I recently had the pleasure in meeting our newest Hmoodle Girl Lumina Xiong. She's not only adorable, but she has a bubbly personality with an infectious laugh to go along with it. She's definitely a pleasure to be around.

Minnesota born and raised, Lumina is artist at heart. Whether she's drawing clothing designs, applying make up on models, or capturing a moment via film, art is her life. She plans to make this love into a career by attending the University of Mankato next fall to begin her journey. Her talent and drive is going to ensure that she is successful in whatever she does in her life.

Lumina and I met up for lunch to discuss her love of art, life in Minnesota, and her future plans in life. This is the outcome of that interview.

Ryan:     First off, thanks for meeting up with me to do this interview.

Lumina:   No problem. This has been a fun process so far. It's been an interesting experience.

Ryan:   I saw the pictures from the shoot and I thought they turned out great. You look like a natural.

Lumina:   You know, it was a lot of fun. I've been on the other side of the camera and I've helped others prepare for modeling, so to be the model, was pretty cool. Again, I had lots of fun during the shoot.

Ryan:   You keep blowing in your hands, are you cold?

Lumina:   You would think after living in Minnesota for eighteen years I would be used to the weather, but I'm not.

Ryan:   I heard you were the make up artist for our last Hmoodle girl. Is that something you do regularly?

Lumina:   I would love to do it more, but I just don't have all the tools necessary to do it. I love make up and applying to people and giving them a whole new look.

Ryan:   I notice you have some sort of design on your hands and arms. What's that about?

Lumina:   Actually I was bored and I just started to draw on my hands and created this design. I thought it looked pretty cool, so I kept it on. I'm always doing stuff like that. If there's something to draw or doodle on then I will use to create some sort of drawing or design.

Ryan:   You seem really into art and creating things. What types of arts are you interested in?

Lumina:   I'm into a little bit of everything. As you know, I do like to deal with make up, design clothes, draw, and photography. There's probably other stuff I'm leaving out, but I just love everything that has to do with art.

Ryan:   What type of photography are you into?

Lumina:   I like to capture moments that are real. I don't want to tell you to go pose next the wall or stuff like that. I just want people to be themselves and capture those moments.

Ryan:   You also mention that you want to design clothes. Why's that?

Lumina:   I have so much respect for the Hmong designers out there. I love how they combine our culture with their fashion. It's combining the old with the new. I, too, want to create fashion that combines all those aspects as well.

Ryan:   So, were you always artistic?

Lumina:   Yeah, you know, I have been. I've have old drawings that I've saved through the years. Not sure if I want to look at them, but I know that I've grown as artist as I have matured as a person. Ryan:   I hear you have plans to go to Mankato for college. Why Mankato?

Lumina:   I was actually debating going to the University of Wisconsin-Stout, but it's too far from home. Mankato is far enough from home, but at the same time it's close to home, you know? It has small town feel to it, but it has everything I need there. I know I need to go to school away from home, so that I can concentrate and my studies.

Ryan:   Do you know what field do you want to study?

Lumina:   I'd like to focus on Graphic Design and gain a degree there. I think I can do a lot with that type of degree. Ryan:   You sound excited about going to college.

Lumina:   I am. I am so ready for this. It's going to be a challenge, but a rewarding one.

Ryan:   So what are you going to do until then?

Lumina:   I think I am going to get myself a part-time job to make some money to save up. I guess I have to start thinking about moving to Mankato. What to bring with me and all that stuff.

Ryan:   I am sure you are going to love college and be very successful.

Lumina:   Thank you. That's much appreciated.

Ryan:   Well, thank you Lumina for your time and meeting up with me and being apart of Hmoodle. Your participation is very much appreciated.

Lumina:   Thank you for having me.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Lumina. She's definitely someone to watch out for in the future. I want to thank her once again, for being our Hmoodle Girl of the Month for January. We scored us another great one!

If you would like to be a Hmoodle Girl, then please send a few pictures and short bio about yourself to ryanm@hmoodle.com

If you have any questions or comments about this article, you can reach me at the above address.

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