Black Puffy oversized quilted coat: @charlesandron
Dress: @tellthetruth.shop
Shoes: @dollskill
Talent: Catie Li @catieli
Photography, Creative Direction, and Production by: Mike Ruiz
Editor-in-Chief: Dimitri Vorontsov
Stylist: Melvin Sanders @MelinStyles
Hair: Ana Estela @anaestelahair
Makeup: R Pro Makeup Artist @Rpromakeupartist
Retouching by Color Consulting Us Inc. @colorconsulting_us
Location: Los Angeles, California
Black Puffy oversized quilted coat: @charlesandron
Dress: @tellthetruth.shop
Shoes: @dollskill
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Catherine Li and I am an Asian-American model and content creator! I also have a background in PR and marketing in the entertainment industry, working for Viacom, PR agencies, and The Shade Room.
How did you get into modeling? Was this a job you always dreamed of?
I got into modeling by accident or maybe it was fate. My roommate at the time found a sofa off craigslist for our apartment. The seller ended up being a plus-size model and gave me pointers on how to apply. From there I got signed and within the next 3 months, I was able to quit my job and go full-time.
Jacket: Charles and Ron
Necklace: Aida Novosel
Dress: @tellthetruth.shop
What do you like about modeling?
I love being able to meet people in the creative space and also getting to work with dream clients I never thought would be possible to.
What does body positive mean to you?
Body positivity is embracing your body in all stages. Yes, we are all humans and sometimes we have a bad day and reflect poorly on ourselves, but it is about changing our mindset and embracing/loving who we are in our stages of life.
What are some things you do to practice self-care?
I am a workaholic, so I still try to distance myself from social media from time to time and spa days. I try to learn to accept that a day of doing nothing is ok. Sometimes you are the hardest on yourself!
Belt (Choker) : @bustedbrand
Dress: Sante Grace, @santegrace
Why is body positivity so important and how do you achieve that?
The importance of loving your body at all stages. Our body is going to change over the course of our lives and it is important that we love every second of it and take the positive route. We only have one life to live! Positive affirmations help, as well as doing things that make you happy without any pressure. Wearing something different, trying a new wellness class, starting a hobby etc.
What does a typical day in your week look like?
I love creating routines for myself. In the morning I usually eat, walk my dogs and get ready. In the afternoon I create content and finish up any admin work. I try to finish my day by 5. I cook dinner and spend the rest of the night with my husband.
Belt (Choker) : @bustedbrand
Dress: Sante Grace, @santegrace
How would you describe your Instagram platform?
Authentic and real. It is important for me to make sure I stay true to myself on my platform at all times. I post things I enjoy- fashion, cooking, memories etc.
Which other social media influencers would you collaborate with?
I am always open to all. There are so many of us and since I am new to being a full-time content creator, I don’t know many, but I love making new friends!
Coat: @kristina_k_ny
Shoes: @zara
Tell us about your marketing and advertising brand, The Shade Room, what is it? And, why did you start it?
The Shade Room is a celebrity news blog that has grown to 27M followers on IG. Thave has done groundbreaking numbers and really embrace current-day pop culture. I found The Shade Room on IG years ago when I worked at BET Networks and asked them to be on the carpet at the BET Awards. The owner and I became fast friends. From there I helped her mold programs within her marketing department. I really enjoyed the job and seeing the growth of the company. I always wanted to keep my experience fresh on my resume and I actually really enjoyed the job! It was very fulfilling.
Coat: @kristina_k_ny
Shoes: @zara
How do you manage to model, be an influencer, and be the CMO of a company? What advice can you give?
I really hustled and sacrificed my social life. My days were spent always working, even on the weekend. I would wake up at 5 AM answering emails before I would go to set. I would bring my laptop and work on breaks and lunch and would not go to sleep until late finishing up anything I needed to do. I was like this for years, but it paid off in so many ways!
What are your plans for the future?
My plan is to continue to grow my brand and be a safe space for girls like me! I hope to continue to push for representation within the entertainment and fashion industry.
