Welcome to “In Harmony with,” our ongoing series where we invite those who inspire us to share their stories and the rituals that help them stay grounded.
This month, we had the pleasure of spending time with Helena Lu, who you might recognize from some pictures on our website here. Based in Los Angeles, Helena is both a model and photographer, bringing passion to everything she creates. We spoke with her about creativity, personal style, life with her dog Ducky, and the rituals that bring her back to herself.
How did you first get into modeling? Was it something you always envisioned for yourself, or did it happen unexpectedly?
Yes, it’s definitely been something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember—I think since the age of 12. I was obsessed with fashion and curious about all of it. It definitely hasn’t been an easy journey. Being a shorter model was hard when I started, and not many agencies wanted to sign me, but in the end, one agent took a chance on me, and found me a contract in Bangkok. As soon as I finished high school, I left my home and started traveling.
What drew you to Los Angeles to pursue modeling, rather than New York?
Los Angeles was more open to working with me and my height, so I decided to start here, and I fell in love with the city. I love New York City, but I prefer to live in a city that it’s not going limit my job opportunities due to my height as opposed to LA, a city that takes me with open arms.
How does your experience as a model influence your photography, and vice versa?
Modeling definitely helps me a lot with photography. I’m really good at directing people if they are feeling uncomfortable in front of the camera. I’m continually learning a lot about photography during modeling jobs from all the talented photographers I get to work with—that’s a really big plus.
How would you describe your personal style?
Honestly, I’m not sure. I feel like a different person every day. Every time I go out I like to play with different colors, different styles, different makeup. I watch a lot of films, so I get my inspiration from them, and, depending on my mood, I just decide which character I’m going to be today.
When did Ducky come into your life, and how has she changed your daily rhythm?
I rescued Ducky five years ago. I always wanted to have a dog when I was young, but my parents wouldn’t let me. When I settled in LA and decided this is going to be home for a while, I saw Ducky up for adoption online, and adopted her right away. She is the most sensitive, loving dog I’ve ever met. I’m there when she is sad, and she is there for me when I’m not feeling my best. I can’t imagine my life without her.
You’ve mentioned that Los Angeles may not be your forever home. Where do you imagine yourself living in the future?
I’ve lived in a lot of places. I do love Los Angeles and see it being my home for a while, but in the future, I would love to move back to Mexico City. It’s one of my favorite places in the world. And ultimately, I would love to go back to where it all began—Bangkok, my first home away from home.
What does your ideal wind-down routine look like at the end of the day?
Honestly, pretty simple. When I come back home after a long day, I just want to spend time with Ducky. I make her a treat for being a good girl and patiently waiting for me. I make myself a cup of tea or a glass of wine, take a bath, (depending on the mood), massage in Serenity Now Body Butter (the scent relaxes me so much), and watch a good movie or documentary.
What does living in harmony mean to you?
Living in harmony means to me being at peace with myself and trying to be a little better every day. And as my mom reminds me: “Just be present, and take it day-by-day because we don’t know what tomorrow brings.”
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Find Helena:
Instagram
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Interviewed & Photographed by Micaela Hoo, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, My July