Interview with Barbara — Athlete turned model
Barbara is a 25-year old model residing in New York, New York.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
I was born in Russia, started traveling at 18 years old, and for the last 5 years I have lived between France, Greece, the U.K. and the United States. I love to meet new people, new cultures, taste food, love cooking any kind of food. I’m a very active person, in addition, graduated as a lawyer and love modeling.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
About 6 years ago, a photographer at a company I used to work for as a lawyer, told me that he practiced photography and would like to work with me. In a few days we had an art and comercial shoot, I was very happy with it. Since then , I’m always ready for the camera.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
Well, as I said before, I’m a lawyer, which was a dream from childhood. But appearance and the way I look is still important as well. So modeling is a motivation and inspiration for me. In the future, as every woman, I see myself as a mom of a few kids, but still in a perfect shape and doing modeling.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I feel free in front of the camera. In particular, I prefer doing sports, glamour, acting, and commercial shoots. Definitely, sports is always my favorite; since I practice sport from childhood, sport is my second language, it’s enjoyable to express myself in it.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
All experiences have a place to be, you just keep on practicing. My best so far was an advert shoot for Yoga clothes shop in Miami. On the sunrise I had to show all possible flexibility and give expressions a photographer asked me for; it was something new to me to work from 3 am.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
Well, since I have a very small feet as size 5 to 6, every time I work for advertising I am getting at least size 9, and once I fell in the ocean because of that.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
I’m pretty happy as it is.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I don’t eat meat, mostly raw and vegan, love wine, running and do gym everyday for 2 hours, from time to time I go swimming, practicing tennis, and mountain ski.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
Passionate about traveling and discovering new things.
Would you change anything about yourself?
Never.
Do you have any fears or phobias?
I’m afraid of heights, somebody told me that if I get as highly as possible I’m gonna kill my fear. So, I jumped with parachute from 4000 meters for the first time, and it seemed it didn’t work out. Now I do jumping in different countries at different heights just to prove an extra time to myself that I’m not afraid of anything. As Julius Caesar said “Faster, higher, stronger”.