[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Check out our interview with Russian model Olya Filatova.
Olya is a glamour freelance model living in New Jersey. She Came all the way from Russia to experience the American life as an international exchange visitor. Started her modeling career a year ago with posting pictures of herself on Instagram and ended up working with brands like Black Pyramid, Born Again, Savage brand, Jhoanka Lorraine Collection, The MarcelaCollection Jewelry among others.
Follow Olya at @olya.filat
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Hi, Olya please tell us a little about you?
I was born and raised by my parents and grandmother in a very small town in Russia. I left my home and travel the world by myself when I turned 18.
One day I decided to try myself in the USA, I came here as an international exchange visitor to work with kids. I have never even thought about getting into modeling before, I was always thinking that the way I look is too ordinary for it. But once I got to the USA my life has change in a way I couldn’t even think about!
Discribe yourself in 3 words?
I wish 3 words would be enough for it! But I’d say the words are – driven, vivacious, empowered, they discribe me the most.
Name one your strengths?
I’d say that patience is my real strength. It is so difficult sometimes to work hard and wait for the results, but it is worth it!
Best advice ever given?
One of my good friends once told me – «Never lose your life’s energy, once you geve up – no one is going to be able to help you out”
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
I have met many incredible people in my life I could mention now, but the most important one is my mom. She raised me the way I am, and I think it was definitely the right way.
How and when did you start into modeling?
When I got to America, I started just simply taking photos of myself and sharing it on Instagram. After few weeks my DMs were full of photographers asking for collaboration. And I gave it a shot.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling? And what is not?
The fun part about modeling is a possibility to meet new people and make new friends, and of course the celebration part after a successfully completed work. The worst part is the conditions you have to work in. Sometimes it can be very cold or hot, but you still have to do your job 100%
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
Fortunately I haven’t met one yet.
The most important thing when you are shooting is?
Stay professional, but relaxed. It helps to get the best pose and the face expression.
What is your advice for the newer models?
Well, I still could consider myself as a newer model too. So my advice for us is – don’t let anyone take advantage of you, be careful who you try to work with, sometimes people are really not who they say they are.
What is new for Olya Filatova in 2019/2020?
For the near future I am planning to start working with couple new clothes and skincare brands. Hopefully you will see me on the boards soon.
Which magazine or project is still on your bucket list?
I really wanted to work with Naluda magazine. And it actually looks like I should take it out of the bucket list already.
In five years from now, where do you see yourself and your career?
I go with a flow and not trying to predict the future, but I will say that I would like to see myself as a creator in a movie industry. I have so many ideas I would like to make a reality.
What actor/actress do you admire the most, and why?
My favorite actress always been Jennifer Aniston from the beginning. I just like her acting, movies with her are the best, and she is a very strong woman, one of these you can consider as a life example for yourself.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I like broccoli and steamed spinach with rice. It actually taste pretty good!
And your favorite cheat food?
I don’t have any specific diet, just trying to eat healthy, but sometimes I can’t stay away from sweet waffles with syrup or french toast with chocolate.
What is your favorite definition of happiness?
I don’t think that happiness is supposed to have a definition, it is just the way you feel, your emotional vibe.
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
It is definitely my mom. And I am not only talking about outer beauty. I believe that an inner beauty is more important. It is very easy this time to make your face and body look pretty, but you have to work really hard to improve your inner world.
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is a popular trend, but sometimes not everything would fit your body type. So fashion for me is to follow your own style which makes you look the most beautiful and showing your strongest sides.
Who are some of your favorite models and designers, and why?
There are too many pretty girls in the world and everyone is unique. I like some of them the most, I would say my favorites are Demi Rose (the model from Britain) and one of the Victoria’s Secter models – Romee Strijd. They are absolutely different, but I like both of their styles.
From the designers I would say my favorite one is Chanel. I am in love with her accessoires and especially those beautiful little purses!
How would you explain your fashion style and what items in your closet can you not be without?
My fashion style is pretty classical, when I have to dress up. I always have couple high heels and cute little dresses in my closet. But in my daily life I prefer to wear comfy clothes. You can see me wearing gym pants, sneakers and cozy hoodie.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would like to meet my grandfather, he passed away when I was little . I was too young to remember anything about him, but I know he loved me so much, I have heard many good stories from my mom about him. I’d like to say thank you for everything he has done for me in the past.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
I would go to see some historical places like The Pyramid at Giza in Egypt or Stonehenge in England. I would definitely take my family with me. They are my best company to travel with.
What do you like to watch on TV?
I dont’t really watch TV. But I like Netflix and Hulu. The Handmaid’s Tale is one of my favorite shows.
What music do you like?
I like listen to different type of music, can’t name just one type, it all depends on my mood. For example at the gym I prefer listen to Hip-Hop and R&B while I am working out, it gives me the right vibe. But in my car I most likely would turn on someting from Pop or Classic.
Do you support charity?
When I was in Russia I used to help dog shelters. I am trying to do the same here in America. I love dogs, they are my favorite, they deserve better life.
3 things you can’t leave home without?
My keys, my phone and a positive mood.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
I like staying active, so the perfect Sunday for me would be possibility to go for a hike or spend some time in the gym. And of course to see my friends and family.
Where we can follow you?
My Instagram name is @olya.filat, I don’t really use any other social media.
Quote: No matter how hard life seems, never give up on your dreams.
Holiday Destination: Definitely somewhere where it is warm. My dream country is Spain. Never been there before, but it is on my ‘to do’ list.
Drink: Margarita, no salt, please.
Celebrity Crush: When I was a teenager I was in love with Jared Leto, he is an incredible actor and singer. But since that time I haven’t had any other.
Favorite song? Why? I really like all Rihanna’s songs. She always has one that would match my mood.
Sports Team: Honestly I am not a big fan of sports, but I like our Russian National Hockey team.
Movie: All movies with Jennifer Aniston. She is a very talanted actress.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
