Check out our interview with stunning NY based Belarusian fashion model Valentina Beli. Valentina has appeared on the covers of L’Officiel, Cosmopolitan, Harpers Bazaar, Numero and more.
Follow Valentina @valentinabeli
Hi Valentina, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a Belarusian fashion model. I have immigrated to the US right before the pandemic. I run my fashion label as well KOPF bags.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Strong, beautiful, fair.
Name three of your strengths?
I’m ambidextrous, empathy and flexible.
Best advice ever given?
So many. But I love this one: you can’t expect another result doing the same actions.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
My husband changed my life. We met when we were 16. I learned a lot from him. A small example: I remember when I came back from the classes in a college and told him the story that I heard. This story impressed me a lot. And he asked just one question: are you sure that everything you heard is true? He taught me to be critical and to analyze first.
How and when did you start modeling?
I have been scouted in Minsk by Miss Belarus 2006 Kate Litvinova. And my first ever shoot was the campaign in Warsaw for the famous polish brand TIFFI.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling? And what is not?
Honestly, I’m so devoted to the modeling industry. I’m an extrovert. For me, it’s crucial to meet with new people every day. I receive the energy from them and I send it back. It’s so interesting to discover new people, new stores every single day.
Sometimes it is hard to find energy when you work every day. But I stay humble and grateful.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
There are no failures only lessons. Those lessons move us forward.
The most important thing when you are shooting is?
I need to have water and some snacks on set. I’m this kind of model who is hungry all the time.
What’s your advice for the newer fashion models?
Follow your passion, learn as much as you can.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
Nothing is guaranteed. Eve is temporarily, even a good attitude and good relationships.
I bet you get millions of them, but what are the best and worst Instagram DM pickup lines you have received so far?
Recently I received a cute Instagram dm about my husband. It was nice. I don’t receive a lot of weird DMs… Yes, some guys are trying to date me. But I’m very polite refusing it.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
My favorite one is “Atlas Shrugged “ by Ayn Rand.
What actor/actress/model do you admire the most, and why?
The strength and the beauty of Angelina Jolie, the kindness of Bella Hadid, and the humbleness of Elsa Hosk admire me.
What’s next for Valentina Beli in 2022?
I don’t know! Probably Calvin Klein big board in Soho?
Which project is still on your bucket list?
As I said before the Calvin Klein big board, the Times Square ad, Sephora ad worldwide …. Too much?
Five years from now, where do you see yourself and your career?
I hope to do what I love. I wish to keep working as a model and to be even more successful.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love sushi and grilled salmon. Can we consider it as healthy food?
And your favorite cheat food?
Chocolate! And chocolate cakes lol
What is your definition of happiness?
If you wake up every day with pleasure and hope, you are happy.
How would your best friend describe you?
Let’s ask her. Okay, she said I’m responsible, honest, and positive. Good to know!
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
My mother. She is beautiful inside and out. Strong gorgeous woman with a hard life.
How would you explain your fashion style and what items in your closet can you not be without?
I would call it “fusion”, my mom calls it “homeless style”. I love to mix classic and hipster styles, lace dresses and sneakers, mom’s bags with cool jeans and jackets.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Einstein. I just want to look at his eyes and to get how it’s possible to be so genius. And also Mother Theresa. She is an example of humble, kind and love.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
I don’t know. I am happy to go anywhere if I’m traveling together with my husband. But my goal is to explore the West Cost and also South America.
What do you like to watch on Tv?
I don’t watch TV. I watch YouTube only, mostly some non-fiction shows.
What music do you like?
Rap. I know it’s probably very unusual for a white girl, but I’m Slavic, so for us, it’s fine to listen to rap. And Russian rap is a bit different from American rap. The rapers are singing mostly about a hard life, life challenges, and a bit about love.
The idea of a perfect Sunday?
So many. Let’s say Barcelona, nice weather, beautiful brunch, and then walkings and endless conversations.
Where we can follow you?
Oh yes please check my Instagram handle @valentinabeli
Quote: you are enough.
Holiday Destination: Spain.
Drink: Dry red wine
Celebrity Crush: Vincent Cassel
Favorite song? Why? So many! Anything from Drake. He just looks so honest when he is singing.
Movie: Matrix.
