Check Out Nicole Chang’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Chang. 

Hi Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was 16 when I first got in front of the camera professionally. I was always fascinated with how you can turn into any character your heart desired, and modeling allowed for that to become a reality. It wasn’t until 2020, during the pandemic, that I fiercely pursued my creative needs and let the love for this artform guide me. Being photographed makes me feel like poetry in constant motion. I take great pride that I’m multiracial (Cuban, Chinese & Mexican) and my stage name is a representation of my Asian heritage. My other interests range from styling to selling, which lead me to open my small accessory business Vicious Delicious Inc near the end of 2022. 

I’ve always enjoyed experimenting with my look, which is why my signature for 7+ years was shaving off my eyebrows until I decided to grow them out. It’s never been my concern if someone didn’t like how I chose to express myself. To my purple sneakers with white skulls in elementary, to how I personalized my high-school uniform, it was all in the details. You’re in your right to be authentically you even if others don’t understand or accept it. If anyone was to take anything from what I’m saying, it’s you shouldn’t be afraid of yourself and what you can create. 

My creative pursuits came in the form of treating myself as a canvas and how I chose to adorn myself. Like most, I was bullied as a kid; you’ll face different forms of mistreatment as you get older, but knowing you have greater purpose is the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Embracing being multifaceted personally and professionally has allowed for wonderful opportunities and I’m grateful for the encounters. Nothing in this life is meant to be easy, but the hardships I’ve faced and will continue to face will always add fuel to my fire. You need to want it more than the people who don’t want it for you. I’d rather try and run the risk of failing than sit on the sidelines and wonder. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It depends on how you define smooth. I’ve received a great amount of support in whatever I set my mind to, but in any niche industry, self-doubt will always be one of the things that can destroy you. Any genre, experience level, etc I believe the struggles present themselves the same. Not everyone has your best interest at heart, and it’s important to be firm with your boundaries. To take a chance on yourself is a struggle within itself. How you market yourself, define your brand, the people you choose to create art with. Most importantly, how you choose to move forward. 

One of the current struggles with having a startup business is finding patience while expanding. I’m eager for those to own these beautiful pieces I locally and internationally source. As a little girl, I knew I wanted something of my own and I wanted to pursue every interest I had. Expanding my portfolio and business is my goal. I’m doing things my way. My focus is glamorous jewelry at an affordable price, and it’s a brand for everyone (we’re inclusive over here) and like most small businesses, the main struggle is making your brand known and seen. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a published pin up model and own an accessory business. 

Classic and alternative are two styles that I’m fond of and relate to the most although my modeling work is geared towards mostly classic pin up. I loved my extraterrestrial brow-less look with a full face of makeup and statement outfit to a graphic tee and sweats dripping in jewelry. Both worlds are relevant to me. 

For my accessory business I source, create general advertisements, pack and ship, create product photos / videos, build rapport, etc. 

I feel I specialize in providing variety when in front of the camera. I love to pose, and create a connection with the photographer. 

When it comes to styling and my small business, I can put together a whole look for you for any occasion and it’s a guarantee you’ll receive a compliment or two on the piece(s) I choose for you. I’m passionate about making people feel good in what they wear and how they accessorize. I’d say one of the things I’m known for is my enthusiasm for the possibilities. I see things for what they are, but I also see things for what they could be and that goes for every stage in my craft. 

I’m most proud of how passionate I get about the things that excite me, and I don’t hide it. I’m proud for pursuing everything I wanted to pursue. I continue to learn, ask questions, and embrace my individuality and duality. I don’t believe I have to be only one thing. I’m proud of myself for taking chances, and for believing that I’m deserving. I’m proud to do things that make me feel empowered and empower others in the process. 

What sets me apart? I care about the process as much as the end result, and I’m open to giving advice and sharing my expierences to someone who is curious and wants to learn. 

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Oh geez, that one of the first genres of music I fell in love with was underground hip-hop. I was a huge bookworm as a kid. My dream job (amongst many others) was to be a detective like Olivia Benson in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. During the pandemic of 2020, I received my certificate in child psychology. The list goes on. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/goddessofthesevenseas_
• Other: www.instagram.com/viciousdeliciousinc 

Image Credits
Mary Johnson
Susana Vestige
Ana Jenkins
Miss Missy Maud
Lazzerini Radiant Inc