Sidewalk Runway: Shayna

I recently had the opportunity to photograph and interview Shayna Ding (Miss Asian Vancouver 2015). As we sipped Matcha Lattes my head began to spin as she shared her background. She’s a third year UBC student. After our interview she was sailing to Victoria for a 4-week pharmacy internship. The evening before our shoot she graced the runway for three designers in a charity fashion show. Earlier in the week she donated 14” of her hair to the Canadian Cancer Society. It will be used to create wigs for people undergoing chemotherapy. In April Shayna competed against 10 contestants in a charity gala and won the title of Miss Asian Vancouver. Around the same time she and her dance partner won 1st place in two different Gold and Silver level standard ballroom dance competitions. If that’s not enough to keep her busy she also tutors high school students in math, chemistry and physics. Lastly she’s an Event Coordinator for and upcoming fundraising event to benefit the victims of Nepal. I was impressed by her motivation and accomplishments at the age of 22. However, I was perplexed when she said competitions are a time for her to relax. It seems counterintuitive but she explained school and work are intense and analytical. Dance competitions and pageants are a chance to dance, dress-up and tap into her creative side. She also explained she’s super competitive. She’s kind and makes friends easily with other contestants but her competitiveness is focused inwards on self-improvement. She uses the public spotlight to refine her dance steps, poise, presentation and communication skills. As our interview came to a close I learned her name means beautiful in Hebrew. She enjoys 5 – 10k runs, loves superhot spicy food and plans to enter the Miss Earth and Miss Universe pageants.

Shayna’s wearing a dress from local Designer Evan Clayton and heels from Steve Madden. 

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