Jason Harris
Hanli Hoefer started her career in modeling working part-time for small business owners and blog shops. Eventually, she reached out to her mother agency Avenue Management as she believed that she could model full time and she wanted to learn more about the fashion industry. After 2 years of successfully modeling fulltime, she auditioned for MTV Asia, she won the part as a presenter and the rest you can say is history.
StarCentral Magazine recently caught up with Hanli to talk about her journey in the entertainment industry and here’s what went down:
Could you please provide a background about yourself and how were you actually ‘discovered’?
I started my modeling career very casually part-time working with small business owners and blog shops. I then reached out to my mother agency Avenue Management as I believed that I could model full time and I wanted to learn more about the fashion industry. After a successful 2 years of full-time modeling, I was at a photoshoot when I overheard someone talking about auditions for MTV Asia. I immediately stuck my nose into the conversation and the rest you can say was history. I have been a professional presenter of MTV Asia for the past 7 years, I still model, I have been a radio DJ and most recently I have taken up acting roles in various productions.
What does it mean to you to be a model?
Modeling was my entry point to my career. It can mean many things to different models but for me, it is a tool to practice self-expression, confidence, and creativity.
What sort of person usually follows you? Who’s your main audience?
My audience is late teens to mid 30’s men and women. I have a lot of followers from my MTV days who have grown up with me and have seen my journey. I also have followers who share the same values as me. A lot of my content focuses on positive living, travel, mental health, self-love, confidence, and authenticity.
What’s the biggest challenge to modeling?
It’s easy to compare yourselves to others, it can be a superficial industry but I feel recently that trends have changed and beauty standards are opening up. There is a certain type of bravery and vulnerability that comes with modeling as you are truly ‘putting yourself out there’ playing a range of emotions to capture the right expressions. Confidence is a superpower that will take you further than anything else.
Have you always wanted to be in the modeling industry?
I have always wanted to be in a creative industry. I love fashion, photography, and production so becoming a model was an exciting way for me to get close to them.
What’s your personal mission in life?
To have the freedom to live an authentic, global and colourful life on my own terms.
What has been the most memorable experience of your career so far?
There are countless once in a lifetime experiences. I’ve traveled the world working backstage in some of the most exclusive events, I’ve hosted in-front of crowds 30,000 people strong, I’ve graced the covers of magazines I read when I was a teenager and I’ve seen myself perform on channels and brands I would watch growing up. It’s very hard to pinpoint one experience so I’ll share a recent one that I am very proud of. I grew up watching all of VICE’s content online and always wanted to work with the brand on one of their famous documentary-style videos. Last December I filmed a 3 part series with VICE Asia that will be out in a few weeks. It was a very fulfilling moment for me and I can’t wait to share it with everyone!
Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?
I meet interesting people all the time! Meeting famous celebrities are always interesting as they are either very friendly or very quiet. Some celebs I’ve worked with over the years are Rita Ora, Chris Hemsworth, Tinashe, Joe Flizzow, Charlize Theron, Bebe Rehxa and Sabrina Carpenter. Some of the most interesting people I meet are not in the spotlight but are the creative drivers behind big ideas. Writers, producers, and photographers. I feel that as long as someone is passionate they are already far more interesting than your average.
How active are you on social media?
I’d say I am moderately active. There are some months where I am consistent and there are times I allow myself a break.
What is your favourite social media platform?
Instagram!
What will you advise other models who may wish to follow your footsteps?
Put yourself out there! Don’t be shy. Take risks. Email everyone you think can help you. Be open to creative collaborations. Ask all the questions and remember not to take yourself too seriously. Have fun!
What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.
I am currently producing my own podcast it’s called “Just So We’re Clear” and it is available on soundcloud and spotify. Or you can check out my Instagram @hanlihoefer to tune in. It is a hilarious show hosted by myself and my friend Marissa Trew where we break down and get investigative with all the juicy topics that come our way.
The ‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:
1. Last good movie I’ve seen: Parasite
2. What do you consider beautiful and why? Patience! When people are patient it is because they are normally understanding. When you give people time to be understood connections are made. We need more genuine connections and kindness these days.
3. What haven’t you done yet that you wish you could? Ride a motorbike.
4. Complete this sentence: “If I had no fear, I’d…” Bungee jump.
5. What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself? I can be clumsy at times… it’s cute until you spill sauce on your white top!
Jason Harris
