I did a lot of modeling in the U.K. A lot of it wasn't high fashion because I don't have the body or the face for high fashion modeling. I did a lot of sportswear, swimwear, and beachwear.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I have no interest whatsoever in being a high-fashion model, nor is it possible.
Modeling, for me, was not fulfilling. I didn't see the point - although I was able to travel a great deal. I lived in Italy, Germany, and Spain, but I wasn't devoted to it.
If I wasn't modelling, I guess I would work in fashion as a buyer.
Heading to Paris when I was 17 and modelling exposed me to high fashion, which influenced me to dress on-trend - not extravagantly, but always in fashion.
I never thought of a career of as a model, and it was a total surprise for me when I won the contest and became Miss Chelyabinsk. Then I started modelling in Paris.
When I fell into modeling, because I wanted to work in fashion. I wanted to do styling or make-up. I ended getting picked up to be a model instead during my work experience.
Modeling can be a bit brain damaging. Starting my own brand was what I needed to do. I only model if there are such good jobs that you don't want to say no to. All that dressing up makes me say, 'What do I want to wear?' and, 'What do I want to do with Topshop?' It all kind of leads into the other things.
Modeling wasn't the thing that was going to define me in any way; it was just a way to make a lot of money.
Modeling was never anything that was a career choice. I did catalog work in Toronto to make money so that I could go to school.
I actually started modeling in Ethiopia, because that's where I grew up, and I started out by just doing little fashion shows for school, and I liked it so much that I started pursuing it.