Corrie Yee: Building a Vision with Intention

From a small-town upbringing in New Mexico to a multifaceted career spanning modeling, content creation, and entrepreneurship, Corrie Yee represents a new generation of women defining success on their own terms. With a foundation rooted in fine arts and a sharp understanding of digital storytelling, Yee has cultivated a brand that feels both intentional and elevated, balancing creativity, discipline, and long-term vision.

In this interview with BELLA, she reflects on the moments that shaped her journey, the mindset behind her success, and the principles that continue to guide her forward.

You’ve built a multifaceted career across modeling, content, and entrepreneurship. Looking back, what were the defining moments that took you from small-town New Mexico to where you are today?

Growing up, I always knew I didn’t belong in a small town. My dreams were much bigger than that. At 19, I saved $3,000 working as a bartender and moved to Las Vegas without knowing a single person. I was living in a small one-bedroom apartment with just a blow-up mattress and a tiny TV. The very next day, I started applying for jobs—anything to get started—and quickly landed a couple. One of those roles was modeling at a photo booth inside a casino, which ended up helping launch my modeling career. I was bold, naive, and ambitious, and that mindset is what got me to where I am today.

Your background in fine arts adds a unique layer to your work. How has your experience studying ceramics and painting shaped the way you approach visual storytelling and your overall aesthetic?

My artistic background is the foundation of everything I do. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It’s what allows me to create the kind of photos and videos that resonate and perform at a high level. What people see on the surface is just the final image, but behind it is an entire production—location, lighting, hair, styling, and overall composition. My experience in ceramics and painting trained me to pay attention to every detail, and that perspective plays a major role in the quality and success of my visual storytelling.

With such a strong and cohesive digital presence, how would you describe your personal style today—and how has it evolved as you’ve grown both personally and professionally?

My personal style today is a blend of “Playboy meets old money.” I love combining a classy, elegant aesthetic with that confident, bombshell energy inspired by the Playmate era. It’s feminine, refined, but still bold and unapologetic. Over time, my style has evolved from being more trend-driven to feeling much more intentional and elevated. Now it’s about creating a look that feels timeless, powerful, and true to who I am.

There’s often pressure in the digital space to constantly keep up. How do you stay grounded and maintain a sense of authenticity while building a brand at your scale?

There’s definitely a lot of pressure in the digital space, which is why I focus on tuning out the noise through education. I spend time learning, especially in areas like AI and tech, so I can better understand how things are evolving, where trends are going, and how they actually work. That perspective allows me to stay ahead without getting distracted by what everyone else is doing. For me, staying grounded comes from understanding the bigger picture and continuing to invest in my own growth rather than constantly reacting to the noise.

Fitness and wellness play a key role in your lifestyle. What does your current routine look like, and how has your relationship with wellness evolved over time?

Health and fitness play a key role in my success. It’s a core part of my daily lifestyle. From the foods I eat to how I train, everything is intentional. I focus on clean, raw, organic foods because I view food as medicine, and I’m mindful about what I put into my body. As for fitness, I maintain a balanced routine that includes yoga, Pilates, and weight training throughout the week, along with hiking to incorporate cardio and reconnect with nature. It’s all about creating a routine that supports both my physical and mental well-being.

You’ve worked with some of the biggest names in fashion and media. What have those experiences taught you about the business side of the industry, and how do they inform your approach to entrepreneurship?

Working with major names in fashion and media has taught me a lot about the business behind the industry. First, it’s given me a strong sense of gratitude for the opportunities, but also a deeper understanding of how top brands operate. I’ve learned from their approach to marketing, production, and overall brand positioning, which has helped me elevate my own brand. Being surrounded by driven, like-minded people is also incredibly motivating. It pushes me to grow, think bigger, and operate at a higher level. Those experiences have shaped the way I approach entrepreneurship, with a focus on intention, quality, and long-term vision.

For young women watching your journey and hoping to follow a similar path, what’s one piece of advice you wish you had known when you were just starting out?

For young women following my journey, my biggest piece of advice is to not jump at every opportunity that comes your way. It’s important to understand your value and your worth. Sometimes that means saying no to something that might seem like a good opportunity in the moment, but doesn’t align with your long-term vision. You have to think about your future self, trust your instincts, and have confidence in your direction. Most importantly, never compromise your morals or values. Those are the foundation of everything you build.

For more, follow along on Instagram @corrieyee

Photo credit: Reinhardt Kenneth