Beckie Joon

I think being recognized as a hardworking person in the industry has been really important to me. In my world, from automotive, entertainment, music, and everything, I have - not on purpose - just reinvented myself multitudes of times, as I've heard from others. Even being an Asian American, I was on a reality show that was produced by Tyrese from Fast and Furious, which was ahead of its time, and I'm proud of that. It's exciting to see because I don't do acting that much anymore, but it's exciting to see that the industry has picked up on that route. I've seen some of my old agents, and I asked them how everything is going, and they said that they need more Asian talents, so it's really cool to kind of play that role and just build a respect factor. That's what I get from people. Staying creative is definitely something you kind of learn to express. I was very creative in the beginning when I was younger, but after college and especially with orchestra, being in orchestra, you live a very structured life, even with modeling. But later on, just to build back that creativity, it's just basically just stop listening to outside and just kind of let whatever inside come out.

The best career advice I have received has come through the strong support systems and friendships I have built throughout my career in the entertainment industry. While I have not had formal mentors, I have been fortunate to surround myself with encouraging and supportive people who have helped guide me professionally and personally. Those relationships have reinforced the importance of community, collaboration, and having people around you who believe in your potential and encourage you to keep moving forward.

For a young woman, I would say to absolutely be on your toes and to always stand up for yourself. Don't give in, and you have way more to offer than any physicality that you may have. That would be to stand strong, just stick up for yourself. I think being a woman in the industry is very difficult, but you know what? There are ways to go around it, and there's ways to fight through it. Working with the big dogs, when a figure who's not a woman wants to keep their influence knowingly that they are not, and out of all ego, it's me competing against egos. It's definitely a challenge that I go through a lot, but it is all strategic and keeping your poise and class and having patience. I'm a big advocate for that, and that's why I say sticking up for yourself in the most poised and classy, strategic way is definitely something to do.

The biggest challenges are honestly - I'm a competitive person, but I know there are people who are very competitive. For me, I definitely compete with myself, and I think that's very difficult. As a creative, you know, you go through your ups and downs, you go through your emotions. It's learning how to regulate, learning how to regulate yourself and finding your balance. It's always been a challenge of mine, but I think at this point, like, on the outside, it looks like I have everything together, but inside, you know, it's still work. My other challenge is - I don't want to make it like a gender focus like that, but working with the big dogs, when a figure who's not a woman wants to keep their influence knowingly that they are not, and out of all ego, it's me competing against egos. It's definitely a challenge that I go through a lot. But it is all strategic and keeping your poise and class and having patience. I'm a big advocate for that. Working in entertainment, event space, corporate, touching in all different industries - oh my gosh, it's the same thing. You would have to have thick skin in entertainment.

The values that are most important to me in both my professional and personal life are creativity, authenticity, resilience, self-expression, and independence. I believe in staying true to myself while continuing to grow, adapt, and navigate challenges with confidence and professionalism.

Working in competitive industries has taught me the importance of remaining poised, strategic, and focused, especially in high-pressure environments. I also strongly believe in encouraging self-confidence and individuality, while maintaining professionalism, integrity, and respect in every aspect of my work and personal life.