LILY CHEE IS ONE TO WATCH
Lily Chee is New York’s busiest “It girl” with a promising career in both Acting and Modeling. After being discovered in a grocery store at the age of nine, Lily began working in performing arts. After joining SAG-AFTRA two years later, she began to take on roles in notable television series such as Daredevil and New Amsterdam. Lily talks exclusively with us about her life as a student, her career, and what’s next for the rising star. Full Interview below.
Featured Interview:
You started working at the age of 9, how has this shaped you into the woman you are today?
For most of my adolescent life, I was working – whether that was filming, taping auditions, or shooting campaigns. I was a regular New York kid doing soccer carpools, dancing in my local studio, and going to school, and I got lucky enough that this was exactly what attracted my career to me. I kept doing my life, that was normal to me, and it’s only when I look back I see how it all shaped me into who I am today.
I’ve grown up learning about adaptability, time management (which I am still working on), resilience, and the importance of staying true to myself in all facets of my life.
You’re a student at Columbia and you work full-time on your career. How do you balance your work and personal lives?
I’ve chosen a great school and that means academic demands, then combine that with such an unpredictable career, and it sometimes is a bit of a perfect storm. For example, I’ve had to leave the country for a single day to shoot, come home on a red-eye, and take an exam for school. But I am definitely not complaining about this, especially since I have been working on this balance for a really long time. I am super grateful and so excited for every opportunity, though sometimes it can be stressful. In the end, it’s always worth it. I make sure I get what I need to stay energized. I have a close group of friends that I’ve had since I was 10, and seeing them always makes me feel happier. Through work, I’ve been all over the world, and made some special connections with people everywhere, and we catch up whenever we’re in the same place. Being based in New York also allows me to be around people I have grown up
with, my family, and some of the best people that I know and love. I still have a lot to learn about how to fit it all in, but I am really enjoying the process.
Who is someone you look up to and why?
I look up to my mom the most. She is compassionate, and genuinely a really kind, good human being that is so selfless. I wanted to work, and she was really careful about how it was impacting me. Without that, I can’t imagine what my life would have been. I hope to be just like her when I am a mom. I just love her so much. Anyone who is close to me knows my mom since I am so close to her.
What does fashion mean to you?
I have always taken an interest in fashion… This question feels seemingly difficult since there is so much to say about what it means to me. In a general sense, fashion for me feels like a powerful medium of self-expression; having my own aesthetic allows me to craft my own personal style that reflects my interests and personality. I pull a lot of inspiration from vintage pieces, and I am really trying to incorporate more and more vintage into my looks.
What is something you always carry with you?
An eyelash curler!!! I can’t leave anywhere without one. When traveling, I always need to have a good book with me.
When choosing a travel destination what is most important to you?
Beach waves, mountains, and green. I am such a history buff that every place I go I make a point to go to a museum or learn everything about how that place came to be. Being surrounded by nature and near the ocean in any aspect (even in a colder climate) is something so important to me.
Could you tell us what is next for you?
I am excited for 2024 and new projects on the horizon. We just released the short film I did (Nothing Except Everything) and the response was really positive. I am excited to continue acting, modeling, and sharing my life.
Can you remember the first makeup item you ever had?
Baby lips! I would literally go buy them with my lunch money at Rite Aid. I had every shade.
How do you prepare for fashion week month and what is a must once you wrap up work?
I start by collecting all of my assignments or readings ahead of time and inputting things into my calendar and checklist so I can hold myself accountable. Other than that, it’s really up to the designers what I wear, which I always find so exciting. One of the things I appreciate is getting to see collections firsthand, and sometimes meeting the designer in person is really inspiring. I always think about how lucky I am to encounter one-of-a-kind pieces for the first time, as they are presented to the world. Lots of late nights so I bring under-eye gel patches with. I also make sure to stay hydrated.
Team Credit:
Wardrobe Stylist: Tam Vekic
Photographer: Riley Taylor
MUA: Kike Crespo
Hair: Laurie Zanoletti
