Interview: Model Paulina ‘Praline’ Basek (Poland)

Can you tell us a little about you?

My name is Paulina but my friends and family call me Praline. I’m 21 years old and I’m from Poland. I live in Katowice, amazing city which I’m super attached to. I study Italian and English philology at the Silesian University - I would love to be a Sworn Translator. When I was 10 years old I watched ‘The Godfather’ movie for the first time and that’s when my love for Italy and my dream about future job started to grow. Currently I work as an English teacher and a model. I’m also this year’s Miss Polonia beauty contest finalist. I love traveling, my beloved destination is Italy. In addition, I am interested in music, fashion, architecture, vintage stuff, good food, and the culture of Italy.

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

These days some people forget about humbleness. Unfortunately sometimes I catch myself on that too. I would love to always remember that a human being learns all his life and can never know everything, even though he often thinks otherwise. My goal is to be humble and grateful for all I have.

How did you start modelling?

Throughout my childhood my friends and family always told me I should try it. I also grew up watching Top Model and Fashion TV so I was always interested in that world, especially fashion. Sometimes I organised amateur photoshoots with my friends by ourselves. The effects as you may assume weren’t really amazing but we had a lot of fun. When I was 16 and I started high school, one older student – Michalina Banasik asked me to model for her at the photography classes. I loved the pictures and I felt really good in front of the camera so after a conversation with my Mom, we decided to send my pictures to some agencies in Poland. It was a pretty spontaneous moment but back then, I was more shy and withdrawn so I’m glad that my Mom encouraged me to that decision. It wasn’t really easy to find an agency, because I’m not very tall as for a model. Thankfully I signed up a 5 year contract with SPP Models.

What do you think of the work as a model?

I absolutely love it. Working as a model has taught me really a lot, especially that it’s not an easy job as it may seem on the media. It requires a lot of sacrifice, dedication and patience. Working as a model also improved my personality. When I started I was a really shy girl, to that point that I always ordered pizza online instead of actually calling the restaurant. I was afraid to meet new people and ‘fight’ for what’s mine. It changed when I started to work as a model. Every time I work I often meet new people, new situations, new set ups, new locations, new problems and environment. With time and experience, that work taught me to be more opened, organised, assertive, firm and confident. I can deal better now with stressful and unexpected situations. I also made a lot of friendships, amazing memories and things I will never forget.

What is your beauty regimen?

To be honest I don’t have any special beauty regimen. Sometimes I’m too lazy to do my skincare routine everyday but I definitely try to drink a lot of water (trust TikTok, it really helps!), I wash my face, use moisturizing creams and put on SPF cream on every day.

What are your personal qualities which distinguish you from others?

I think my attitude to life. In the era of constant pursuit of material goods, really important values such as love, family, another person or devotion to a relation or passion slowly disappear. For me, these values are even a priority. When I really love or care about something, I can sacrifice really a lot for it. What you need is patience and diligence, but also persistence and constipation. When a problem arises, I work on it and do not abandon the idea, which today, in a time of constant rush, may be considered a bit old-fashioned but maybe also distinguishing.

What are your plans for the future?

I would love to continue my work as a model, and do it as long as I can, because I really enjoy it. I would also like to finish the University and become an Italian & English Language Sworn Translator. I want to travel, eat good food, drink wine and enjoy life as much as I can with my closest ones.

What are some of your favorite experiences so far?

I have really a lot of favorite experiences so maybe I will mention recent ones. One of them is definitely taking part in this year’s Miss Polonia contest. It’s something new for me and it’s actually my first beauty contest ever. I’m very happy that I made it so far already and that I can participate in such thing, which is a new challenge and a new test for me and my personality. My other favorite experience is working with a Polish brand called 7more7 where I did a photoshoot with real and venomous spiders walking on my hands. I’m really afraid of insects (grasshoppers especially!) so I had to fight my fears, but it was really fun.

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

Like Nike says – Just do it! If you feel like it, do it. It doesn’t have to be serious right away, it’s you who dictates the tone. Sometimes you have to help your luck, so use the Internet to find local, creative people who can help you with building up your portfolio. At the beginning it’s good to find a photographer that will answer all your questions. Try going to a photoshoot, see if you like it, if you feel quite comfortable in front of the camera. If you don’t know what to do with your body, if you don’t know how to pose, look at Pinterest or Instagram for some inspirations. Observe your movement and what effects it gives in the pictures – trust yourself.

What do you think of the magazine?

I adore the idea of being an online magazine, especially in our era. In Modellenland I especially like the fact about including works of all the artists – hairdressers, MUAs, models, designers, photographers, everyone that creates art of fashion and beauty. Just like the motto of it says – it’s a magazine for everybody! It’s an amazing source of inspiration and knowledge. It’s honestly a pleasure to now be a part of it.

FB: facebook.com/pralinsoon

IG: @basekpaulina