Interview Cover Girl: Valentina Beli (New-York)
Can you tell us a little about you?
Hi! My name is Valentina Beli, originally I’m from the Republic of Belarus, but my nationality is mix of Polish, Ukrainian, Russian and Belarusian. Now I’m based in NYC, but I’m signed with agencies worldwide.
I’m 5’10, skinny with Nordic features of face: strong cheekbones and white skin. The eye color is very difficult to catch. It depends from light and my mood. When I’m very happy it’s green, when I’m depressed could be dark grey. Normally it’s blue. I speak French and English fluently, Belarusian and Russian are my native languages. I can understand a bit Spanish and German. I’m learning digital marketing now. After modeling I could have a “normal” job J
If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
Honestly I’m happy about my physical appearance (even if it sounds too selfish J), but I would like to change my character. I’m a big perfectionist, I would like to do everything in my life the best way, and it disturbs me very often.
How did you start modeling?
Oh that’s a funny story. It’s so banal, I was discovered literally in the street by our Miss of Belarus 2008, she offered me my first job, campaign for Polish brand “TIFFI”. So I had in my portfolio 5 pictures from campaign shoot. I posted it somewhere and a scout found me and offered my first contract to Indonesia Jakarta. It was difficult time, I missed my family, it’s a different culture and even climate. Plus I have never lived alone before, I even didn’t know how to cook (honestly I’m still very bad in cooking J). But I did a very good portfolio there, so I was still in Indonesia when I got my 2nd contract to Paris. And I signed with Metropolitan. After Paris my life changed and my modeling career starts to be more serious for me.
What do you think of the work as a model?
I think this is an amazing job, honestly guys, when I’m reading girls complaining about this job, I don’t understand seriously. I love modeling so much that even when I’m sick I can shoot 12 hours catalog. I don’t understand models who is complaining about measurements. Come on you don’t complain that you don’t have enough mathematic skills to be an accountant for example, but you can’t fit a dress and you are complaining. Modeling is a job with strict rules. If you can’t follow it or you can’t fit it, so welcome to other wonderful job.
What is your beauty regimen?
The most important is to sleep enough, be positive and eat normally, it could be even cookies but not only cookies
What are your personal qualities which distinguish you from others?
I’m enjoying working as a model. I’m enjoying communicating with people and discovering a new world for me. Also I heard I have a great catwalk , will see this season J
What are your plans for the future?
I would like to work a model as much as possible. Now adult models are very popular. And I would like to open my own digital marketing company to help people to improve their business and find new clients.
What are some of your favorite experiences so far?
I think it’s still coming J
Do you have any advice for those who want to start modeling?
Just do it. And be brave, never lose the confidence in yourself like me J kidding
What do you think of the magazine?
This a great opportunity to match together all professional people and discover the secret to others. I wish you a lot of success..
Photographer: Tatiana Denisenko (Belarus) @tatianadenisenko
