Hi! I’m Kasumi Shimizu.

I was born and raised in sunny California, the youngest of four.  Considering that my family is completely American-ized, I had a pretty traditional Japanese upbringing.

My family only speaks English, but when I went to elementary school: everything was in Japanese! I was even admitted into a dance class, in which my “sensei” (teacher) would teach me (and still teaches me) the art of traditional Japanese dance (“nihon-buyo”).

Even still, the little rebellious Japanese girl clung to her American heritage. It was not until several years later, did things change…

With the encouragement of others, (especially one who comes into mind in particular *ahem* Chicanobilly ;] ) and a slow and steady understanding how important it is to be open to other cultures but to also embrace your own… I turned a new leaf <3

*Tweens, Teens, & In Betweens*

Growing up I was quite the tomboy! I was always playing basketball &video/computer games, one friend reminded me how I use to wear basketball clothes to school! *Hot stuff *That does not take into account that I was also a total nerd too! A big backpack was in fashion for me

It was not that I did not necessarily enjoy being girly, but I did not know how. Make-up? Fashion? Hair? wtf. (heh) I never understood why someone would choose to wake-up 2 hours earlier… just to get ready!! (I chose the snooze button EVERY time )

Admittedly, a lot has not changed. I am still the same tomboy as before…… except I like to wear dresses and I don’t take forever getting ready! 30-45mins tops! 15mins on a good day

*Modeling

I have always been interested in modeling… I have a wild imagination and seeing models transforming page-by-page in a magazine was exciting!

The problem: I was too embarrassed to tell anyone.  In my family/culture, being a model is not a career choice that is happily supported nor encouraged. Besides, I was not a tall slender woman that I always saw on billboards, catalogs, etc. Needless to say, that did not stop me.

I did my research: what is it like? What are the expectations? How do you book a photo shoot? etc.
Then? I mustered up the courage to contact a few photographers. It only took one photo shoot…. and I was in love.

In person, I can sometimes be shy but in front of the camera? A whole different person comes out! I’ve been modeling ever since and as cliche as it sounds, you have one life to live, so live it the way YOU want to!

“You are only a failure if you are too afraid to try”

xOXo KS

Things you may not know about me:

~I am a full time student at Cal State Long Beach: major: Communication Studies, minor: Marketing.
~Birthday: August 5, yes, I’m a Leo RAWR.
~Gamer4Lyfe. I loveeeee star craft! RPG’s are also cool
~I love the outdoors: skiing, camping, and hiking<33
~I want to take bartending classes ASAP
~I can sometimes be shy when I meet someone for the first time O.o
~But when I open up…. WATCH OUT!
~Sweets and Spice are my weaknesses<3
~I am a nerd. I use to be the chick back in grade school with the BIG backpack full of books!
My diet: eat whatever I want, when I want! =P
I love to make lists! (Can you tell?)
I am not afraid to try new things!

*Doing the things I love is what drives me in life.
I respect everyone who follow their dreams even if they think they are not possible
–heck, if I listened to everyone who tried to bring me down
I would never be where I am today.”

Thanks again for reading my bio!
Please check back for new updates and I encourage you to leave messages<3

xoxo KS

T he  E nd.