Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Seo

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

Despite the piercing intuition that screamed at me that college wasn’t my destined path, I dove into this path anyways because everyone around me insisted it was the sensible choice and a solid backup plan. Once there, I started taking modeling seriously and quickly realized that the typical 9-to-5 grind or an academic track wasn’t my true calling. College was a tough ride to say the least—it was hard to stay interested in subjects that didn’t interest me. Alongside my rising modeling career, I hustled as a waitress and ambitiously worked to develop my first business, Ctrl Athletic Co. I juggled an intense schedule, which left little room for the typical college life of parties and football games. Instead, I was laser-focused on balancing my career, studies, and work. Diving deeper into modeling, I discovered just how powerful social media is in the industry and for business, which pushed me to venture into content creation. Recognizing that the traditional path wasn’t suited for me, I accelerated my studies to graduate a year early. College often felt like being stuck in an endless loop—a draining experience that seemed to be designed to diminish my ambitions. Despite these instincts, I felt compelled to pursue a traditional career path following graduation. However, being laid off just days shy of my 23rd birthday, only a year and a half into my job, turned out to be an unexpected blessing, steering me towards my true passions. This fresh start, though daunting without a steady paycheck, was exhilarating, overflowing with creative opportunities and personal growth. Embracing my role as a risk-taker thriving in a non-traditional lifestyle, I’ve learned to appreciate the journey’s ups and downs. Despite the relentless challenges, I wouldn’t trade this rollercoaster journey for any other path.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

After being laid off, I thought that would be my biggest challenge, but little did I know it was just the opening roar of a much larger beast. I faced several difficulties that made this journey more complicated. Stepping into the real world for the first time and pursuing an unconventional path was truly intimidating; it felt as if I was being catapulted blindly into unknown territory without provisions. I felt overwhelmed and uncertain, without any clear direction or guidance on how to navigate this jungle of a journey. Compounding these feelings, I felt incredibly alone and discouraged, especially as I watched my friends either continue their college lives or settle into regular 9-to-5 jobs. I was physically unwell at the time, which kept me from driving and limited my independence. At the same time, I struggled with mental health issues, compounded by a series of misdiagnoses. This left me unmedicated or on the wrong treatment, turning simple tasks feel like monumental challenges, which fueled my self-doubt and led me to question my ability to succeed. Internally, I wrestled with a deep-seated fear of failure and imposter syndrome, feelings that constantly eroded my self-confidence and overshadowed my accomplishments. This instilled a fear of taking risks in me, and I felt that nothing I accomplished was ever satisfactory. Professionally, the challenge was equally daunting; establishing myself in a male-dominated industry meant facing skepticism and encountering individuals who often had ulterior motives, which made building a genuine and supportive network incredibly challenging. I had to work hard to find true allies who genuinely supported my journey. Despite the difficulties, these experiences became pivotal in guiding me toward a journey defined by perseverance and ambition.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I am primarily known as a model but my professional journey extends beyond modeling; I’m the co-owner of Manhattan Model Management, and I am truly fortunate to have Valentina as my partner. Her unmatched intelligence, and innovativeness, along with her extraordinary skill and uniquely distinctive charm, elevates everything we achieve, making our agency truly exceptional, all while she appears effortless and elegant. Together, we have crafted an agency that stands out by integrating the insights of both a model and a designer, offering valuable perspectives from both the talent and client sides. This collaboration helps us bridge the gap and find common ground, ensuring satisfaction for all involved. Alongside this, I lead Ctrl Athletic Co., a brand dedicated to providing women with flattering style, versatility, and comfort for their busy lives. These products are designed to accommodate sensitive skin, making them suitable for all skin types. In all these endeavors, I am dedicated to developing innovative, impactful solutions, taking immense pride in every aspect of my work and the lasting impact it has on the industries.

How do you think about luck?

Luck has played a significant role in shaping my life and business, bringing both advantages and challenges. On the positive side, I’ve been fortunate to meet my business partner at the perfect time along with having the privilege to connect with inspiring business mentors who guide and believe in me. Their support assures me I’m not alone and i’m truly grateful to say I have a team of supporters that wishes nothing but the best for me, just as I do for them. These nurturing relationships have opened doors to opportunities that I might never have discovered on my own, and for this, I feel truly blessed. However, I’ve also encountered what seemed like misfortune: being underestimated, losing my job, and facing mental and physical health struggles to start off with. Despite these hurdles, I’ve learned that everything is about perspective. Viewing something as bad luck can lead to a pessimistic outlook and resentment, but reframing these events as opportunities that prevented worse outcomes has been transformative. Often, these challenges have served as blessings in disguise, directing me toward the right paths and opportunities while also playing a crucial role in shaping me into the successful professional I strive to become in the long term. Through these experiences, I’ve come to embrace both the highs and lows as integral to my path, which have defined my identity and bolstered my dedication.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://christinaxseo.wixsite.com/modeling
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinaxseo
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinaxseo