From a Facebook message to international catwalks: Tosia Chojak

At Beautymute magazine, we place immense importance on young talent. That’s why we conduct numerous interviews with various models, photographers, designers, and artists of our time. We believe in showcasing their unique perspectives and creative journeys, providing a platform for their voices to be heard. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the captivating story of Tosia Chojak, a rising new face in the model and fashion industry.

HOW DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN MODELLING? WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO PURSUE IT AS A CARRER?

I was in high school in my hometown in Poland, living my teenage life. Everything started with a question about my height that I got on Facebook message from my mother agency’s scouter.

At first I took it a little skeptical, because I have never even thought about this. Many introduce-videos, talks with parents and agency later I decided to begin a new adventure of my life. Started with getting my body in shape to fit in those models standards. I was very determined to do it. During this transformation I even got scouted by a few more agencies while working in Primark in London, so it felt like some spark started flickering.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITIES FOR A SUCCESSFUL MODEL TO HAVE?

Well, first thing which came to mind is a Shakespeare quote I recently heard and which describes it very accurately- ‘To Thine Own Self Be True’. It says to be REAL and AUTHENTIC to yourself. I think this is one of the most important qualities AUTHENTICITY. In model industry everybody wants us to look in a specific way to fit in.

We start relying on others opinions about our appearance, comparing to completely different people than we are, loosing our true self. We look for outside whereas we should dig within and illuminate who we are. This is really attractive. I know it can sound cheesy and overused what I said, but I feel it works. Subconsciously people feel the truth. The next qualities I would mention are OPENNESS and PLAYFULNESS.

The more curious, open, joyful, light-hearted you are, the more comes. It is all about connections, acquaintances, ‘random’ talks which can open a new doors and bring you to the point you have not even imagined. Stay open, be open and be curious. Last but not least is RESILIENCE. It is not stable profession. Plans can change hour by hour. Surprising bookings or unexpected cancellations happen. The key is to stay flexible, adaptable and open-minded for many different options.

FW Dolce Gabbana Show, Monster management

HOW DO YOU HANDLE REJECTION OR CRITICISM IN YOUR WORK AS A MODEL?

I am learning to not take it personally. I am so grateful for the huge support I have from my parents, who play a big role in building my mindset. We are constantly exposed for some kind of judgement. Our appearance is our let’s say ‘business card’, but in the end we are just human beings who are not spotless. As long as you live in tune with yourself, these kind of things stop triggering you. Paradoxically, we are the ones who judge ourselves the most harshly and be the strictest
one.

We need to remember that rejection and criticism is never personal, because the clients and all those people who comment or choose models are mainly focused on the products and clothes. It is their point of view of how we should look, which sometimes is not necessarily aligned with our body constitution and us. We are not for everybody and not everybody is for us, we do not have to fit everywhere and that’s all right!

“We do not have to fit everywhere and that’s all right!”

In addition, the reasons of being cancelled are much bigger than we even imagine. A lot of different circumstances out of our control, which we have no idea about. Also what I noticed about rejections is that they often want to show us something important we still have not noticed. It can be either lessons to work on or struggles to overcome which pushes us to grow and make us stronger and build our confidence and self-esteem. It ironically brings new quality to our life while noticing these situations from changed point of view and different perception.

I try to keep this attitude and do things which help me to not overthink, which ground me and destress. Journaling is a good tool to wrap my head around. It’s like self talk, safe space for reflections. It clears my mind and gives different insight to situations and feelings. It is funny to read it after 2 years and see the progresses I have already done and appreciate myself. It’s constant evolving. Another important ‘tool’ is simply doing what you like! Keeping yourself busy, excited, being in your element either it is art, reading, crocheting, dancing, painting, or studying. Cultivate your hobbies! it makes you YOU and works as a reminder that we are more than posing machines.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES THAT COME WITH WORKING AS A MODEL IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES?

For sure quick adaptation to the place where we are. Every country has a specific way of working, different culture and it can be challenging to keep up with adjusting. Another thing we face in a new place is sort of uncertainty, because we are not always 100% sure if we get any job. It is about a lot of patience as well as serendipity I would say.

Sometimes it is like a trampoline when carrer grows pretty fast that it’s hard to catch up. There is also flip side when actually nothing is happening. These moments bring all the inner shadows on the surface, because of the pressure and expectations we put on ourselves. I feel like this profession is a huge life challenge. Starting at a very young age it pushes us to learn ‘life’ very quickly.

Living abroad, money managing, time managing, consistency, self-discipline, alone time, pressure. It is not easy. We come through many emotions and doubts and try to handle them. Actually this is great space for developing ourselves on many levels and aspects if we are ready for that.

Working on enlarging the comfort zone everyday. This is what I love, despite it is not always fun. It encouraged me to be more interested in holistic healthcare, mental health, eating awareness, food influence, learning how to support myself and be self-sufficient during hard time moments, which all of us have sometimes. It’s like first-aid help.

That’s why I found EFT (tapping technique), Recall Healing, Numerology Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Silva Method, learning about emotional awareness, shadow healing, energy cleansing and so on. I am still enlarging my interests, getting to know me better. Self-development is a priority. Modelling is not only about Body Shaping, but about Brain Shaping too. To be attractive from the inside and out.

Josefina Andres, Hola Fashion Magazine

WHAT IS YOUR WORK ETHIC AND YOUR APPROACH TO COLLABORATING WITH PHOTOGRAPHERS, STYLISTS AND OTHER MEMBERS OF CREATIVE TEAM?

Shootings, campaigns and all of the productions are such a complexed projects where everything is based on team-work. There is a photographer, his/her assistant, MUA, stylist, model, client and many others on the backstage. To have a great final outcome, every person involved should harmonise and integrate to make it happen. For me the vibe and energy on set is really important. It is all about it.

The flow you create with fellows, the energy you bring on set. That makes every project special and gives a pinch of magic to it. Its coherent. A clear communication is part of it as well. What I mean by that is knowing the concepts and mood-board that I can give my best on set, embodying the ideas.

WHAT ARE YOUR LONG TERM PLANS, GOALS FOR YOUR CAREER, HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ACHIEVE THEM?

Well, entering the industry we can have a bigger or smaller expectations how our carrer can look like which is not always going according to plans or ideas. As I previously mentioned there are many factors out of control. The right thing to do while reaching our goals is focusing on what is under our control: habits, behaviours, reactions and thoughts. It is a life-changer. You are going on your own pace undisturbed. I am gradually realising that our career and general life is about those unforgettable moments IN BETWEEN.

The challenges we managed, the trips, the people, the problems. Thanks to them we prepare and learn a lot, gain more and more confidence, building solid base to actually HANDLE our achievements. Enjoying the journey while heading them makes it even better. We are here to experience. My everyday reminder I have on my phone is ‘live more, care less’ I am still overcoming my so called ‘seriousness of life’.

My long term plan is discovering and playing my the most authentic self, bringing values and giving values to the world and people I meet and work with. Trust the process which happens within me. To be successful on my own terms, to feel free, joyful and integrated with my uniqueness.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER MODELS AND MAKE YOU A GOOD FIT FOR AN INTERNATIONAL MODELLING CARRER?

Me. Inimitable. Unique. Tosia Chojak.

Instagram of Tosia Chojak