Photography: Jose Morales / Fashion Director: Luis De Jesus / Hair: Vinzar / Makeup: Coral Del Mar / Model: Yulia Saparniiazova / Location: NYC
Featuring fashion by Burnett New York
About the Model: Yulia Saparniiazova
– How did you get started in the modeling industry?
Growing up, I had never dreamed of being a model and was never even interested in pursuing it as a job, partly because I was a tomboy who hated the idea of wearing a dress. My older sister, however, was a successful model in St.Petersburg, Russia, and she would consistently try to convince me to join one of the popular “modeling schools” where girls were taught how to walk on a runway and pose for pictures. Finally, after many months of convincing, I joined one of the schools. However, since my heart still wasn’t in it, it took me a whole year to graduate, when it usually takes about two months for other models. After graduating, I was noticed by one of the best local agencies and signed a contract.
– Thinking back to your first job as a model, did you ever think you would achieve all you have accomplished to this day?
I grew up in a working family where my parents often didn’t have enough money to put food on our table. After a few jobs, I told my mother that my agency would pay me $300 per gig, and she didn’t believe me. After I got paid, it really got me very excited and motivated because I saw a way to independence and a way to help my family.
My first three years overseas were a disaster. It was very tough for me to book any work at all, which played a major role in my decision to almost quit modeling for good. Luckily, my mother agency was very supportive of my efforts. They advised me that I must try once more because locally, in Russia, I was working a lot, and everybody absolutely loved working with me, and I was requested continuously. I decided to try it one last time, and after just a few days of castings in Paris, I was booked for the Luis Vuitton show. This was a major win for me as it opened a lot of doors for me in France and everywhere else.
As you can see, there were many ups and downs in my career as a model, and I honestly never thought I would achieve so much success after my first gig. Thankfully, I never gave up.
– What do you feel has been the most exciting aspect of your career?
One of the most exciting aspects of my career is meeting all these creative people who continuously innovate to move fashion forward. From designers to makeup artists to productions crews, everyone showcases their talents to create something unique, something special every time there is a show or a shoot.
– What do you think is the most important attribute a model must have to succeed in her/his career?
That’s an easy one – personality. You can be the most beautiful girl or guy, but you will never have a long career if your personality is dry, and you can’t express what you feel or what a set requires. In my experience, clients do not want to work with a boring, uninteresting, dull model. Your beauty will open the door for you once, but to keep coming back, you must have something special about you, something that will make everyone ask for more.
– You are a proud wife and the mother of a beautiful baby boy. How do you manage a demanding career and your family time?
Luckily, I was able to establish myself in the business before having my baby, so most of my clients were very understanding and welcomed me back after my maternity leave. I am also blessed to have a very supportive husband who understands the business, and takes on a lot of responsibilities with regards to our baby and the household when I am away from home. We also often travel together to some of my jobs and stay there a few days to create a mini-vacation, which helps us unwind from the daily hustles.
– What aspect of your personality do you wish your child would possess once he grows up?
I think I am a very loyal person to my friends and my family. I truly hope that my baby boy will become a loyal father, a faithful friend, and a husband. The modeling business can be quite cruel at times, with stiff competition for either fame or money, often resulting in friends betraying each other and willing to do whatever it takes to get to the top. I feel that since the very beginning, I was never willing to put business before friendship, and this helped me to stay true to my beliefs, to enjoy a successful career, and to cherish those genuine bonds with people I call friends.
– Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
I really enjoy being a mom and want to give my son everything I can to help him become a solid human being. In the future, I see myself having a few more kids and providing them with just as much love and attention I give to my son now.
As far as career is concerned, although I have a few ideas, nothing is set in stone yet, and it will largely depend on my future passions. It could be something in fashion or something entirely different, like running my own business or developing an online brand. I am a true believer that whatever you set your mind to will eventually become a success, as long as you love what you do and have the discipline to work hard towards your dream. One of my favorite quotes is from Winston Churchill: “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” So, whatever the future holds for me, I am coming after it! – GM
ABOUT CREATIVE TALENT MANAGEMENT
Creative Talent Management is a full-service talent and model management firm founded by Victoria Lyandres. The primary goal of Creative Talent Management is to help talent and models achieve their full potential, with a careful and detailed strategy. The company scouts, develops, and places worldwide while providing full career guidance and management.
Photography: Jose Morales
Fashion Director: Luis De Jesus
Hair: Vinzar
Makeup: Coral Del Mar
Model: Yulia Saparniiazova
Agency: Creative Talent New York City
Location: New York City
© Guild Magazine / BlueAngel Photography New York™
Equipment
Camera: Nikon D850
Lens: Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
Strobes: Profoto B1 x 2
Modifiers: Profoto 5′ rfi Octa Softbox
& Profoto 4X6 rfi softbox
