Currently based in LA, Chris has taken the industry by storm with his own success in acting and modeling. But beyond that, Chris finds it most important to be able to give back. He started his on modeling Mother Agency, To Infinity Management, where he’s bringing on new and undiscovered talent in hopes of making them stars. He is very attentive with his models career growth and has become a trailblazer in the industry, successfully managing his own business while simultaneously booking films and campaigns left and right.
His spirit is bright and the way he helps and inspires others through his wisdom and work ethic is incomparable.
Follow Chris @chriswest.official
Hi Chris, please tell us a little about you?
My name is Chris West. Born in Berkeley California and went to Berkeley High. I played hockey for most of my life and graduated with a degree in Psychology. I have two older brothers and my mother Yolanda who is closest to my heart. I am a model, actor, and mother agent/model scout here in LA with a passion for personal development and self improvement. Not to mention, I LOVE, working out. Post-college hockey, boxing is definitely my workout of choice.
I am a firm believer that each day is a fresh start. In my opinion, there are no bad days. Just bad moments that we fixate on that we let determine the rest of our day. I work hard, and I work smart. Meditation, gratitude, and visualization are the framework of my mornings which allows the space to set my intention behind each and every action moving forward. I am goal oriented, and believe that with the proper work and belief-anything is possible.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Compassionate, humble, ambitious
How did you get started into acting?
I got my start in acting in High School at Berkeley High. I was in video class for two out of the four years and it was by far my most memorable class I took. We shot, edited, and appeared in our own films throughout those years.
How has this changed your life?
Initially, I didn’t think it would have much impact as I was definitely more heavily into sports. After graduating college I knew the 9-5 life wasn’t for me but loved being in front of the camera. So I took the skills and ran with them! Haven’t looked back since.
What is the best and worst part of being an actor?
The best part is bringing a role to life. Living it. Not acting, being, and discovering different aspects of yourself along the way.
How do you prepare for a role?
The way I prepare for a role is to first read the script. Make notes on the character, how I believe they are feeling, going through, interpreting situations etc. Then get deep. Develop the character and figure out what kind of choices the character would make in given situations.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I like to play leading roles. Recently I’ve been going out for LOTS of boyfriend leads which I think is really nice. Just got done shooting a short film as the boyfriend lead called “Black Eyes Lie”. It’s giving me an idea of the characters I will most likely be playing in the future. I’d really like to play the role of an athlete, or even a sci-fi thriller where I get to use my eyes in a mischievous way!
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is always seeing the finished product. Meeting great people, and getting to reflect on the journey after each completed job.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
Be diligent. Work hard, be patient, and become a better version of yourself each day to show up for the career that you desire. It takes time. I’ve just reached my 4 year mark and although I know I’ve come a long ways, I’m barely scratching the surface in the things I plan to accomplish.
Now about modeling. How and when did you start into modeling?
I started modeling in 2017 back home in the bay area. I walked into a headshot photographers office named Lisa Keating, who primarily shoots actors and is by far one of (if not) the best photographer up north. She told me, “I don’t shoot models but you’ll have some great headshots!” She wasn’t kidding. The headshots were so good that she felt inclined to take them into Stars the agency in SF. From there, I was signed and working within weeks and haven’t looked back since.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling? And what is not?
What I find most fun about modeling is the travel opportunities it presents. There are always jobs shooting in different states and abroad. If you’ve worked on yourself and your materials enough, chances are you get the ability to work and travel as well! You also get to meet great people, and most likely work with them again somewhere down the line
What i find to be the least rewarding is how often you are criticized for the way you look or how easy it is to criticize yourself. This is where inner work and comfortability comes in. If you aren’t solid in the foundation of who you are, being rejected so many times based on the way you look can be crushing. It can cause doubt, fear, and anxiety. Early on I constantly questioned “do I look good enough” and it would show on camera.
Can you name a few of the brands you are working or have worked with?
A brand I currently work with regularly is Fabletics. In the past I have worked for brands like Polo, Express, Fila, Old Navy, Boohooman, and Tempo Fit.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
I learned that it actually doesn’t exist. Failure means you stopped trying. If I fail, I would have to ask myself why. If I am on my way to failing, I can ask myself why, learn, attack the issue at hand and then move on to winning. The answers to every setback reveal themselves right in the process. So If I fall, I fall forward.
The most important thing when you are shooting is?
Be respectful to everyone. From the top of the call sheet to the very bottom. We all have a job to do so treat everyone with respect because you never know who may be the deciding factor on the next job. Also be well groomed!
What’s your advice for the newer models?
Be patient. Nothing and I mean NOTHING is going to happen overnight. Continue to work hard. Kill the outside noise. Build your portfolio, and continue to maintain your image. Don’t be afraid to set the bar high for yourself and don’t settle for less just because what you want isn’t showing up right in front of you. This industry takes time, but it’s worth it!
How would your best friend describe you?
Hard working, inspiring, no-nonsense, humble, time optimizing. Type-A (which I laugh at)
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
Separate yourself. This would be the title of the book because in life you’re going to have to separate yourself from negativity, from old friends, and even some family. You have to separate yourself from old versions of you on a daily basis that no longer serve you in order to become the person you dream of being. You have to separate yourself from the crowd. The 1% don’t become the 1% by being like the other 99%. That requires lots and lots of separation.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Get ready to heal what you’re going through. Cherish every moment because you only get to be this young once and the time goes by faster than you think. Create healthy habits because they will be apart of your foundation as you enter adulthood. Don’t listen to everything you hear because lots of people are all still figuring it out themselves.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Atomic habits by James Clear
What’s next for Chris West in 2022?
Whew. That’s a good one. In this industry I’ve made peace with the unknown, the ultimate space for creation and creativity. It seems lately that something new pops up daily! I will continue to shoot with Fabletics, keep building my brand and developing myself for the world to see! Every day there are new roles and opportunities, so for now I will prepare everyday for what may unfold.
What is your favorite healthy food?
We love a good kale salad with cranberries, lentils, cranberries, mixed nuts and croutons yesssss
And your favorite cheat food?
I actually don’t have one. If I can’t figure out where it is sourced or cooked in seed oils I will happily not eat. I’ll be grumpy, but I take my health seriously and refuse to let a hiccup in my diet be the reason I don’t get to where I want in life.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Waking up every day with the ability to look in the mirror and smile at yourself.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Dr. Sebi. I would love to meet him because he was the ultimate cheat code when it came to health and wellness. I feel like meeting him would allow me to optimize my diet even more, and take my performance mentally and physically to the next level.
Best advice ever given?
All we have are moments. In 10 years you’ll wish you had this one back so embrace it, be intentional, and use it wisely.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I see myself building on what I am doing now. Shooting for more brands, with a recurring role in a TV show. Shooting movies as the lead, while still owning a mother agency that represents top, working models throughout the country. Who knows, I may even be married with children by then 🙂
Favorite song? Why?
Universe by Kehlani and Ty dolla $ign. The course is, “the universe must want me to win, I’m happier than I’ve ever been.” As someone guided by faith I certainly believe these words to be true. Even moreso, regardless of the bad moments in life, I constantly try to remind myself that I am happier than I’ve ever been.
What do you think of Social Media?
It is a great way to build a (your) brand. A critical way for people to assume things about you before they meet you and even after. So watch what you put out, because people are looking and judging each moment. Be sure that what they are seeing is something you want to be judged by.
That being said it is a great way to express yourself, showcase your talents, and make passive income doing what you love! These days if you have an engaging audience who supports you, with the right brand deals you can be making a good living and earning more than your peers just off of a few posts. I believe social media is awesome! You really have to step outside of yourself to produce content consistently, which most people are afraid of doing.
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me on Instagram and TikTok @chriswest.offical
You can follow the mother agency I own on instagram @toinifinitymanagement
Book: 12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson
Quote: Those who have swords but keep them sheathed and know how to use them will inherit the world.
Movie: Fences
Tv Series: The Wire
Favorite Food: Gumbo
Travel Destination: Cape Town, South Africa
Sports Team: San Jose Sharks
