From Bullying to the Runway

Inside Meiki’s Transformation and Life in the Modeling Industry

We all love transformation stories but few are as raw, personal and powerful as Meiki’s. From being bullied for her weight as a young teenager to becoming an in-demand model walking runways and shooting editorials, her journey is one of resilience, discipline, and relentless self-belief.

As part of our Journal series highlighting fashion, beauty and creator journeys, we sat down with Meiki for this fashion model transformation interview to explore the real experiences behind the images, the pressure, the hustle, the heartbreak, and the breakthroughs.

A Transformation Born from Pain and Purpose

You’ve shared before that you grew up being bullied for your weight. When did things shift for you?

Meiki: I’ve always been chubby since the day I was born, but I didn’t realise it was a “problem” at first. I got used to my schoolmates making fun of me. But when I entered secondary school, the bullying intensified.

People would post about me on Facebook pages and HKGolden forums just to make fun of me. I felt awful about myself — depressed, confused, and constantly asking my mum why people who didn’t even know me hated me.

She told me something that stuck with me: “Your face, your fate.” It was harsh, but it lit a fire in me. I wanted people to look at me differently, to rub their eyes in disbelief. So at 15, I started dieting and exercising. Three years later, after consistent hard work, I experienced a complete transformation.

Balancing High School & High Fashion

What was it like modeling while still in high school?

Meiki: It was tough. I was studying at a high-achieving Band 1 school in Hong Kong, but in my final year they dismissed me because they were afraid my modelling work might “affect their reputation”.

After that, I had no choice but to transfer to a Band 3 school, since no top-tier schools would accept a student so late in the year.

Despite everything, I was determined. I’d rush to castings right after school sometimes doing my makeup in metro station washrooms. I even went to an interview and photoshoot straight after my HKCSE accounting exam, while still wearing my school uniform.

The Reality of Staying “Runway Ready”

Now that you’re so fit, what are your tips for staying in shape? Do models really starve themselves?

Meiki: Honestly, there are two types of models:

1. Those who are naturally skinny (no matter what they eat)

2. People like me, who will gain weight if we don’t control our diet

   
   

Most models fall into the second group, so yes, we have to be strict. Diet control, calorie deficit, and lots of exercise. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the reality of the industry.

My tip is simple: move more, eat less, stay consistent.

The Stress Behind the Glamour

People see the final photos, but not the casting process. How stressful is it really?

Meiki: Extremely stressful. During fashion week castings, I’d queue for hours — sometimes in the rain. When I see well-known models lining up beside me, the pressure multiplies.

I always try to give my best walk when it’s my turn. But sometimes casting directors barely glance at me before saying, “Thank you, next.”

It hurts, but that’s the reality of fashion.

Style, Icons & Craft

Who’s your fashion icon?

Meiki: Definitely Sora Choi. I love her face and her style. She’s my goal.

How did you learn how to pose?

Meiki: I study magazine editorials and practice in front of the mirror — always. Practice makes perfect.

Which brand is your dream to walk for?

Meiki: Saint Laurent, Maison Margiela, Balenciaga, Prada—I know, I’m greedy!

Handling Criticism in a Harsh Industry

The modeling industry can be brutal. How do you deal with mean criticism?

Meiki: I’ve been judged and bullied before, so I’ve built resilience. I self-reflect first, if I’ve done nothing wrong, I ignore it. Haters gonna hate.

A Message to Her Younger Self

What would you want to say to your 200-lb younger self?

Meiki: “You only live once — don’t make yourself regret it.”

Meiki’s journey is more than a transformation; it’s a testament to how far determination, discipline and self-belief can take someone even in an industry that can be painfully unforgiving.

Her story reminds us that behind every runway moment is a complex journey of internal battles, external pressure, resilience and grit.

At The Stylatude, these are exactly the narratives we believe deserve to be told stories from inside the worlds of fashion, beauty and content creation, told with care and real understanding.

If you’re a fashion, beauty or creator-led brand looking to translate your story into standout visuals, campaigns or content, explore our:

• Creative Direction & Campaigns

• Content & Social Production

We help brands build narratives that feel as powerful and real as the journeys behind them.