So many of you have asked how this whole modeling thing started.
Here, let me explain.
If you knew me in middle school or even high school, you probably would never have guessed that I would be the type to have photographs taken of me. Ever hated taking yearbook photos? That would be me! (Never could take a decent one!)
Well, here is how it started: Since I was small I’ve always wanted to be a model. As mentioned in many of the other articles I’ve written, I was particularly shy about telling anyone because it is not the type of career my culture openly supports, especially in my family. It did not help that the women in the photographs I viewed looked nothing like me either: they had long endless legs, extremely small physiques, and in most cases– they weren’t even Asian.
However, I wanted more then anything to be in front of that camera and have beautiful photographs capture my imagination.
From where I stood, I felt that I had little or no chance. I had no agent come up to me offering me a deal nor did I have many friends who were in that industry. So it all came down to me.
I started doing some research on some club go-go dancer’s and noticed that photographer information was listed (name, myspace, etc). I began contacting as many photographers and asked them about the business and was even successful in landing my very first test shoot (just to see if modeling was really for me).
My very dear friends: Diana and Diane drove me all the way to Downey for a photo shoot I was practically trembling because I was so nervous. However, when I was given the CD with all the photos on it, I learned two things: 1.) I saw a potential model who definitely needed some more experience and 2.) that this was it! Although I was inexperienced, I knew this was something I wanted to do.
Since then, I’ve set up more photo shoots, met with a manager, created a website/myspace/twitter/email account, and even practiced in front of a mirror a few times. 
I am still pretty new to this industry but I hope with the support of my friends, the input from my fans, and the confidence within myself: that I can get a name out there.
Not: Kasumi Shimizu, model.
But Kasumi Shimizu, role model.
I really want to use whatever big or little fame I can acquire to send positive messages to people: to teach that different is beautiful.
That sexy does not mean slutty.
That everyone can be successful in following their dreams.
and that models are people like everyone else.
xoxo K.S.