Cover Girl: It's time for Lisha Ho to shine

How does Lisha view the unrealistic beauty standard set by the industry? “For me, beauty is diverse. During my time as a model in Europe, I observed a wide range of diversity in terms of ethnicity, skin tones, styles, body shapes, heights and even age,” she says. “While it’s true that in some Asian markets, there is still a preference for young and skinny models, I have noticed that certain countries have begun to change the rules of the game.”

Now, at the age of 31, Lisha remains an indomitable force in the industry, fearlessly pursuing her passion and staying true to what she loves. The faint lines that are beginning to characterise her face are not viewed as imperfections but rather as exquisite markers of a life well-lived, a testament to the invaluable experiences garnered in an industry where youth often reigns supreme.

Fashion is a form of art that evolves with time. How do you see yourself contributing to the ever-changing landscape while pushing boundaries?

I see myself aligning with the ever-changing nature of fashion. Just as fashion transforms over time, I too embrace a constant process of exploration, learning and pushing my boundaries. This approach allows me to let the passage of time craft the remarkable milestones of my journey.

Is the industry as fiercely competitive and cutthroat as people think?

Yes, the fashion industry can be very competitive, but I approach it with a positive mindset, and I always believe that everyone has their unique characteristics and there’s always enough space at the table. To my fellow models, stay focused, embrace your uniqueness, and most importantly, be you. Do whatever you’re passionate about, enjoy it, and have fun!

Having been called out for its lack of representation in terms of race and body size, how do you intend to be an advocate for inclusion and diversity?

I’m committed to leveraging my social media platform as a powerful tool to support and encourage the beauty of every body shape and race. I also wholeheartedly believe that the industry should embrace diversity not only in skin colour but also in body size. I am happy to see that the scene is adapting and loving different bodies and races more as compared to when I first started working as a model. I do believe that it’s just a matter of time for us to appreciate who we are, and to love ourselves and our bodies regardless of race and shape! We are all beautiful humans with beautiful souls, after all.

How do you maintain a positive body image and encourage others to do the same?

I promote mindful eating and a balanced diet because I was once trapped in a harmful cycle. I understand that it was detrimental to both my physical and mental health. There was a time when I strived to appear thinner in front of the camera by restricting myself to one meal a day and engaging in excessive daily workouts. This took a toll on my mental and physical well-being, leading to eating disorders and hormonal imbalances. Now I prioritise a normal, mindful environment and regular exercise, which has brought me inner peace and harmony with my mind and body. Of course, this routine has put my hormones back on track and brought my period back. FYI, I was in menopause for five years.

What are your thoughts on how fashion is frequently chastised for negatively impacting the environment?

I find joy in accepting new fashion pieces, but I am also very interested in adding vintage clothing to my collection. While working in Europe, I would usually visit these stores during my free time to revitalise second-hand garments and give them a “new” purpose. This practice, in my view, not only infuses a sense of novelty into my wardrobe but also serves as a great move in the fashion industry’s environmental footprint. It’s a small step towards reducing the criticism directed at the industry for its environmental impact.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance and take care of your well-being?

I typically begin my mornings with meditation to establish a positive mindset for the day ahead. I dedicate around half an hour to centring myself, focusing on my body and its sensations, which effectively sets a positive tone for my morning. During my commute to work, I also find solace in listening to some of my favourite music, which helps alleviate stress. As for my diet, I strive to maintain a balanced and healthy diet as much as possible, and I always keep a protein bar inside my bag in case I have no time for a proper meal. Besides that, I make sure to balance my lifestyle by spending time with my friends and family. I love having a nice dinner and catching up with them, which brings a sense of fulfilment to my life.