Kamila Serik: A Model Journey From East to West

We are excited as always to bring you new faces and unique designers from around the world, sharing their stories, journeys and insights into the exciting world of beauty and fashion. Today we’re excited to spotlight Kamila Serik. Known to her friends as Kami, she hails from Kazakhstan but has carved out an ambitious career in the global modeling industry, making Istanbul, Turkey her current base From unexpected beginnings in modeling to her conscious choice to give her ho has proven itself, Kamila is global with energy and adds to the spirit that makes our work so special . Kamila is not only a successful model but also a mentor, offering guidance to aspiring models through her course, ‘modelling101’. A holistic approach to beauty, her artistry and commitment to the well-being of other artists truly sets her apart in today’s fashion scene.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in modeling?

Hi, I’m Kami, I am a Kazakh girl, but I honestly consider myself as a global citizen, I travelled to and lived in different countries and currently i’m based in Istanbul, Turkey. I started modelling when I was 17-18, it all started when one day I was invited to model for a friend of my sister, a make up artist, she was creating a portfolio for herself.

What do you think sets you apart from other models in the industry?

You might know the difference between a professional model and an ordinary one. The professional knows how to save time and efforts. They deliver high quality quickly, unlike an ordinary model. I don’t want to brag, but I consider myself a professional. This is a title earned through 8 years of sweat and experience. I know what’s expected of me and I fulfill it. I’ve learned to express my true self through work. This makes modelling my favorite thing in the world. By being myself, I inspire others to do the same. And I believe that is how we can make world a better place.

Photographer Evgeniy Chydnyh (@chydnyi), stylist Chingiz Eskali (@cingizeskali), make-up artist Anastasiya Antonova (@damnbeautyguru); Almaty; 2023

You also started a course for models; please tell us more about that.

Was it always your dream to get into modeling?

No, not really, I didn’t think about it as my profession, it all happened by accident, even though I don’t really believe in accidents, maybe it was meant to be, and I’m happy about it.

How do you define beauty? What does it mean to you personally?

It is said that the beauty is in the eyes of a beholder. If everyone will look with pure heart, they will only be able to see beauty. Beauty for me is in everything, life is beauty, beauty is life itself. Also I really believe that there is not even one ugly person in the world, just people that lost their way. Because for me beauty starts from within, from the inner energy, you can’t decorate, hide or fake that, the ugliness of the soul will shine through. So if someone wants to appear beautiful – they will have to work on their inner world first.

How do you stay healthy and fit? What’s your beauty routine?

I try to keep my beauty routine simple & natural as much as possible. Use only organic and vegan cosmetics, I follow 100% vegetarian diet. I think the key to staying fit & healthy is not restricting yourself, but rather choosing what’s nourishing you than what’s destroying, sometimes even a burger and Coca Cola can be nourishing, if you know what I mean. I never control my weight or prohibit any foods for myself, except for meat (but that is for another reasons, and I didn’t prohibit meat for myself, I consciously chose not to eat it). Every morning I start with a big cup of water, lymphatic self massage and a stretching session. I love doing sports, it doesn’t have to be always gym and weights, I mix pilates, yoga and other activities like walks, skating, dancing, riding a bicycle and stuff like that.

by Marie (@hypsoindia), Istanbul, 2022

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the modeling industry today?

Since recent times the modelling industry started to be more inclusive, I think the biggest challenge right now for models is to compete not only with other models but with influencers & media personas. Right now model is not only a “pretty face”, it is someone that has a strong personality behind the beautiful cover.

So to be a model right now, means that you have to not only know how to look pretty and to have hard skills of a model like posing, catwalking, but also to have brains, have a kind heart, know how to present yourself, know how to show yourself on social media, know how to engage in an interesting conversation, find and keep useful connections, know how to take care of your health, body and mindset and many other things. Basically being a model is a full on lifestyle, that you have to maintain in order to stay afloat.

How do you think they can be addressed?

I don’t think these problems can be addressed. It’s a natural way of industry evolution. After all, this is the age of technology and social media. Influencers with little knowledge of the modelling business are now invited to fashion shows. This is done so brands get good exposure. Digital models are gaining fame and starting to take part in global marketing campaigns. These developments will continue to grow. I still believe that real models will always retain market share. It’s just that we, the models, will need to work harder than before. But then, when was our life easy?

by Polivenko Alina (@film_portraits1); Bangkok; 2019

What has been your favorite modeling experience so far? Why?

The initial plan was to shoot in the eldest markets of Almaty – Green Market, we started there, we were able to capture outstanding photos and then we were kicked out from the market by security, even though it’s a public place, and they had no right to do so. Then we had to find another place to continue the shooting and at the end it all turned out the best way. That’s what I love and hate about modelling, you never know anything for sure. It is the beauty and struggle of it. And another example that I want to talk about is the shoot I had with a talented French photographer (@hypsoindia) in Istanbul, she thought of styling and concept, I did a natural make up, and we immersed in a creative process for couple hours playing with grass, flowers and sun. Bliss!

Can you share some tips for aspiring models who are just starting out?

Modelling might seem easy from outside, but the reality is – it is a hard job, only when you start taking it seriously- it starts to pay off. To become an industry professional you will have to build your portfolio, find agencies, take care of your physical & mental well-being, develop your unique style, network, collaborate, be professional, persistent and patient. But in order to do all that, you have to truly want it, you have to become the producer of your life, you have to chose yourself to be a star and shine bright. Everything is possible, if you set your mind to it, don’t ever forget that. I believe in you, and I hope, that you believe in you as well.

Instagram of Kami