The Unconventional Journey of Model, Actor, and Attorney: Judy Lee
Dynamic, inspiring women who embody elegance and excellence in their respective fields.
Learn from their resilience, passion, and perseverance, stories showcasing the transformative power of determination and innovation.
Interview and article by
Jenny Cline, Editor-in-Chief, Echoes & Vine
This video has no sound.
“I love creative expression - it's a refreshing change of pace from my previous analytical and scientific work. In this industry, every job is a different experience and requires a unique set of skills.”
Judy Lee
Get ready for the main event! As we roll out the red carpet, 25 January 2025 marks the release of Echoes & Vine Magazine, celebrating women of excellence. Our inaugural issue features Judy Lee, a magnetic woman who embodies the essence of our community. Subscribe now for elite access to the Echoes & Vine Magazine debut centerfold.
Take us through your journey to becoming a respected industry figure.
Jenny:
Let’s get right to it. Your career path sounds like a movie itself. It’s as if Miss Congeniality might have been loosely based on your life story!
Judy:
I don’t know if I would put it that way because it’s been just over a year since I became a lifestyle model and actor. I’m at the point in my life where I get to do this for fun. It’s not work to me!
Describe your journey to becoming a leader in your field.
From Miss Korea, New York to systems engineer, attorney, and mother of three, my journey leading to the talent industry has been unconventional. I married a doctor and had three surprise blessings while in law school. Our children are our jewels, and 1000% wanted and loved. So, it all eventually worked out well. Our daughter grew up to be a successful attorney, our eldest son is an investment banker, and our youngest son is a medical student turned Google software engineer. After my 35-year hiatus in the modeling industry, I reignited my passion and added acting to my pursuits. Starting from scratch, I reached out to top agencies and was surprised by the demand for mature Asian models.
Jenny:
What was your mindset that you could do this – make this change? You were already a successful attorney. How did you convince the world that you could start over, that you still had more to contribute, and not just a one-trick pony, so to speak?
Judy:
You know, I attribute my “yes I can” mentality to my father. Most typical Asian fathers are very conservative, and they treat their sons and daughters differently. Ever since I can remember, my dad has been completely open-minded and encouraging. He told me, “You can do anything that you set your mind to.” I believed him. I believed in myself.
Videography by Praveen Pkm (this video has no sound)
How did you establish yourself, and what significant achievements have defined your career?
With 10 agents across the country and a diverse portfolio (prints, commercials, films, live TV, etc.), I've learned to adapt and thrive in this creative industry. Key factors contributing to my success include:
Continuous learning: Taking classes, seeking mentorship, and absorbing knowledge from experienced talent.
Diligence: Treating this independent contractor job as full-time, applying daily.
Tech-savviness: Leveraging equipment, apps, and technology to stay competitive.
Discernment: Knowing when to cut ties with unproductive partnerships.
What skills, strategies, or mindset shifts contributed to your success?
In establishing myself in the industry, I've come to realize that acting is not just a profession, but a mindset. Just as a skilled actor adapts to new roles, we must be willing to reinvent ourselves to reveal our true potential. By embracing this transformative mindset, we can rewrite our own script, directing our lives toward success and fulfillment.
Jenny:
Sometimes people feel very alone and isolated on these journeys. We’re told: “Keep your goals private until you've achieved success. Sharing them openly can attract unwanted negativity and criticism from others who may intentionally or unintentionally hinder your progress.” Was your rise to the top lonely?
Judy:
Since I wasn’t sure where this new journey would take me, I didn't tell all my inner circle at first. I waited about six months into working within the industry and had many experiences under my belt. When I started posting my modeling and acting jobs on social media, my friends and family were so surprised and happy for me! From the beginning, I connected with my professional network as I did my assignments. I noticed numerous people seemingly hesitant to reach out or get close to each other, afraid to show a lack of knowledge and experience. I, on the other hand, used my novelty to my advantage. When I went to a job, I talked to everyone there, asking them about their expertise and opinions on their agents. I wasn’t intimidated by their experience but was very inquisitive. I usually connected with them through social media and stayed in contact after the job. It was an easy way to develop the relationship and expand my network. I found many people were willing to share their knowledge and information when I sought their advice, knowing that I was at the beginning stages of my career.
Jenny:
What resonates with me the most is the connection with your friendships. There’s true value in having a supportive and reliable network of trusted people investing in your success. I also appreciate how you directly involved them, because there's a certain level of personal accountability there. Though, it also made it fun for you. As women, I think there’s this underlying expectation to prove ourselves to unrealistic standards, so we put our nose to the grind so much so, that we lose steam when we start to try something new. Then, it's even harder when we attempt something unfamiliar. We call this burnout. So, from what you’re saying, no one makes it to the top alone.
Leadership and Achievements
You need to know when to say, “This isn’t working for me.”
Videography by Ron Lach (this video has no sound)
Which traits are crucial to embody when looking to grow your influence?
To grow your influence, embodying diligence, remaining authentic, and setting boundaries are crucial.
It's the consistent, daily effort that chips away at obstacles, propelling you forward. When you genuinely love what you do, your passion shines through and keeps you on your path. Just as an actor fully immerses themselves in a role, you must keep your overall vision in mind, even if you can’t see how the big picture will play out at that given moment in time.
Authenticity is key. As you navigate challenges, remain true to yourself. Don't sacrifice your identity for success. Instead, integrate your unique perspective, embrace resilience, and learn to be adaptable. This harmonious balance allows you to stay true to yourself while expanding your potential for growth.
Know that boundary-setting is non-negotiable. When you prioritize your well-being, establish limits that safeguard your energy and focus. Play the long game because diligence without self-awareness can lead to burnout. By doing so, you'll have a lifestyle that’s sustainable - one that you look forward to waking up to every day with the joy of living.
Videography by Ron Lach (this video has no sound)
Overcoming Challenges
Each "no" brings me closer to the "yes" meant for me.
Jenny:
Was there a time when you felt like you were going to stop, and you wanted to give up? What did you tell yourself to get over that hurdle?
Judy:
There have been numerous times when I felt like giving up, but I reminded myself that rejection isn't personal. It's about fit, not talent or worth. I learned this from a seasoned talent who shared, "Don't take anything personally; it's a numbers game."
Every rejection is an opportunity to refine my approach for the ultimate "yes." I reframe setbacks as opportunities to improve and learn. If I submit to 20-30 jobs, I might get one. It's a full-time job, requiring discipline and persistence.
So, to overcome obstacles, I reframe rejection as the law of averages, focusing on persistence and self-improvement. I celebrate small wins with enthusiasm, using them as momentum to keep me in the game. I know that there’s a unique role waiting for me. I don't give up – each "no" brings me closer to the "yes" meant for me.
Describe how you transform obstacles into opportunities.
Transforming obstacles into opportunities requires a growth mindset. When faced with rejection, I harness that energy as determination. Each "no" becomes a catalyst for self-improvement, pushing me to refine my craft, seek knowledge, and perfect my skills.
I encourage others to reframe fear and doubt as stepping stones to success. Remember, rejection isn't a reflection of your talent, but rather a matter of fit. Think of it as a numbers game – the more you try, the higher your chances of securing that coveted "yes."
Focus on the process, not the outcome.
Celebrate small wins with enthusiasm.
View each chance you take as an opportunity to improve.
Maintain relevancy and stay ahead of the curve.
Remind yourself that it's a numbers game.
Visualize each ambition as a scene. You prepare, rehearse, and deliver your best performance. If the director says "cut," it's not a failure; it's an opportunity to adjust, learn, and shine brighter in the next take.
To transform obstacles into opportunities, don’t take them personally. View challenges as scenes in your life's script, where each change in direction brings you closer to your breakthrough. By reframing rejection, you'll shine a spotlight on resilience, and the tenacity to seek out your dreams.
Personal Story and Legacy
Jenny:
What do you hope people will remember about your reputation and life’s work?
Judy:
I want to be remembered as someone who, through challenges and triumphs, took life on with full force, worked diligently, and enjoyed every minute of it – free from regrets because I seized every opportunity!
Jenny:
It’s refreshing to hear that from someone who has achieved success. Let’s face it; you’ve done so many amazing things… Not many people can say that they've been successful in three different careers in their life. That in and of itself is an amazing feat! I love your vision because, without a moment’s hesitation, you didn't talk about what you did. It was about the essence of you as a person. You could have said it was about one day winning an Oscar or landing a huge case with a high-profile client. You didn’t say the most important aspects of your legacy were awards, accolades, or recognition. You measured your accomplishments by happiness and fulfillment. Are you sharing the secrets to legacy or immortality? [LOL]
The Echo Effect and Community
There were many people who helped me.
Videography by Caleb Oquendo (this video has no sound)
Jenny:
I wanted to interview you and knew you’d be a perfect fit for this article because of the profound impact you had on me when I was traveling solo on that cruise two years ago. People noticed a significant change in me after our encounter. I transformed from being extremely cautious and afraid to try new things to seeking adventure and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
Before meeting you, I stuck to safe, low-key activities (like walking tours). Despite being in my 30s, I didn’t act like I was in the prime of my life. It was your enthusiasm and spirit that inspired me to step out of my comfort zone.
Since then, I've actively sought new experiences on our travels, like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and tackling a mild fear of heights. Your influence sparked this curiosity and bravery in me – it’s wild because I barely recognized myself! I was so happy that I was tuning in to this side of me…it didn’t feel like a false pretense at all. It was as if I was too afraid to become her before for a myriad of reasons. One day, I decided to stop being scared. I still have further to go, but I’m proud of how much of the fear I’ve released.
I believe we often fail to acknowledge the positive impact others have on our lives. We may internalize their influence yet never express our gratitude. As part of this project, I'm now reconnecting with people who've made an impression on my life, and you're one of them.
We should do a better job of letting people know when they've made a meaningful difference. We often reserve our thanks for those closest to us, like grandmothers or childhood teachers. Many people touch our lives in significant ways. If we shared our appreciation more openly, we'd create abundant opportunities for meaningful connections.
These moments don't have to be grand or revolutionary. Simple acts of kindness can resonate deeply. By encouraging each other, we can multiply these positive interactions and impact more lives.
Judy:
Not many young women are willing to travel alone on a one-week cruise, let alone for their birthday. I think you are spunky and brave!
How would you explain the value of paying it forward and empowering other women?
Throughout my life, I've encountered people in unexpected and surprising ways, leading to life-changing connections. Some were brief exchanges, while others became lifelines. Remarkably, I've maintained relationships with strangers I met in college, now realizing I've surpassed their age when we first met.
These meaningful relationships have had a lasting impact on me, shaping my desire to support others on their own journeys. If someone is eager to break into the industry and willing to put in the effort, I'm happy to help. While I won't do the work for them, I'll provide guidance and introduce them to valuable connections.
My experiences with mentorship have been instrumental in my growth, and I'm grateful for the guidance I've received. It inspires me to support those who are equally committed to their goals, helping them navigate their own paths to success.
What’s the most impactful impression you’d like to make from our discussion?
You never know the potential value of alliances, whether through a chance encounter, friendship, or professional networking. These relationships can lead to unexpected opportunities and introductions that open doors for personal and professional growth. They can offer mutual support, guidance, and encouragement to never give up, and develop into meaningful connections that create a positive influence and lasting impact.
Tune in and listen to the full episode on our podcast, The Echo Effect.
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