In an industry often quick to categorize, Leyi Zhou defies simple classification. A model, influencer, and serious advocate for self-improvement, Leyi embodies a unique blend of determination, cultural richness, and an unyielding commitment to personal and professional growth.
Born in China and relocated to the United States in the spring of 2014, Leyi’s journey began amidst significant challenges. Faced with age restrictions at public schools, she enrolled in a private high school in the San Francisco Bay Area. The transition was fraught with hurdles: cultural shocks, language barriers, and social tensions marked her early days in the U.S. These experiences, while disheartening, laid the groundwork for her later triumphs. By the winter of 2015, Leyi decided to leave high school for community college, a move that marked the beginning of her transformative journey.
Leyi’s entry into the modeling world was serendipitous. While shopping in downtown San Francisco in early 2016, a local hair salon owner spotted her potential and offered her a modeling gig. Although she declined due to educational commitments, the encounter planted a seed of possibility. This seed would later flourish when Leyi transferred to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, drawn by the proximity to Los Angeles—the heart of America’s entertainment industry.
Her professional modeling career officially took off in June 2022, after years of preparation and minor roles, including background acting and TFP shoots. Her breakthrough came when she secured her first paid modeling job and an invitation to join Stack Influence for influencer campaigns by November 2023. These milestones underscore Leyi’s narrative of perseverance and the belief that personal value can shine through adversity.
Leyi’s multicultural background plays a significant role in shaping her perspective and approach to modeling. Fluent in English and Mandarin, with a good understanding of Cantonese and an intermediate level of Spanish, she brings a unique linguistic versatility to her work. This multilingual ability, combined with her experiences navigating different cultural landscapes, allows Leyi to connect with a diverse range of clients and audiences.
Her background as a first-generation immigrant informs her modeling aesthetic, often infusing her work with a blend of Eastern and Western influences. This cultural fusion is particularly evident in her collaborations with brands like IVI, where her ability to embody both traditional and contemporary styles sets her apart in the industry. Moreover, Leyi’s multicultural identity has fostered a deep appreciation for diversity in all its forms, driving her commitment to representation and inclusivity in the modeling world. She often speaks about the importance of seeing diverse faces and body types in media and fashion, using her platform to advocate for broader representation.
Leyi is not just a model. She is a student of electrical engineering at Cal Poly Pomona and a vocal advocate for several social causes, including mental health awareness, anti-racism, and women’s rights. Her engagement in these issues is not just theoretical; it is deeply personal and informed by her experiences as an immigrant and a young woman navigating multiple identities.
Her social media presence is a blend of professional showcases and personal anecdotes, reflecting her journey and the causes she champions. Followers on Instagram and Facebook are treated to regular updates about her life, including her experiences with modeling gigs, university life, and insights into her personal growth.
In addition to her modeling and influencer work, Leyi actively contributes to a broader dialogue through her blog, which focuses on self-growth and mental health. This platform, accessible via her IG bio, offers a deeper look into her thoughts and advocacy work.
Leyi’s current projects reflect her diverse interests and talents. She has participated in various modeling formats—from runway shows to print modeling—and her most notable recent work includes being the main board model for the luxury jewelry brand IVI in Spring 2023. Her portfolio, detailed on her Casting Networks profile, showcases a wide array of collaborations and projects that highlight her versatility and commitment to her craft.
Looking ahead, Leyi remains open to opportunities across the United States, balancing her educational pursuits with her burgeoning career in modeling, influencing, and acting. She continues to use her platform to promote important social issues and hopes that her story will inspire others to recognize and pursue their unique value in the world.
In sum, Leyi Zhou is more than a model or influencer; she is a testament to the power of resilience and the pursuit of personal authenticity in a world that often seeks conformity. Her story is one of overcoming, learning, and ultimately, shining in the multitude of roles she embodies.
