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.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I started modeling at 14. It's simple. You respond to what the photographer wants and wear other people's ideas. I got bored with it, though, so I went to university.
Modeling was something I wanted to try from a really young age.
Modeling is always something I've really admired because I've seen my mum and sister do it.
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.
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.
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.
What I love the most about modeling is that it opens you a lot of different doors of opportunities and takes you to many different places, which then put you in touch with various people and cultures.
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 began modeling in N.Y. and doing commercials. That led to regional theatre and then Broadway and then movies.
I went to the Professional Children's School in New York, and I started modeling because I could do that until I actually figured out what I wanted to do, and it gave me the opportunity to travel.