Interview: Model Daria Levina (Israel)

Modellenland

26 mrt 2024

Can you tell us a little about you?

My name in Daria Levina, I am 33 years old. I am a mother of adorable 3 kids, work full time as a data analyst for Canadian start up and model as a hobby. I live in Israel, in Tel Aviv area where to I moved to from Russia in late 2022. I love nature and outdoors activities, adore Israel and Israeli people and often feel myself lucky for the life that I have!

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

I am naturally a giver – I genuinely care for other people’s feelings and enjoy making people around me happy. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to me avoiding conflicts and compromising on things I should not compromise. But I am working on myself and definitely making great progress at protecting myself and my personal borders.

How did you start modelling?

I have started modelling years ago when I was in high school, at 15-16 years old. When I moved to another city and dived deep first in studies, then in career, then in being full-time stay at home mom. But kids did get older and now I am back at everything at the same time – juggling motherhood, career in hi-tech and modelling – and enjoying every second of each of these activities.

In Israel I have started in a facebook group where photographers look for amateur models – I just wanted nice pictures to post in Instagram and did not have any great plans for it. I messaged couple of photographers and then an avalanche of offers followed! I quickly built an extensive portfolio of differently styled shoots – and now I am already getting professional offers.

I enjoy that in Israel I have a lot of the work to do as a model as people shoot something cool every time – it is just a lot of activity going on at all times. And almost each photoshoot is something new and interesting! I am very keen now to try myself in video productions like music clips or video advertising. Exciting times ahead!

What do you think of the work as a model?

For me modelling is more a hobby than the actual career. However, I find this work extremely fulfilling.

I think modelling is the great way to explore yourself and enhance your creative side. You have to be different on each set. You need to be able to change your facial expression and attitude with the change of your background, outfit and makeup. Isn’t it fascinating? It is like trying different roles on yourself and seeing how they feel.

Modelling also helps to boost self-esteem and walk in your true feminine or masculine energy. Because on the set you just have to exude this true feminine/masculine power, you fake it till you make it. But once you make it, once it becomes a part of you – it does feel amazing.

What is your beauty regimen?

I believe that true beauty comes from within: internal beauty radiates and draws people no matter the external embodiment. So my main beauty regimen element is being kind, genuine and accept people for who they are. I also try to fully enjoy whatever I am doing at the moment.

But on top of that, I have the following principles I try to adhere to:

- Drink lots of water, 2+ liters per day

- Get as much sleep as possible

- Integrate physical exercise in daily routine

- Spend time outdoors and in nature environments

- Avoid excessive consumption of coffee and alcohol

- Avoid smoking and smoking environments

- Avoid toxic people and stress they create

What are your personal qualities which distinguish you from others?

I am very kind person and try to do my best to make the life of people around me better – my family, my friends and community. I have very high ethical principles and adhering to them is one of the most important things in life for me. Living life like this creates very positive aura attracting good people and luck!

I believe that as long as you continue to act right – even if something bad happens to you– you will exit the situation like a winner.

What are your plans for the future?

My plan for the future is continue doing what I do: raise my kids, grow as data analyst and as a model. Whatever happens as a result – I leave it up to chance. I continue to act right and diligently, and success and luck will follow.

What are some of your favorite experiences so far?

My favourite experiences are all connected with nature! Even with modelling I love to shoot in natural surrounding – on the beach or in mountains. My favourite one was in nature pools near Jerusalem.

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

My advice is as follows: if you want to start doing something, just do it. Modelling is a skill and as with any skill the excellence comes with the practice. You task is to practice as much as possible, be responsible and learn – and the success will follow.

Good way to acquire skills is start with tfp (time-for-photos) shoots where everyone (model, photographer and make up artist) are working for free to develop skills and portfolio.

What do you think of the magazine?

I think the magazine is the great opportunity to discover the world of modelling from inside. I hope stories published here will be inspirational for yet-to-be models and photographers. I am very grateful for the opportunity to publish my story here.

https://www.instagram.com/daria_levina1/

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