succeed in the modeling industry, proving that talent and determination know no height limits.
Early in her career, Anthia faced the disheartening reality of being deemed "too short" by numerous agencies. However, rather than letting this define her, she strategically shifted her focus to areas where her unique strengths could shine – beauty, e-commerce, lingerie, and lifestyle work. Like a dedicated dancer honing her craft, Anthia meticulously practiced posing, mastering precise lines, strong angles, and intentional expressions. Recognizing the power of digital platforms, she leveraged social media to showcase her skills directly to brands. This proactive approach proved to be her turning point. Landmark campaigns with Forever 21 and appearances on Times Square billboards not only validated her talent but also prompted those same agencies to reconsider. Anthia's story underscores the power of self-advocacy and creating one's own visibility.
Anthia's Taiwanese-American heritage has profoundly shaped both her career and personal journey. Growing up bilingual and bicultural instilled in her a valuable sense of balance – the respect and humility of her Taiwanese roots harmonizing with the confidence and self-advocacy nurtured by her American upbringing. On set, this translates to a strong work ethic, graciousness, and the courage to speak up when necessary. Witnessing the underrepresentation of Asian faces in mainstream fashion fueled her drive, with each booking serving as a symbolic opening of a door for younger aspiring individuals. Her culture serves as a constant anchor, reminding her of the vital importance of representation.
Now, Anthia is embarking on an exciting transition into acting, a natural progression from her work in modeling. She recognizes that while modeling taught her to communicate narratives through physicality, acting offers the opportunity to add voice and emotion to that awareness. Immersing herself in acting classes and taking on smaller roles to gain on-set experience, her recent short film with Sony/National Lampoon has affirmed her chosen path. Looking ahead, Anthia aspires to portray nuanced Asian lead characters and eventually produce projects that seamlessly blend movement, music, and compelling storytelling – envisioning dance-infused sci-fi or deeply moving dramas centered around Asian American experiences.
Photographed by Combina Key
For those looking to break into the modeling or entertainment industry, particularly those who may not fit the "traditional" mold, Anthia offers advice:
Lean into what makes you different. The industry is evolving and actively seeking unique faces and voices.
Continuously build your skills. Whether it's posing, acting, editing, or understanding contract basics, each skill adds to your value.
Utilize digital platforms to showcase your work. Consistent, high-quality content can bypass traditional gatekeepers and directly reach potential collaborators.
Cultivate a supportive network. Connect and collaborate with photographers, stylists, and independent filmmakers who appreciate fresh perspectives.
Protect your well-being and your business acumen. Understand your worth, meticulously review every agreement, and establish healthy boundaries.
Maintain resilience. Rejections are not failures but rather redirections. Learn from them, adapt, and persevere.
Believe in your unique journey, even if it deviates from the conventional path.
Anthia Mo's journey is a powerful message to the AAPI community: limitations imposed by others can be shattered. Her success, deeply rooted in her Taiwanese-American heritage, proves our unique identities are our strength. Let her story fuel your belief in your own potential. Embrace your individuality and relentlessly pursue your passions – your presence and stories matter deeply.
