Rising Star Spotlight: Introducing The Beautiful Brielle Streater

Posted on by Krissy Anderson

Known online for her style and looks today, most people don’t know that Brielle Streater actually endured seven years of intense schoolyard bullying before she became who she is now. “After enduring seven years of severe schoolyard bullying, and much deep thinking, I made the spontaneous decision to study in courses I never would have imagined, resulting in the start of my business and the commencement of a very long road trip throughout Australia,” she revealed. Although she went through such a heartbreaking ordeal, it paved the way for her to start a business. This painful experience led to a very long road trip throughout Australia where she was able to heal me from the scars of bullying and also regain her confidence. In that time she became a promotional model and an influencer with a substantial following on Instagram and her travels also opened many other doors for her. In fact, she even became a National Youth Ambassador and Spokesperson for an Anti-Bullying Advocate and Organisation called Angels Hope.

StarCentral Magazine recently caught up with Brielle Streater to discuss her journey to building her brand and her business and here’s what went down:

Tell us your full name and something about yourself.

My name is Brielle Streater, and at age 18 in 2014 after completing my HSC I chose not to attend schoolies and found myself sitting on the 34th floor in a lawyer’s office learning how to commence my own business and the trademarking of a business name. It wasn’t my initial goal for I had been accepted into Early Entry Policing and Justice Studies at Western Sydney University and also studies in Theatre Set Design. After enduring seven years of severe schoolyard bullying, and much deep thinking, I made the spontaneous decision to study in courses I never would have imagined, resulting in the start of my business and the commencement of a very long road trip throughout Australia, presently sitting on the 485,000kms through Australia since 2014. Travelling Australia did a lot for me, it healed me from the scars of bullying, it gave me back confidence, I explored everything about Australia from history to nature to the beauty of the people, and in that time either studied online or came back to Sydney to study part-time, and also work casually as a promotional model to help fund my travels. I also built my business up and whatever money I made from content creation went into my travels. My travels became my place to capture my images as I fell completely in love with the landscapes of the Outback and country regions. it gave me opportunities to meet so many different people all traveling for a reason, all had a story, inspiring me endlessly. I commenced using social media, largely Instagram for sharing my travels in 2014. It was through sharing my images that my work was used by some of Australia’s larger companies, and some smaller ones in the US. It opened many doors, and in 2015 I was interviewed by a local radio on my travels and what led me there. That radio interview was picked up by an Anti-Bullying Advocate and Organisation Founder called Angels Hope. I became a National Youth Ambassador and Spokesperson for them from 2015 – 2018. That wonderful amazing opportunity led me to meet inspirational people and other organizations in Anti-Bullying, and I am now an Ambassador to a small NZ Anti-Bullying Organization called Suzy H Child Advocate and Anti-bullying Foundation; The Phoenix Rising Foundation (Australian Foundation just birthing); and advocate for Anti-Violence Movement Enough is Enough. I remain a firm follower of the work of Angel’s Hope, and also Dolly’s Dream.

My travels united not only my love of Australia but opportunities to speak and share about Anti-Bullying. Over those years I studied diplomas and a few certificates in creative industries: Film, Screen and Media; Photography and Imaging; Digital Media Marketing; Performance Theatre; Live Theatre Production; Broadcasting; Costume Design; Writing; and varying short courses in screen and media at Nida. Though with the influx of photographers and content creators the photography world became challenging, thus, I was pushed to another direction. With my growing love of philanthropy work and interest in Anti-Bullying, my ultimate career goals completely changed. I am now halfway through a degree in Psychotherapy specialising in Art Therapy. I still continue my business part-time and plan to continue to do so.

My interests outside study are anything outdoors. I particularly love horse riding, four-wheel driving, car drifting, deep-sea fishing, boating, PlayStation 4, Cosplay, my travels and a very deep love for Australia and Ireland (family). I also study the Irish Language at the Sydney Irish Language School and love being involved with their activities.

I have grown up in a family with a lot of cancer and learned to always turn the negatives into positives, to flip it, and I still do this today.

How did you get into the modeling industry? How were you actually ‘discovered’?

I was introduced into modeling by my grandmother, who was a model herself when she was young. She had me attending the different courses with June Dally-Watkins starting at age 14. I was offered several opportunities though I knocked them all back, and it was not until I was working as a photographer and I was approached by companies to stand in front of the camera instead of behind that things changed. This led to some very talented Australian photographers doing shoots with me and one thing led to another.

What do you like most about being a model?

Modeling to me is an opportunity to bring forward female empowerment; to show those girls who are being bullied, we can all stand back up in whatever way we wish and keep going. Despite words, we are all beautiful and you need to be proud of who you are. Modeling has also enabled me to meet many interesting people, from all different careers. It has helped me immensely with confidence and led me to the wonderful world of pageantry in which I held the crown and traveled to the US as Miss Australia International 2018.

The downside to being a model?

It is not an easy career due to the large numbers already in the field or trying to break in.

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the modeling industry so far?

My most memorable experience was modeling for the iconic Australian company Akubra. The Akubra hat was something I had dreamed of owning since a young girl and I finally purchased one at the start of my travels in 2014. I now own 12 Akubras and try to always have them in my social media shots. To be featured in their marketing here and overseas, and their calendars were the biggest honour and something I will forever be proud of.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

In my travels, I have had the opportunities of meeting many famous people such as actors, authors, race car drivers, politicians and I have loved listening to their life stories. I’ve met relatives of some of our infamous bushrangers, University historians, to miners and farmers sharing stories of despair of living on the land.

In modeling, pageantry, promotional modeling, and cosplay modeling I have been fascinated by the many people who have kept going, either the model, the photographer, to those involved in event management and magazines. To pinpoint one particular person is difficult as so many inspire me. Three photographers who have stood out to me as I love listening to their experiences and find them inspirational are Marc Skinner, Andrew Donato, and Jolanta Morgan.

In philanthropy, one man…Ken Marslew the Founder of Enough is Enough which is an Anti-Violence Movement. I could listen to him speak all day. He’s the most inspirational man as he never gives up on what he believes in. I hope I will be like him one day.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the modeling industry. This can be about the industry or yourself.

I strongly learned to believe in yourself and if you slip up, keep going. In the US when I represented Australia as Miss Australia International, I was extremely nervous, I was just released from a week stay in hospital with kidney problems the day before flying out. I doubted myself immensely; not feeling well left me worried about how things would go. Though once there, meeting the other girls who were also models, everything flowed, even when I had to publically speak on Anti-Bullying in a dress that no longer fit me so I kept slipping down. You eventually get into the swing of it, your worries disappear and you walk away knowing you gave it your best. Modeling has enhanced my confidence, my self-belief and the lesson of just getting in and giving it your best.

Working in an industry whose only emphasis is on the outside characteristics of a person, how have you stayed grounded?

I have stayed grounded, very much, as staying true to yourself and who you are, are the most important aspects. If you can bring that through in your work I believe it’s important as it presents your natural character and individuality.

Is your family supportive of you being in the modeling industry?

Yes, very much, someone often comes with me to the different shoots. We are a very close family and they are very supportive of all I do. For that, I’ve very grateful.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

My future plans involve continuing my business and working eventually in the field of Psychotherapy (art therapy). I have two areas of interest – either children and youth with autism or individuals in correctional services. I hope to continue my modeling as long as more opportunities arise.

Rising Star Spotlight: Introducing The Gorgeous Vindy Krejci

Posted on by Krissy Anderson

Vindy Krejčí initially never had any plans of becoming a model, but when opportunity knocked on her door – she decided to take a chance, and now she couldn’t be happier with her decision. Vindy is a half Vietnamese and half Czech model who’s currently based in the Czech Republic. She was fifteen when she appeared in her first fashion show and she loved the experience so much that she went on to appear in more fashion shows. Besides modeling, Vindy has also done quite well in the pageant world, she won the title Miss Karkulka Mácha in 2015, she placed 3rd runner up in Miss Caddy 2014 pageant and she also placed top 10 in the national beauty pageant, Miss Czech Republic.

Model & Mode Magazine recently caught up with Vindy to discuss her journey in the modeling industry and here’s what went down:

 Tell us your name and something about yourself?

My name is Vindy Krejčí, I’m 22 years old and I’m based in the Czech Republic, where I’ve lived all my life. I’m half Vietnamese and half Czech and I’m currently studying in university.

In the year 2014, I started building my modeling portfolio, I was 16 years old at the time. I was working with a few modeling agencies, however, I was still a freelancer. I’ve never dreamt about becoming a model, it just happened and now I really love my job. To be around creative people and watch how they make something amazing together is great! But I knew its a time-limited business and I wanted to also focus on building my skills and experiences in various fields. As time went I eventually got an offer to work in modeling and production agency called FA FASHIONABLE.

I also took part in several beauty pageants in my country where I was fortunate enough to have had success. I won the Miss Karkulka Mácha 2015 pageant and I placed 3rd runner up in Miss Caddy 2014. In 2016, I placed top 10 in the national beauty pageant, Miss Czech Republic.

In 2017 I got an offer to represent Vietnam in an international beauty pageant called Miss Global 2017. Regardless of my height, I placed in the top 20 and won the title Miss Global Photogenic.

What does it mean to you to be a model?

Opportunity. Being a model is flexible – it gives me freedom. What I like the most about being a model is that each project is different. Different styling, different visage, another team of incredibly creative people. I enjoy it every time I get a new transformation. On this basis, I present the “personality” they have created from me. I also enjoy the opportunity to travel and work with people from all over the world.

What sort of person usually follows you? Who’s your main audience?

According to statistics, primarily men. As for the nationality and country where my followers come from, the Czech Republic still leads. And I try to keep it that way. Most clients who contact me to collaborate whether it’s for a campaign or just for collaboration on Instagram want to reach the Czech audience. My followers also include women and young girls my age. They often ask me how I succeed in modeling despite my height, and support me in my work. I always feel responsible for what I put on my profile and I always think of a way that it can affect my followers

What’s the biggest challenge to modeling?

I would say that anyone who wants to get into modeling must be durable, have healthy self-esteem and be balanced with him/herself. He or she needs to be able to handle stress and have thick skin. I think “commercial” models have it a little easier than fashion models. Their magic is made up of their entire personality, their face, and their character. And so they can be forgiven a few centimeters at the waist for example.

Have you always wanted to be in the modeling industry?

No, not really. As a child, I heard negative things about the modeling industry. But when I was fifteen and I appeared in my first fashion show, I started to think differently. When I did my first catwalk, I suddenly had the urge to join more shows. I eventually met an amazing, creative man who motivated me with his story and personality. Today he is my future fiance, Luděk Šmehlík.

What’s your personal mission in life?

Be a role model for my children and other women. I’m not a feminist, I’m not a careerist, and I’m not a housewife either – I’m a bit of everything. We women are very capable, hardworking and imaginative. Our empathy and intuition make us unique. And I admire every woman who can do what she loves and follow her heart.

What has been the most memorable experience of your career so far?

The most memorable experience of my career was participating in the international beauty pageant, Miss Global in Cambodia. It was in 2017 and since I was half Vietnamese, I represented Vietnam. I was truly honoured to represent one of my nationalities. There were over 60 finalists from all over the world and the organizers took great care of us. I didn’t see it as a competition, I saw it more like an experience. I was myself and it paid off. I won Miss Global Photogenic and ranked among the top 20.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

Definitely my man! There’s also pageant coach Mommy G and choreographer Chieko Hidaka, whom I met in Miss Global. Their personal charm is unreal. Both were strict but very cordial at the same time. I’m very grateful for all the help they gave me.

What will you advise other models who may wish to follow your footsteps?

Be yourself and overcome your fear. Don’t be afraid to try new things because you never know where the wind might take you. Work on your portfolio and show that that you can be malleable.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

It may sound a little lax, but so far, it has always worked out even though I never planned anything. So I just want to let things flow.

This Stunner Has Been Dubbed As The ‘World’s Sexiest Athlete’ And For Good Reason

Posted on by Krissy Anderson

German track star Alica Schmidt has been dubbed as the world’s sexiest athlete and once you see her photos you’ll know exactly why.

The 21-year-old German track star had been training for quite some time so she can take part in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic to compete in the 400m event, that is, until the COVID-19 pandemic stopped the world in its tracks.

Schmidt got into the spotlight after she and her teammates won the silver medal in the 4×400 relay at the European Athletics Under-20 Championships in 2017. She then won a bronze medal in the same event in the U23 European Championship last year. She currently has a whopping 700,000 plus followers on Instagram and for good reason.

Check out some of her photos below courtesy of Alica Schmidt’s Instagram account.

Rising Star Spotlight: Introducing The Stunning Melanie Zehner

Posted on by Krissy Anderson

Before Melanie Zehner got into modeling and graced catalogs and the cover of a magazine, she was a girl living in a small town in Austria. Melanie was in a shopping center when a chance encounter led to her big break. She was only 1o when she was spotted by a shopping center’s marketing coordinator. She was approached and asked if she wanted to be the face of a new magazine. She eventually got the gig and this encounter piqued her interest in modeling. From there she went on to become a professional model and she has even done modeling internationally.

Model & Mode Magazine recently caught up with Melanie Zehner to discuss her journey in the modeling industry and here’s what went down:

Could you please provide background about yourself and how were you actually ‘discovered’?

I was originally born in Austria, I grew up in a little whimsical town with lovely natural surroundings. I have amazing parents who taught me a value system that I’ve always stayed true to. When I was about 10 years old I went to a shopping center with my mum and a lady from the shopping center’s marketing department approached me and asked me if I wanted to be the face of the new magazine – this was in summer and the mood of the magazine was “everything that you need for school.” My dad was part of a photography club that’s why I had no problems posing in front of the camera. In fact, ever since I was born he always had his camera next to me. That’s how I got my foot into the modeling industry.

What does it mean to you to be a model?

For me, it means a lot. You represent something so you should be a role model which means you have to work very hard on yourself.

What’s the biggest challenge to modeling?

Not to give up because there will always be people who will criticize you a lot! It doesn’t really matter how beautiful you are. After attending several casting calls, you will honestly feel like the ugliest person in the world.

Have you always wanted to be in the modeling industry?

I was always too shy. That’s why I got trained as a hairdresser and makeup artist – I got my master’s degree 3 years ago. But even then I never lost my passion for modeling – so when I was 21 I started to work very professionally as a model.

What’s your personal mission in life?

To create a life filled with love and adventure. I want to feel as intensely about life as possible. All kinds of feelings. I want to be able to run my imagination free so my deepest self can develop creatively. I have a gift for recognizing people and their stories and I keep my thoughts in stories, in diaries, and my memory. I’m a lioness because I don’t stop dreaming and learning. I believe in myself, I trust myself and am proud of myself.

What has been the most memorable experience of your career so far?

When I got booked for a video production in Thailand. Another unforgettable experience was when I saw myself in a catalog which I’ve known since my childhood – because everybody in Austria gets this catalog.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

Oliver stone (Regisseur&film producer) and in Silicon Valley, I met Steve Jobs’ best friend which was really interesting.

What will you advise other models who may wish to follow your footsteps?

Stay true to yourself and don’t do any jobs just because of the money.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

I want to work on an amazing project with high-profile photographers and I want to organize workshops all around the world. Outside my career, I would love to have a little family in the next 5-10 years.

How “Glee” Star Naya Rivera Used Her Final Moments Alive to Save Her Son

Posted on by Krissy Anderson

Editorial credit: s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

During the recent press conference at Lake Piru, officials from Ventura County Sheriff’s Office eventually confirmed that the body they had recovered was, in fact, that of actress Naya Rivera. According to Buzzfeed, Rivera had apparently rented a pontoon boat on Wednesday, July 8. But then her 4-year-old son, Josey, was later found all alone and asleep on the boat by another person who was also on the lake. He had a life jacket on which is believed to have been Rivera’s.

Sheriff Bill Ayub finally had some answers for Naya Rivera’s family and he officially said, “Today our search teams recovered a body in the lake. Based on the location where the body was found, physical characteristics of the body, clothing found on the body, and the physical condition of the body – as well as the absence of any other persons reported missing in the area – we are confident that the body found is that of Naya Rivera.”

During a press conference, The Sheriff also revealed that they believe Rivera’s boat which was unanchored at the time began drifting away – she wanted to save her son’s life but she couldn’t save hers. He said, “The idea perhaps being that the boat started drifting, it was unanchored, and that she mustered enough energy to get her son back onto the boat, but not enough to save herself.”

Ayub further revealed that Naya’s four-year-old son was able to help detectives piece together what really happened as he recalled their final moments together. Ayub said: “We know from speaking with her son that he and Naya swam in the lake together at some point during their journey. it was during that time that she’s son described being helped into the boat by Naya, who boosted him into the boat from behind.” He told the investigators that “he looked back and saw her disappear under the surface of the water.”

Our hearts go out to Naya Rivera and her family during this extremely difficult time.

Rising Star Spotlight: Introducing The Stunning Andrea Echeverri

Posted on by Krissy Anderson

Andrea Echeverri is an actor, model, influencer, photographer, singer, and TV presenter – she’s also one of StarCentral Magazine’s swimsuit models of the month. She studied Film and TV at Central TAFE in Perth, Western Australia and she’s the owner and founder of Golden by AE. handmade jewelry which is handmade jewelry with 24 karat gold cover and natural stones.

We recently caught up with Andrea to discuss her journey in the modeling industry and here’s what went down:

1. How did you get into the modeling industry?

I had friends with startups who used to ask me all the time to be their model and then suddenly I just started getting paid for it.

2. What do you like most about being a model?

Making art. Being part of artistic expression.

3.The downside to being a model?

A lot of judgment and fake people.

4. What has been the most memorable experience of being in the modeling industry so far?

Working for amazing teams, brands, and groups like Uniqlo, Australian chamber orchestra, and others.

5. Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

It’s always the people who travel the most.

6. What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the modeling industry? This can be about the industry or about yourself.

Love yourself the way you are. Nowadays all girls want to have the same bodies, the same faces and that makes you just one more mannequin for the industry. Nothing really special.

7. Is your family supportive of you being a model?

They don’t mind much nowadays. But they were not supportive at the beginning.

8. If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

Probably to be more committed to eating healthier.

9. What is the best advice you have ever been given?

One that has helped me a lot was “Do whatever makes you happy, no matter if no one agrees.”

10. What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

No plans so far. Trying to live day after day.

4 Fabulous Style Tips Every Model Should Know

Posted on by Krissy Anderson

Knowing how to look stylish and chic every time you step out of the house is a skill every model should have. Now if you experience difficulties with this, we’ve got you covered with four essential fashion tips. These tips are fashion foundations you can build upon to become the next trendsetter!

If you have a special event coming up or you simply would love to look good daily, follow the tips below to create a fabulous and stylish wardrobe.

1. Pair prints and patterns with plain apparels

The first thing you should know when picking out outfits is that prints and patterns should not be paired together. Instead, pair patterned apparel with plain colours. For example, you can wear a striped blouse with black pants/skirts and a polka-dotted skirt with a yellow blouse.

A combination of prints and patterns is riotous and the biggest fashion mistake anyone can make so make sure you avoid them!

2. Don’t be scared of bright colours

While dark colours like black, grey, dark blue, and dark green are safe colours in fashion, wearing them repeatedly can get boring and force you to blend into the crowd. So minimize your use of these colours and go for more colourful apparel like yellow, pink, white, red, and light blue. Bright colours are exciting and make you more approachable. If you don’t want to attract too much attention to yourself, you can combine light and dark-coloured apparel.

3. Make sure an outfit fits perfectly

When shopping for new clothes, make sure you choose outfits that fit perfectly. Don’t buy clothes that are too tight or too big. Both errors can ruin the look you’re trying to create with your outfit. Clothes that fit perfectly make you look smart and stylish so before purchasing an outfit, make sure it’s the perfect fit.

4. Accessorise

The impact of accessories on an outfit cannot be over-emphasized. Accessories enhance your look stylishly and make you stand out. So fill your wardrobe with as many bags, earrings, bracelets, belts, scarves, and necklaces as you can afford. Don’t forget to accessorize moderately for a better impact.

While fashion trends change almost as frequently as we blink, these basic tips will keep you on top of the trends at all times. So experiment with bright colours, don’t pair prints with patterns, make sure your clothes fit perfectly, and accessorize for a trendy and stylish look.

One On One With The CEO Of Royalle Modelling: George Bastoli

Posted on by Jenny

Royalle Modelling is an international talent agency based in Sydney with a reputation for being one of Australia’s most prestigious agencies.

They recruit, train, and develop unique talents for various photo shoots, TV commercials, video shoots, and runway events. Founder and CEO of Royalle Modelling, George Bastoli has over 15 years of experience in the modeling industry combined with 10 years of experience in corporate marketing.

Model & Mode magazine recently caught up with George and here’s what went down:

Firstly, congratulations on the 11th year anniversary. How do you feel?

Thank you. I’m very proud of what we’ve created.

So how did Royalle Modelling get started?

Good question. I actually got into the industry when I was 12 years old, helping my uncle behind the scenes for a beauty pageant in Dee Why.

I didn’t really know what it was all about, I was just helping out and I guess I liked the excitement and fast pace of it all. When I turned 18, I actually started doing some modeling work myself part-time and was pretty popular in the club and social scenes. Soon, lots of people wanted to know how I got into it so I started helping out friends and random people get modeling and promo work. In 2008 I thought, I should start a company, so I created Royalle and we kind of did everything from promo modeling, artist management through to events management. It was very different to where we are today.

So you’ve been in the industry since you were 12 years old?? Amazing! So, how old are you now if you don’t mind us asking?

I’m 31…but sometimes people think I’m 18 (laughs)

You started the agency in 2008. We’re sure a lot has happened in the 10 years that Royalle has been around. What were some of the key things that you have learned about the industry?

Wow, big question! There’s so much I’ve learned and I still learn more every day. I’ve literally managed thousands of models around the world and have worked with all sorts of clients; from backyard brands to companies as big as YSL, L’Oréal, and Reebok. I guess the main thing I’ve learned is that the trends will always change, but you need to make sure your values don’t.

I really enforce this to all our models to uphold our values as a fundamental that they bring into every conversation and situation and its one of the things I’m the proudest of most. I have so much more to share but I’ll be here all year if I keep going…

We love that. What sort of values does Royalle Encourage?

Well, what makes a person memorable in my opinion isn’t how they look, but how they make you feel. When someone is genuine you can really pick it up. When you’re genuinely doing something you’re passionate about, it’s almost impossible for anyone else to do it better than you because passion and love is way more powerful than ‘technique.’ But because technique is also very important, I make sure we invest lots of time in training and developing our models to be the best at their passions while also encouraging them to explore their diversity and to learn from one another. You also need to have integrity. Integrity builds trust. I can happily say that I trust our models. We have an open relationship and I know our clients really appreciate that about us. It’s really those values of Passion, being open-minded, and having Integrity that Royalle Modelling Encourages.

What would you say is the main thing that separates Royalle from other agencies?

Oh, I love this question. Royalle has ALWAYS been the industry dark horse as we do things VERY differently (laughs). It has created some unique reactions over the years but now we sit as one of the top 4 agencies in Australia so I feel like the world is ready for what we offer.

To answer your question, the main thing that we have always done differently is providing a family-style environment to those that wouldn’t normally even be given a shot because of ‘set industry standards’ (175cm tall, size 4-6, Caucasian). I mean, we employ many models that fit that profile, but that’s not entirely who we are. Our gift is that we love to find naturally beautiful people in a thousand unique ways and teach them the Royalle Standards. Our values are heavily enforced and the training and development opportunities we provide, from production through to mentoring, is strong and consistent. We absolutely LOVE getting our models their dream jobs and have zero tolerance for bad attitudes and people who treat our modeling opportunities as ‘just a job.’ I’m very proud to say that we have one of the lowest turnovers of models and clients in the industry and we do this WITHOUT the need for contracts.

Sounds amazing! We also noticed that Royalle has one of the highest ratings with the most reviews on Google. Well done. Now for the last question, what is one piece of advice you want to give to anyone out there who is thinking about becoming a model.

The modeling industry can be a very fun and rewarding place, but also a very damaging place if you don’t know how to navigate it. It is a professional industry that is often polluted by creeps and naive people who think that Instagram likes equals modeling credibility. My advice is to treat the modeling space like a professional career job because it is. Act professional, communicate professionally, learn, and dedicate yourself.

@chrisdavidphoto, @royallemodelling, Chris David Photography, Model:
Maria Arruty, Photo: Chris David, Royalle Modelling

Instagram Influencer Reveals Companies Cut Ties With Her When She Refused To Work Free Of Charge

Posted on by Alex

A stunning Sydney-based influencer has decided to get back at some brands who have decided to cut ties with her after she refused to take a pay cut or even work for free during this Coronavirus crisis.

Jadé Tuncdoruk is a popular fashion influencer who has over 440,000 Instagram followers. She regularly posts photos of herself promoting high-profile brands such as Dior and Chanel.

Unfortunately the Coronavirus pandemic has impacted her business as an influencer in a big way as a number of the companies she used to promote has decided to cut ties with her because she refused to take a pay cut or even work for free. She decided to speak out about the issue via her Instagram account. This is what she wrote on her Instagram Stories as per Daily Mail:

“I’ve collaborated/worked with a few brands over time (a long time) who as of late have asked me to work for much, much less, or for free due to budget cuts – which I understand…”

“However, when I’ve said no – which is in my opinion completely warranted – have completely written off the relationship.

“These are brands I’ve traveled with and promoted for years who just throw the relationship away because I’ve refused to work for free.

“I’m very surprised that these organisations are willing to throw relationships down the drain after such a long time.

“Each to their own, but personally I wouldn’t sever ties with someone who I ‘valued’ for years.”

According to The Daily Telegraph, Tuncdoruk earns between $800 and $3,000 per sponsored post and in fact, she was the first Australian influencer to win E! People’s Choice Award last year.

Photos courtesy of Jadé Tuncdoruk’s Instagram

Introducing Model & Mode Magazine’s Latest Covergirl: The Stunning Liudmyla Tkachenko

Posted on by Alex

Liudmyla Tkachenko is a stunning Ukrainian model who is currently based in Los Angeles. She grew up in a picturesque town stretching in the western region of Ukraine. Ever since she was a little girl, she has always dreamed of becoming an international model someday. Unfortunately, the economic situation in Ukraine was bad at the time, and since she had no connections in the fashion industry – becoming an international model seemed like an almost impossible feat. But Liudmyla was persistent though, despite her situation, she was determined to turn her childhood dream into reality.

Liudmyla’s first taste of the modeling industry came in the form of a modeling contract that was offered to her to work somewhere in China. Although China has always been considered as one of the most dynamic, and vibrant countries in the world, moving to work in China can often seem daunting because of the language barrier and cultural differences. However, Liudmyla really wanted to make things work with her modeling career hence the reason why she felt that she needed a deeper cultural immersion in the Chinese ways for the sake of her career. She decided to hone her Chinese language skills first so she started taking Chinese language classes. Eventually, she came to the point that she was actually quite fluent in Mandarin.

Since working as a full-time model in China, She has appeared in several high-profile commercials and magazines in Asia. Liudmyla worked as a full-time model for a few years in Asia mainly around Hong Kong, China, and Thailand before deciding to move to the United States to further pursue her modeling career. When she moved to the United States in 2016, she didn’t speak a word of English which was tough because she had to start from the bottom again. She, therefore, decided to study English in a New York-based language school while pursuing her modeling career at the same time.

Liudmyla’s persistence eventually paid off when she started scoring one good gig after another. Since working as a model in New York, she has appeared several times in New York Fashion Week. She has walked for high-profile designers such as Dan Liu, Terraza, and Oxford Fashion, among others, and she has also done photoshoots for high-profile fashion magazines such as the L’Officiel magazine, Marie Claire, MD Trends magazine, Imaginary magazine, and Marjen magazine. Furthermore, she was involved in several catalog shoots as well as a number of exciting projects. Her photos from the New York Fashion Week shows have even been featured in Vogue, Elle, as well as Harper’s Bazaar.

After modeling for two years in New York, Liudmyla decided to try her luck at acting by moving to Los Angeles. Since moving to Los Angeles, she has appeared in a Nike commercial, as well as a few alcohol commercials, and she also scored a role in an upcoming film called “The Nowhere Inn.” The movie is set to premiere in the Sundance film festival 2020. Currently, Liudmyla is studying at an acting school called Beverly Hills Playhouse hoping that this can be her ticket to more projects in Hollywood.

Starting from a humble background, Liudmyla was initially faced with poverty as well as other problems, but she learned how to overcome all that fate threw at her. She moved forward with a single-minded determination to achieve success. Having reached her goal of becoming an international model, she’s definitely a classic example of the results of hard work and determination.

Model & Mode magazine recently caught up with Liudmyla to discuss her journey in the modeling world and here’s what went down:

Could you please provide background about yourself and how were you actually ‘discovered’?

I’m originally based in Ukraine. I got started as a model when an agent from a modeling agency in Ukraine came up to me whilst I was in the middle of grocery shopping. The agent told me that he saw potential in me as a model. I, therefore, decided to visit their office the next day and that’s when I got signed up with my first mother agency.

What does it mean to you to be a model?

It means always being a role model for other people as well as spreading positivity and good energy.

What sort of person usually follows you? Who’s your main audience?

I actually have a lot of male and female followers so there’s a balance. People who love traveling as well as an active lifestyle always follow me as well.

What’s the biggest challenge to modeling?

Don’t pay attention to rejections. Stay strong and focused.

Have you always wanted to be in the modeling industry?

Yes, it has been my dream since I was a little girl.

What’s your personal mission in life?

Make the world a better place. Spread positivity and good energy.

What has been the most memorable experience of your career so far?

When I walked for high-profile designers such as Dan Liu and Terraza during the New York Fashion Week. The photos from their shows have also been published in Vogue magazine.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

I have met so many talented and creative people that it’s hard for me to choose specific names. The fashion industry is full of interesting, and creative people.

How active are you on social media?

I am quite active on Instagram. I love posting new content daily.

What is your favourite social media platform?

Instagram is definitely my favorite social media platform.

What will you advise other models who may wish to follow your footsteps?

Always believe in yourself. Be focused and enjoy every moment of the journey!

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

I am planning to get into acting.

The ‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:

1. Last good movie I’ve seen: Hollywood.

2. What do you consider beautiful and why? Beautiful minds of people, beautiful nature, and beautiful life. Life is beautiful because it’s full of blessings.

3. What haven’t you done yet that you wish you could? I want to learn surfing.

4. Complete this sentence: “If I had no fear, I’d…” surf in Hawaii.

5. What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself? My positive energy and kindness.