By: Naiia Lajoie

Success in any field, let alone pursuing the entertainment industry, can prove difficult and fleeting. Dante Michael Strambler is no stranger to this struggle. Hailing from the southwest side of Houston, the Texas native was born to a Thai national mother and a Jamaican American father.

His childhood and subsequent upbringing were fraught with obstacles. Dante has humble beginnings, growing up in a small town; a typical middle-class, suburban setting. During his early years, his parents endured a nasty diverse. Moreover, on the heels of their familial turmoil, his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Though the life lessons came hard and fast, Dante’s mother did not let the falling-out or diagnosis stop her from raising her son. Instead, she leaned into the hardship and dedicated her life to Dante. She would work late nights to make ends meet, taught him how to be a survivalist and take care of himself.

Sure, the experience was “traumatic”, as Dante himself put it. But nonetheless he is grateful for it: “By the grace of God, she’s cured and she’s still here,” he speaks on his mother’s battle with cancer. “I’m very proud to say that that woman is my mother.” In the end, without the school of hard knocks, he would not have learned everything he did.

Conducting this very interview from the locker room of a gym, it is very apparent that Dante is well-disciplined. He takes care of himself both aesthetically – which is how he came into walking for Asian Fashion Week, and the modeling industry in general – but also spiritually. Moving forward with 2025, he strives to pursue his studies in faith.

As a practicing Buddhist, Dante’s goal is to translate its teachings for a Western audience without taking-out the traditional integrity of the faith. He claims there is a way to maintain a middle path; that is to say, one’s spirituality while also being involved in the entertainment industry. He likens it to his monkhood versus his daily livelihood.

“To become a monk, one must sacrifice their tangible attachments. [Whether it’s] belongings, time with family,” he explains. “Personally, I disagree with that notion that you must sacrifice one for the other. I don’t believe that’s necessary. I can be spiritual and still pursue a lucrative career, [while] retaining values.” The need for wanting to compose something complete and more meaningful translates to his career as well, as Dante considers himself more of a musician above all else.

That said, he certainly is not limiting himself to one faculty, as pushing himself in the industry is what drives him to not only exercise and maintain his appearance, but also find additional avenues to project his voice. Aside from “dabbling in modeling”, the Texas agency-repped artist states, he is also represented in its talent division. Dante is currently working on growing his acting resume with a few commercials he has recently done.

He even revealed his involvement in a romcom film but was unable to disclose any additional details for the time being. Aside from Houston, Dante is looking to pursue his career in other markets, including but not limited to Los Angeles or New York City. In closing, the title-receiving Mister Asia 2024 during AFW is not only worthy of the award but goes above and beyond in commanding the stage as well as our respect. “Don’t give up,” he tells those also chasing after their lofty dreams. “Find your middle path.” As we strive to find our stride the same way Dante has, you can follow his journey via @dant.em99 on Instagram.