Mark Riddle Photography
Working in Minnesota's creative scene, I've noticed that we don't promote ourselves as well as the creative communities in Los Angeles or New York. My inspiration for starting this series is to showcase some of the talented creatives among us and to have the opportunity to meet, and photograph, some fascinating individuals.
With my background in film production, I'll begin by featuring people I've met on-set or whose work I've admired from a distance. My desire is for this series to shed light on our remarkable creative community.
Aurore - a French word symbolizing illumination, and the emergence of light, often associated with beauty and inspiration.
Winter 2025
The Arc of Her Story
Make-up / Hair: Kristin Schmid
Wardrobe Styling: Chika Chan
Photography: Mark Riddle
Story Writer: Jennifer Young
Daughter. Wife. Mother. Friend. Actress. Model.
Those aren’t just roles. They’re real titles. And Chika Chan embraces them all.
But there’s one title that’s taken a backseat.
Self.
“I want to be me,” she says.
Like most working moms, Chika’s life revolves around her family – her husband and three growing kids. Two teenagers and one almost tween. For years, she’s shuttled her kids from one event to another, slowing down occasionally to feed her own passion: a creative career, in front of the camera.
Chika knew from a young age she wanted to work in a creative field. Growing up in Japan, she went to acting school at the age of 15. From there, she starred as a ninja in the TV series, “Abarenbou Shogun.”
She had every intention to grow her career in Japan, but as a newlywed she followed her husband to the United States. First, to California and eventually, to Minnesota. Chika had to learn a new language, new customs, and an entirely new culture. Roles that came easy in Japan were harder to find in the States, even harder in the cold landscape of Minnesota.
“I want to shine again.”
With her kids more independent now, Chika admits she’s struggling. Struggling to findher place. Struggling to find her sense of self. But she’s finding inspiration.
Two years ago, Chika watched Michelle Yeoh accept the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” She was the first Asian actress to ever win. Chika watched the acceptance speech and cried.
That pivotal moment proved to Chika that women in their 50’s and 60’s can have big dreams. So, when she sat down for a portrait session late last year, she did so with a new sense of purpose. For once, she did it for herself. She says she felt like a main character again.
“It made me feel like I’m not invisible,” she says.
Now, Chika's encouraging others to keep dreaming, too.
And she’s finding herself in the process.
In addition to playing mom, Chika is a live show model on Shop HQ and stars in several local commercial spots. She also has a role in the upcoming feature, "The FUN-raiser," a comedy directed by Wyatt McDill. It will premiere in March at the Cinequest Film Festival in California. And, she's appearing in two films screening at the Twin Cities Z-Fest: "Tango de Muerte,"directed by Nick Klaus and "Omni Suit," directed by Jerrod Crooks.
Follow her on Instagram (@chika.kochy) for candid snippets from her everyday life and of course, inspiration.
