Interview: Model Berenika Godlewska (Poland)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I’m 22 year old girl from Gdańsk, Poland. I got bachelor’s degree in product design from Academy of Fine Arts last year. I have many interests and they changed a lot through years. From doing fencing, art, design to modeling. I had my first photoshoot just 1,5 year ago and I have never ever thought that I would really get into modeling.

If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?

I worked really hard to accept myself and fight my insecurities but if I could change anything it probably would be the persistence in working out. I’m already skinny so I don’t have any body goals but I wish I was more flexible and steady so some photo shoots would be less exhausting for my body.

How did you start modeling?

It all started from a pretty funny situation actually. My mom’s boss asked her if I was a model because he was sure that he saw me in some magazine. Later he left that magazine on my mom’s desk. She found out that it’s a magazine from our hometown and inside were pictures of a girl who really looked alike! She later showed pictures to me and I was really confused for a moment. Bizzare experience truly. Even my dad was tricked that it was me. After that I thought, if she’s a model who really looked similar to me, why wouldn’t I try modeling too?

What do you think of the work as a model?

For many, it seems to be just a dream job or an effortless hobby. In fact, it’s a really exhausting work. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet a lot of interesting and truly inspiring people or even good friends. Personally, thanks to modeling, I improved my self esteem and slightly opened up to people. I realized that there is no such thing as one beauty standard and I really started to feel beautiful the way I am. For sure working as a freelance model is different than working for models agency. Unfortunately I don’t fit into many agencies standards but I don’t think that I would be able to give 100% of myself to modeling only.

What is your beauty regimen?

First of all, a good diet. For many years I ignored the facts, but food is crucial to my wellbeing, good skin condition and amount of energy I have a day. Besides diet obviously sleeping well and always having a good moisturizing cream right for my skin type and current season.

What are your personal qualities which distinguish you from others?

Reliability and sense of humour. I do my best on every photoshoot and also try to have a good time with the crew. I think that it’s important to have a good mood and understanding among each other to get the best results possible.

What are your plans for the future?

I want to take a part in fashion shows more. Just recently I walked on the runaway for the first time ever and it was an amazing experience! I was really stressed out because I don’t usually wear high heels and walk in front of so many people looking just at me. I tried and gave 200% of myself to those 2 minutes on the catwalk. I’m so thankful to Karolina Kalska, the designer, who gave me this chance even though I had no experience. Next weekend I will be opening another fashion show and I’m really excited and so nervous. Besides catwalks I also dream to be on a cover some day and obviously to work with more and more amazing people every day!

What are some of your favorite experiences so far?

Besides my first fashion show surely an underwater photoshoot. It was really intense task, a lot harder than I thought at first. It was the moment that I realized how difficult being a model can be. Also the most important for me was a photoshoot with my mother. It was a present for her birthday. I chose one of my trusted photographers that I’ve worked with before. I knew she would take beautiful pictures of us and make our day really special.

Do you have any advice for those who want to start modeling?

Believe in yourself, be tough, work hard. It’s not an easy job but the results can be breathtaking. Models must know their strong qualities. Watch top models, how they walk or pose and try it yourself in front of the mirror. Be aware of every inch of your body and don’t hesitate to talk with photographers. Sometimes dialogue is the key to success. It’s good to look closely at your pictures, try to find mistakes and try to improve yourself to be better on the next shoot. And listen, listen to all advices, not every single one will be perfect for you, but remember them and stay humble.

[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]What do you think of the magazine?

It’s really inspiring to see so many talented people and read about their experiences in the industry. I’m so excited to be a part of it now!

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