material world is a beautiful reflection of the more subtle realms; and it was through this that her physical and internal beauty shined. By the age of sixteen, she was discovered for modeling and immediately rose to the top of the field where she worked with and for the most prestigious names and brands in the haute couture international high- fashion industry. From being on hundreds of covers of fashion magazines to runway modeling for Chanel and Dior, Joy was creating a life based on responsibility and worldwide exposure all before the age of twenty. Her light was recognized by the country of Thailand, where among the many prestigious individuals she has been able to work around, with, and for, Joy recognized the foundational value system of respecting one’s elders through practicing silence and simply being in respectful observance and in a listening state around them to fully envelop the wisdom and savvy necessary to make it as far in the industry as she has as one that she had developed as a child, surrounded by elders in Temples. Although these structures were entirely constructive, it was still necessary for her to conscientiously do the inner work on her mind, body and spirit every day on her own to develop her career. As one might imagine, the high-fashion industry is neither forgiving nor an easy experience. “People prepare 6 months for a collection and who will be chosen to represent that show,” Joy states with her warm, soothing tone of voice. And yet, it is all too possible and probable that many models will not be chosen, which could make anyone’s voice tight and shrill in simple recollection of such high-stakes at risk. For me, this was a perfect example of Joy showing years of cultivating her internal world of inner peace, which includes not allowing the pressures of external forces to control her emotional or mental state of mind. It was such a small moment in our conversation, but this was a moment of impact for me to witness, and consequently a strong piece of inspiration on how much control an individual has over their circumstances even when it seems we are at the graces of others for our success. The thing is, the pressure might alleviate once informed that you’ve been chosen, but the responsibility of the position relentlessly steams ahead with what comes from being chosen to represent a brand. “All eyes are on you during a photoshoot, all the while you have a Stylist, Lighting Heads, Hair and Makeup Crews, Photographers asking for your time, energy, space, focus, stillness, motion, angles, and creativity to make it all happen during a brief segment of time all for the one perfect picture,” She says, “Which is then all challenged by being able to handle the critiques that would come from everything just created.” With much riding on her ability to adapt in every circumstance she is asked, it is crucial that she maintains a calm sense of awareness to observe, receive and share new
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