What I love the most (besides a new pair of Jimmy Choo’s) is hearing about local success stories. This month’s Industry Insider is a great example of how a little small town boy, made it big in the fast lane. What I hope reader’s take from this interview is that everything we experience and learn in life always leads us to our next challenge.

What is your job title? Position?: Model Agent in New York City

Describe what you do in simple terms: I am responsible for the initial stages of development of a models career including managing some of the already most elite and top models of the industry with a team of agents.

Tell me a little bit about your history and experience. How did you get to where you are now?: My career began at the age of 17 with modeling, traveling back and forth from Europe, giving me the skill set that moved me into styling.

Working as a model for British Vogue with top stylist Charlotte Stockdale, she introduced me to the business side of the industry. Charlotte allowed me the mentoring opportunity to work along side of her as an assistant stylist of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2006 and 2007.

Here I was introduced to world re-known casting director John Pfeiffer, whom I worked alongside casting 10 fashion shows during the past New York Fashion Week. Through John’s mentorship, I would be officially launched into the fast lane as a Model Agent for a major New York company.

What are your thoughts on this whole eco-friendly trend and how it relates to fashion?: Sustainability has always been apart of my lifestyle growing up in Canada where nature is abundant. One of my favorite designer’s, Stella McCartney, has just done an exclusive Eco-friendly line with Barney’s using natural fabrics and dyes that won’t contaminate our water systems.

Phillip Lim is also in talks of creating organic pieces. With fashion having such a vast audience, it is so important to use this as a message of influence that the environment is just as much apart of our everyday lives as the cloths on our back.

Favorite thing to do when you were growing up?: Automatically I think of my family cabin in Tulameen, British Columbia that has been apart of my life since I was born. One of the most remote beautiful places I have ever been to.

What are you reading right now?: A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle and The Thrive Diet by Brendan Brazier. I’ve always wanted to learn more about natural food sources, and this book is full of answers.

How many cities/ countries have you traveled to in the last 6 months?: Two countries and five cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Palm Springs and of course Vancouver.

Favorite piece of clothing right this second?: Vintage plaid short sleeve shirt and a new pair of skinny Italian washed Cheap Monday jeans.

Favorite food to indulge and why?: Thai Chow Fun at Lovely Day in NYC. One of my favourite restaurants in the city and I could never get sick of this dish! If your in New York City, it’s a must.

Who do you look up to and why?: Charlotte Stockdale for her drive and influence, John Pfeiffer for his level-headed business skills, and Sima Kumar for her creative eye. Three very influential people that have and will continue to make lasting impressions in my life.

Biggest assumptions people make about you and what you do?: Assuming that because my career brings me to a big city life, that I have left my roots behind.

Sunny Shum, Your Industry Insider