1, What is your story and your becoming of a model and rhythmic gymnast?
My name is Lucy Bui Reilly. I am going to be 11 years old in November. I am half Vietnamese and half American. I was born in Vietnam but just relocated to New York a month ago to pursuit my passions. I have 2 passions in my life: modelling and gymnastics.
I became a professional kid model 3 years ago when my mom’s friend suggested her to submit my pictures to a fashion company for Face contest. I won the first prize and became the face representing Lapin Babies & Kids for a year. Since then, I joined casting and was selected for the big fashion shows and photoshoots with popular brands such as Canifa, Ivy Moda, K’s Closet, Ellie Vu, Happy Clothing, GAP.
I enjoyed gymnastics since I was five when I saw my big sister doing cartwheel on the beach. I was jealous with her so I told my mom and papa that I wanted to be able to do the same thing. They sent me to the first Gym named My Gym where I started to practice every weekend. I remember one time when my mom woke me up at 7.30am on a cold drizzling winter Sunday. She whispered to my ears: Lucy, do you want to go to the Gym? Yes, mom, I replied while my eyes were still shut. After 3 years practicing conventional gymnastics in 3 Gymnastics clubs, I decided to move to rhythmic gymnastics to perform routines of flexibility and strength. Have you seen my latest performance at the Five year Anniversary Happy Clothing Fashion show? It was my first performance ever and I was proud of it.
2, Do you enjoy being a model or rhythmic gymnast more?
Well, I think I enjoy both but everyone requires different skills. I have been in many shows and photoshoots so I am more confident and experienced being a model. However, sometimes in order to shine on the runway for just 1-2 minutes, I need to spend the whole day at the venue for rehearsal and make up. Apart from proper expressions in front of camera, you need to have patience and poise to do it. The same with photoshoots, sometimes I have to stay under the sun, the heat or the rain to do the shooting because it is what the stylist wants. It is so different with rhythmic gymnastics because I spent more time in practicing then in performing. And practice rhythmic gymnastics is not easy, it is painful, especially when I practiced at the National Training Center for Hanoi athletes under the 40 degrees celsius gymnasium without air-con. However, I don’t know why I never cried even though it was quite painful and several times my ankles and knees were sprained. I want to practice rhythmic gymnastics to maintain my flexibility and strength to support my modeling business.
3, At your age, what advice can u give to young aspiring individuals (especially the youth of our generation), in the fashion industry, concerning body image and mental health?
Keep your dreams up! Be confident to express yourself! However, since I am still a kid, I have less experience in life, better just let parents take care of my image on social media networks until I am mature enough. I believe what they are doing is for my benefits.
I think being on the stage or in front of a camera is a fun thing to have. The more you are on it, the more confident you become. It helps balance our life and navigate what career we choose when we get older. You can’t tell who you will become later on but at least you have something to dream of and try your best to make your dreams come true.
4, What is your favourite designer?
I like the designers of Urban Outfitters. They make me feel comfy, creative and active.
5, Do you find performing enjoyable to you at such a young age?
I love performing because I love being watched by audiences. It makes me feel like I am shining like a star J
6, What is your biggest dream?
My biggest dream is to be an actress like Hermione Granger in Harry Porter. She is the best actress I have ever seen. I want to be like her: brave, smart and pretty. I want to come to Hollywood and act.
7, Which career path do you think you’ll choose when you grow older?
I want to be an actress in Hollywood. I want to be like Hermione Granger in Harry Porter. Emma Watson is my idol.
8, How have you come this far in your career? And what hardship have you had to face?
I would be able to come this far in modeling if I didn’t know this important person who was my private modeling tutor. Her name is Ngoc Anh ( Nana ), Ms Friendly/Top10 Ms Universe Vietnam 2017. She was the first one that taught me catwalk and posing when I joined the Face Contest organized by Lapin Babies and Kids in 2017. Thanks to her, I won the contest then she recommended that I try casting for the big shows. Since then, more designers, stylists, photographers and make-up artists know me. And I became the first name they thought of for every show, with or without casting.
Being a model is fun but hard sometimes. Especially when I have to choose which show/shoot/TVCommercials I should join if they all come on the same day. My mom usually decides but always based on my preference and availability. She rarely lets me do modeling on a school day, except when it is a very important show/shoot which usually happens once a year.
9, Would you like to further your career even more and how do you plan to do that?
I am not sure how right now as we just newly moved to New York. My mom is contacting some agents to represent me. She also sent my pictures for casting. She told me US is a big competitive market in this area so I will have to try harder to make myself recognized here.
10, Do you believe your career choice will not only affect you in a positive way but others?
I believe so because it requires patience and determination along with lots of hard work. I believe this will influence others in a positive way by example. My mom manages my schedules so far and I am still doing good at school. My mom always tries to make sure I don’t get sidetracked and never put my nose up too high.
11, Who is your inspirational role model in and outside of the fashion industry?
Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger in Harry Porter. She is the best actress, model and, kind and smart. That’s who I want to be J
12, Who would you like to thank the most for always being there for you in and outside of your career?
My mom. She is the one that always is next to me to support me from the beginning. Sometimes she is annoying but in general, she is great.