Check out our interview with popular and stunning German model and influencer Katja Zwara who can be seen worldwide in magazines and commercials.
Follow Katja @katjazwara
Hi Katja, please tell us a little about you?
My Name is Katja Zwara. I was born and raised in Germany to polish parents.
I work as a full time model and currently live in New York City. I started my career in Cape Town about 10 years ago which then took me to London where I stayed for many years.
I signed with Select Models in Miami and LA a few years ago. Pre Covid I was traveling a lot for work but now I work mainly in the US and try to focus more on my social media platforms which I enjoy and has helped me a lot to get started in the US.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Happy, confident and sarcastic !
What is the best and worst part of being a model?
The best part of being a model to me is the opportunity to travel. I get to see so many beautiful places in the world and get to meet many interesting people which I’m very grateful for.
The worst part is how unpredictable it is. You don’t have the security of a salary or any of the other benefits like health insurance that comes with a more stable career path, which as it turns out, is a very important consideration while living in the US.
How and when did you start into modeling?
I filmed my very first commercial in Germany when I was only 16 years old. I started modeling full time when I was 21 years old and in Cape Town.
Do you ever get nervous?
When I was younger I did. I was not as experienced and therefore not as confident.
Today I don’t, I love my job and get excited for every shoot.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
It’s not really a failure if you learn something.
There are many things in the past I could have done differently but I would not be who I am now.
The most important thing when you are shooting is?
I like being on time, I’m usually a little bit early (you can take the girl out of Germany..) and I think showing up with a positive attitude is just as important.
The only thing that can change my mood is if I’m cold. So therefore I would have to say the answer is to be warm’!! I shoot so much swimwear and lingerie so it’s very easy to get cold. A space heater is my best friend on every shoot.
What’s your advice for the newer models?
Be confident! Not everyone is going to love you, not everyone is going to sign you and some people might even be rude to you. Make it their problem, not yours. Models are constantly judged by their looks and some people forget that it’s not just an image but a human with feelings and often a very young one too. It took me a long time to really understand that there isn’t anything wrong with me if someone doesn’t like my hair, height or size. So my number one piece of advice is to be confident and don’t let anyone’s opinions take that away from you. If you can do that you will have fun and enjoy the ride.
Now talking about Social Media, can you share some tips for keeping your Instagram account interesting?
I think showing your personality is something people appreciate.
I mainly post my work and travel on my social media but I try to pair it with a funny caption or silly story as that’s who I am. I like to laugh and not take things too seriously.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle
I love that book because it basically teaches you how to stay unphased by any obstacles that might come your way.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Doing something I love whilst working with a variety of different people and also keeping a great work-life balance. Meaning I can work and have time to do other things I love like fostering dogs as I do not have a normal 9-5.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Love a chicken soup!
And your favorite cheat food?
Pasta (and Pizza)
Can you share with our readers some healthy tips or healthy recipes that you use?
Yes ! I try to be vegan at home, only eat the occasional chicken or fish dish if I’m at a restaurant so I have a few vegan dishes and desserts up my sleeve.
I love making simple banana bread that is sugar and gluten free. My boyfriend just made the most delicious vegan tacos using beyond meat and gluten free tortillas. It’s so easy to make and tastes amazing.
How would you explain your fashion style?
All black everything.
I am trying to add color and get braver these days but I would def say I am rather simple in my style but have a huge passion for bags so a fashionable bag is a must.
How would your best friend describe you?
Funny, loving and probably a little bit annoying ( I call her every day)
What’s next for Katja Zwara in 2021?
Having a lot more time on my hands than most years because I can’t travel to Europe as often as I normally do. I will be doing a lot more charity work. So many communities have been affected by Covid and I’d like to support charities in the community I live in.
Career wise I’d like to eventually have my own swimwear brand and 2021 will be the year I can start focusing on it.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness is that warm feeling you get inside, when you know life is just good and for me it’s when I’m with people I love and that love me.
How is a normal day in your life?
A normal day in my life on day if I’m not shooting would be..
Start the day with hot lemon water and coffee.
Followed by reformer Pilates or a hot yoga class.
I speak to my best friend, my parents and my agent. Run some errands and do things around the house I usually don’t get to do. Sneak in a coffee with a friend and in the evening I make vegan dinner with a glass of my favorite white wine.
Finally cuddle up with my boyfriend and argue about what show we should watch on Netflix!
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
I love being outside when the weather is nice. Walking, running, horse riding or just having a nice meal in the sunshine with friends and family.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
My Grandmother! She was such a sweet and funny soul and I was very close to her.I miss her every day so if I could choose one person it would be her.
Best advice ever given?
Worrying gets you nowhere. What is going to happen will happen whether you worry or not.
Do you support any charity?
Yes I support Muddypaws rescue in New York as well as the children Charity NSPCC in the United Kingdom.
Name 3 things you can’t live without?
Family, friends and comedy.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I’d like to get back to traveling and working everywhere in the world. I also see myself having my own swimwear line.
Favorite song? Why?
Leon Bridges – Beyond
I just like it!
What music do you like?
I like all kind of music, really depends what I’m in the mood for but for going out and dancing I love good old school hip hop and RnB.
What do you think of Social Media?
Mostly I’m grateful for it.
I like the aspect of being able to be in control of what you put out into the world about yourself and your career. You are in charge of your own content as opposed to someone else.
It’s an outlet to be creative and connect with other people like you or that are interested in your work. On the other hand I do think it needs to be regulated as it is addictive and depression and suicide rates have been rising especially in younger generations.
Where we can follow you?
On Instagram as well as TikTok
Quote: Nothing will work unless you do. – Maya Angelou
Travel Destination: London, only cause I miss it so much right now!
Sports Team: I would need to stick to home and say ‘Borussia Dortmund’
Tv Show: The Morning Show with Jennifer Aniston
Book: Women who run with Wolves
Credits:
Headshot: Jay Brans @jaybrans
Team Photo: @jameswestman / @arrivebeautiful / @jacmatoske
