Travis Owens is the Model the Industry Has Been Waiting For
Travis moves through the world like he belongs in it, but beneath the angles and confidence is a man still figuring out where he truly fits
The Thai-American sculpting his image between two worlds
If you were to look at Travis Owens, you might think he’s been shaped by some higher force—his athletic build and striking features give off an almost mythical vibe.
He looks like the kind of guy who has it all figured out, someone who embodies strength and confidence.
But, as with anyone who’s faced the full spectrum of life’s ups and downs, there’s more to the story than meets the eye.
Behind the polished exterior lies a much more complex journey—a Thai-American finding his balance between two worlds: one foot rooted in his heritage, the other stepping into a future that’s still unfolding, filled with opportunities and challenges.
Like many children of immigrants, Travis’ journey involved balancing cultural dualities.
“There were nuances in everything, from food, religion, culture, and expectations,” Travis says, reflecting on the tug-of-war between his Thai roots and American upbringing.
For him, the experience was both challenging and fortunate. Having parents who understood the need for cultural integration was a blessing, offering guidance whenever confusion crept in.
“They helped me process my identity, and over time, I grew proud of being mixed and developed a profound appreciation for how it shaped [me].”
These experiences paved the way for Travis’ unexpected entry into the world of modeling. After graduating from college, uncertain about his future, he found solace in social media, posting videos as a way to pass the time.
It was there that an agency in Miami noticed him, and just like that, his life shifted. One meeting and he was on his way.
“I fell in love with it instantly,” he shares. It was a form of self-expression, an art that unlocked hidden passions in photography, acting, and cinematography.
The weight of representation
But as he immersed himself in the industry, a unique challenge emerged. As a mixed-race model, he often found himself carrying the weight of representation.
“I feel the responsibility to show both my Thai and American sides,” Travis admits, though the path to doing so with authenticity feels unclear at times.
“Growing up, I didn’t have many mixed-race models to look up to, and now, there are more. But there’s still so much work to do.”
That work, he believes, lies in carving out space for Thai and American cultures to intersect meaningfully in global fashion campaigns and media.
Travis’ vision includes a future where Thai-American influences can be seen on runways and in campaigns, where every piece of clothing has meaning, every fabric a narrative.
He and his friends have even toyed with the idea of launching a clothing line that fuses traditional Asian and modern American aesthetics.
“Fashion is a lens through which we see the world. The history of it paints a picture of life in different eras, and that’s something I want to explore further.”
“Someday, I would love to see a Thai-American collection and hear about the story behind every choice made in the garments and what they represent.”
His personal style, too, is a reflection of his cultural synthesis. “I don’t have a single niche,” Travis utters.
At the moment, he’s partial to vintage items, but in a few months, that could change.
The beauty of his style lies in its fluidity—an expression of both his Thai heritage and his American upbringing, one that refuses to be confined by any single definition.
Breaking stereotypes one step at a time
Yet, being Thai-American in the modeling world hasn’t come without its challenges.
The progress Travis has seen in terms of representation has been heartening, but there are still moments when he feels the pressure to measure up.
“I’m lucky to have witnessed such strides in reducing stereotypes,” he notes, “but like many artists, the most significant battles are often fought within. I compare myself to others, and sometimes I question whether I’m doing enough.”
But he’s learning to focus on what he can control—continuing to be proud of his mixed heritage and reminding himself that it’s a privilege to represent two cultures.
“I would love to see more campaigns centered around people from mixed backgrounds, to share their unique challenges and stories.”
“I just want to be part of that movement, to inspire other young Thai-Americans to embrace their heritage and pursue their dreams, whether it’s in modeling, acting, or anything else.”
So, while the world may see a statuesque model walking down runways, Travis is more than just an image of strength and beauty.
Beneath the surface is a person constantly navigating the intersection of two cultures while carrying the struggles and triumphs of a Thai-American upbringing.
He uses his platform to uplift underrepresented voices and show that strength is about resilience and self-discovery.
With every step, Travis is building a legacy not just for himself but for those who will follow in his footsteps—reminding us all that no matter how strong or sculpted one appears, every person has their own story to tell.
Read the story in the pages of VMAN SEA 02: now available for purchase!
Photography Jan Mayo
Fashion Andrew Philip Nguyen
Grooming Joseph Adivari
Retouching Summer Untalan
