Lotus Soh was living it up at 19, thanks to parents who allowed her to pursue the things she enjoyed doing, such as singing. “I was singing way before I could read! As I grew older, my friends and I always got together to imitate singers,” she recalls. Another memory that has stuck with Lotus is that of her father sending her off to deportment school: Joan Booty Academy of Modelling and Charm. It was a move that turned out to be life‐changing because it was at the academy that Lotus was spotted by talent scouts and booked for several modelling jobs. “Everything happened so quickly. I was a cover girl for Her World and Rediffusion Singapore’s magazine. I also starred in RISIS’s first campaign, which appeared in the magazine for Singapore Airlines,” she says.

What was a valuable lesson you learned when you were 19?
My experiences from the age of 19 boosted my self‐confidence through interactions with people from different walks of life, as well as expanded my world view.
Favourite song/band/singer that year?
The Carpenters and The Beatles. And I will always have a soft spot for Connie Francis and Where the Boys Are. I love her voice and emotional range.
Advice for your teenage self?
Be brave and follow your dreams. Also, go get proper voice training!
If you were to relive your teenage years, what would you change?
Nothing. I am very happy with how my life has turned out
Art direction: Audrey Chan
Photography: Joel Low
Hair: Christvian Goh & Zoel Tee, using Revlon Professional
Make-up: Dily Wang & TG Goh, using Chanel Beauty; Keith Bryant Lee, using Dior Beauty; Greg-O, using Keune; Ann Lim
Photography assistance: Alfie Pan