y unglamorous story begins with high school in my hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada. I had a small office job that allowed me ample time on the computer, where I first discovered the Internet. One afternoon I did a random search online and suddenly hundreds of personal pages turned up, with girls from all over showing off their pictures. To a web newbie, this was an intriguing new world! I had always been eager to embrace new ventures. As I clicked from site to site, a little seed planted itself in my head and I came to thinking — I could do that, too!

At the same time, I had just found out I'd been accepted into a renowned art school, over 3000 miles away in New York City. I had envisioned all kinds of plans for the big move, but I needed to save up money first. With encouragement from co-workers and friends, I decided to try modeling, all the while telling myself that this would only be for fun, and nothing would come of it.

I dove into the industry the traditional way: putting together a portfolio with several photographers and approaching prospective agencies in town. Being Asian at 5'7", I was not exactly the fashion type, but I found my niche in the commercial market and booked many different types of work from trade show hostessing to dancing in music videos. I didn't do anything extraordinary, but I quickly learned the ins and outs of the business.

With the Internet maturing, I knew it was a ripe time to establish myself online and take advantage of its full capabilities. I became one of the first Asian models to hit cyberspace and fully manage my own site. LindaTran.com served as an alternative vehicle to showcase my work to clients, and I launched my own online self-promotion campaign to much success.

owever, I felt limited in Las Vegas because the town is somewhat reserved and the local modeling industry is fairly small. When I finally moved cross-country for school and continued modeling in Manhattan, it opened up a whole new world. Modeling put me through college; when I wasn't in class, I was pounding the pavement, off to my next casting or photo shoot. I was very fortunate to appear on the runways, in local commercials, hosting my own TV pilots and going overseas for work. My biggest handicaps — height and ethnicity — became my most valuable assets. A lot of models don't survive in big cities but it's all about attitude — knowing you got the job before you even walk into the audition.

With this lifestyle, one would think I was all about penthouse parties and celeb sightings — but in reality, I was busting my ass in school (in old sweats with my nerdy wire-rim glasses) and graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors. At 21, I decided to move back west where the modeling industry was less competitive and the market was better suited for my ultimate career goal — design and advertising. Fast forward to today, where I work in communication design in Los Angeles and am doing something I love.

I've also put my set of skills to use as a makeup artist and hairstylist. It's a nice change of pace to work behind-the-scenes (I can go back to wearing old sweats!) and I love being able to combine my talents in modeling and art to work in makeup. Eventually — when I'm no longer a spring chicken! — I'd like to move into the production end completely. I love to create things!

Looking back, it's amazing to see how my modeling work has evolved from that very first time I took the plunge in high school. Still to this day, I think to myself that this is all just for fun!

t the moment you can see me in recurring episodes of E! Wild on Hollywood, in another new magazine feature or modeling for world-famous Hollywood landmark Trashy Lingerie. I also travel the States year-round doing promotions and appearing at special events, so be on the lookout — I might be coming soon to a city near you!