Check out our interview with gorgeous model and artist Kristina Menissov who has worked with such famous designers as ROBERT CAVALLI, MICHAEL NGO, MICHAEL COSTELLO, and JOVANI DRESSES.
Kristina has also graced the runway in LOS ANGELES FASHION WEEK and MIAMI SWIM WEEK, not to mention starring in TYGA’S “IBIZA” music video, modeling for CHRIS APPLEBAUM’S YouTube Channel, and appearing in MODEL’S TALK. A former Italian trained Opera Singer, Kristina has parlayed her modeling career into a blossoming singing career. She recently signed with the famed music producer ANDREW LANE who is known for such superstars as THE BACKSTREET BOYS and IRENE CARA. Her first single, “TAKING OVER LA”was released last summer to rave reviews.
Follow Kristina @kristinamenissov
Hi Kristina, please tell us a little about you?
Hi Naluda Fam, I am so happy to chat with you.
I am a recording artist a former opera singer and a model, also I am a mother to a 5 year old boy Kane Richard. Very simple 🙂
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Painfully honest, creative, loyal.
Name one your strengths?
If I set my mind onto something, I can achieve anything.
Best advice ever given?
Enjoy the journey, not only the final destination.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
Definitely my family! And I think what radically changed is birth of my son. Learning to be a mother I became much better person myself.
How and when did you start into modeling?
I used to model a little bit since I was a teenager but I never ever thought I would do it professionally. So I think serious thoughts about make a living out of modeling started at 2017 in Los Angeles.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling? And what is not?
That feeling when you booked your job, when you are on set or walking the runway is always so exciting and for those moments I could continue doing what I don’t really like to do. Is going on hundreds and hundreds auditions. Every time I don’t book a job I still get in my head, even though I know that it’s never personal, they are just looking for something else at the moment.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
I was born under the lucky star, so I don’t think I had major failure, but I do know is that it’s so important to not give up and continue and try again, but better.
The most important thing when you are shooting is?
Attitude, modeling is still an acting in a way. So you have to get into the right mood, for the right shots.
What’s your advice for the newer models?
Teach yourself to be a narcissist, you need to love yourself and believe in yourself even after a thousands No.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
Experience is everything, you can be the most beautiful look in the room and they still will go with someone who gets the job done better.
You have been part of top events like the LA and Miami Fashion Week’s and starring in Tyga’s “Ibiza” music video, thats amazing. Please tell us about it
Oh I miss fashion weeks. I think every model should experience it at least one time. It is very time consuming, but the outburst of energy that you get when you get your 30 seconds of fame is worth it. And you go back and they change you really quick and pull your hair and May be even for a second you would get frustrated yet still will enjoy every moment.
Working with Tyga was a very last minute gig, and when I arrived on set I didn’t even know that I will be the main actress on his music video. Tyga is very easy to work with. His mom was on set and she was so sweet and caring to every model who worked there.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Spencer Johnson: Who moved my cheese. Helped me to deal with situations when things aren’t going my way.
What actor/actress/model do you admire the most, and why?
Definitely Naomi Campbell and the way she walks.
What’s next for Kristina Menissov in 2021?
Release of my single with Italian DJ Marzia Dorlando “BREAKOUT”. Don’t forget to tune in on April 22nd on all the digital platforms.
Which magazine or project is still on your bucket list?
I wanna make to the 30 under 30 list at Forbes. And to be on the cover of Vogue.
In five years from now, where do you see yourself and your career?
A-list celebrity lots of concerts, and create, create, create and Successful business woman.
Now talking about Instagram, can you share some tips for keeping your account interesting?
You need to be as genuine with your followers as much as possible. I am not as good at following my own advice, I am very private person, but I can assure every time when I remember to show every step of my life, my statistics grows rapidly.
You are followed by so many people. How do you feel about that pressure of doing always the right thing, and encourage people to follow their dreams?
It is definitely a responsibility, when I had only a couple thousands followers I remember don’t even think about what I am posting. I used to post random pictures without the meaning or mislead my followers. But now I see that one post can affect someone’s decision or perception, so I try to inspire people not the other way around.
I bet you get millions of it, but what are the best and worst Instagram DM pickup lines you received so far?
OMG there is actually not that many good ones, usually all of them very cheesy.
I remember one, I must be in a museum because you truly are a work of art.
I was like aww ???? that is so sweet. So I actually send a smiling emoji back.
But the worst ones.
(Kids please keep scrolling)
Are the guys that send me d*** pics. No hi, no nothing. Just a picture. I wonder what goes through their mind, how they think my reaction will be when I open their message: “OMG this is the best thing I’ve ever seen, let me book my flight immediately and fly across the world, I must see it in person”
What is your favorite healthy food?
Does avocado toast count?
And your favorite cheat food?
Pizza, pasta, anything with lots of cheese.
What is your own definition of happiness?
When me and my family is healthy and making every day one thing that gets you closer to your goal.
How would your best friend describe you?
I just asked my best friend: She has great energy, a very positive person, who is extremely cultured having traveled and lived in many parts of the world. She is beautiful inside and out.
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
Italian Model Afef Jnifen, she is what we are missing nowadays, everyone is trying to look the same she is beautiful the way she is.
What does fashion mean to you?
Expressing yourself.
Who are some of your favorite models and designers, and why?
Chanel Iman I love everything about her, she does everything perfect, her work is great and her life looks like a fairytale. I love Dolce and Gabbana and the way glorify mother’s in their collections.
How would you explain your fashion style and what items in your closet can you not be without?
I love brands, but also I love to find some unique peaces that no one heard about. Lately I am so into matching with my son, which is actually hard, so I have decided with my friend June Walton to start a company for matching outfits for moms and their kids that called MeMami, you will see more about my fashion style then.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Kriss Jenner or Maye Musk, and ask how to raise a billionaire.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
I want to go to Rio de Janeiro during their famous carnival.
What do you like to watch on Tv?
Netflix and chill all the way.
What music do you like?
I listen almost to everything, depending on what My soul needs at the moment. Starting with pop ending with to classical music.
Do you support any charity?
I always host charity events the next one I will be hosting will be Babes in Toyland in Miami, the last one that they’ve done all the funds that were raised have been forwarded to Midnight Mission.
3 things you can’t leave home without?
My phone, my keys and water, I just can’t live without the water.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Sleep all day after a night out on Saturday. It was years since I’ve done it last time.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram / TikTok / Apple Music / Spotify
Quote: You can’t continue to do the same thing and expect different results.
Holiday Destination: Maldives.
Drink: Wine.
Celebrity Crush: Rihanna.
Favorite song? Why? BREAKOUT by Kristina Menissov and Marzia Dorlando.
Sports Team: LA Lakers.
Movie: Anna Karenina
Credits
Hair and Make up: Alyna Ajere @alyna_mua
Imani J Wanzo @manijwanzo
Outfit: Apule Town @apuletown
Photographer: @Matt Nevstar
