Interview: Model Angelina Senko (USA)
Can you tell us a little about you?
My name is Angelina Stetsenko. I was born in Moscow, Russia. Currently I reside in New York, USA and work as a fashion model. Before coming to New York I have been working in such countries as Italy, France, China, Malaysia, Turkey, Lebanon and so on. In each country I have been multiple times coming for short term contracts or direct bookings for certain clients. Mostly I have done editorial and runway jobs.
If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
I would love to be more focused and be better at planning. Whatever one’s occupation is, succeeding is all about planning and sticking to your plan. Time is a valuable asset and should not be wasted due to poor organization. Also it is crucial to change the course of your actions in case you clearly see that something is wrong or not worthy of doing anymore. Flexibility of mind helps one to adjust the plan to current circumstances to achieve the goal.
How did you start modeling?
I started when I was a student at University and just wanted to earn some money during my spare time. I just sent some pictures to a local model agency and I was invited to an interview. It was pretty easy for me to get my first model job. My very first job was a runway show of aspiring fashion designers. After that I was cast for the shows at Moscow Fashion week. My favorite runway show always was Valentin Yudashkin’s show. I adore the feminine elegant style of his collections. Later after graduation modeling became my full time job. My first international contract was with an Italian agency in Milan. After Italy I got contacts in China and Malaysia.
What do you think of the work as a model?
I think it is a perfect job for a young creative person. This job can bring you around the world and make you meet people from every corner of the world. Modeling is the area of business where 18 y.o. person can become a star in just one fashion season. Becoming successful at such a young age can have a great impact on one’s life. It could be a positive or negative one, depending on one’s personality and the way the person has been upbrought and prepared for life. This job can teach young people how to navigate in an international environment, how to communicate with people from different cultures and how to build prospective business relations.
What is your beauty regimen?
To be honest i think that the best beauty routine is 8-hours sleep, sports and healthy food. By controlling your nutrition you provide yourself with all necessary vitamins and microelements which are crucial for having healthy skin and a strong fit body. I usually do sports 3 times a week and my favorite classes are TRX and functional training.
What are your personal qualities which distinguish you from others?
I really love to do sports. So it is pretty easy for me to always be fit. It is crucial for modeling. Sport helps not only maintain physical measurements but also it improves a person's mood as intensive exercises increase dopamine’s level in the brain. Being beautiful is not enough anymore. Caring for myself by doing sports and following a healthy diet always gives me an advantage.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to keep working as a model and also develop a new career path as a child psychologist. I have got a University degree in neuropsychology and intend to practice with children with special needs. However I am not ready to give up my model work. So I'll have to find a balance between these two occupations in the near future.
What are some of your favorite experiences so far?
As for professional experience I would say it is a shoot for Elle magazine in Lebanon. I was with a great team of fashion creatives and the outcome had exceeded my expectations. Also I really enjoyed working in Malaysia. Every job I have done there was memorable in its own way. For example, the shoot for YTL luxury magazine was organized in a different city where all team members stayed in the same hotel and went out for dinners together. In this way I really felt that I was a part of a team, not just a model who stayed for a short term contract and could be replaced.
Do you have any advice for those who want to start modeling?
I would advise young models to get a model agent who believes in you and invest time in your professional development. It is crucial to follow the instructions of your agent. Usually an agent is older and much more experienced so he/she can plan a model's contracts and professional development in a productive way.
What do you think of the magazine?
I think the magazine is a modern place where creative professionals can get a shoutout. It is very useful to read the interviews of someone who works in the same field as you to use their experience and avoid common mistakes. I really appreciate the opportunity to appear on the pages of the Modellend
