More than a Model: The Journey of Polina Chernyshova

Welcome to Beautymute. Our aim is clear: To highlight fresh talent. We strive to amplify the voices of new models and artists. We love introducing the unique individuals crafting our industry’s future. Today, we have something special. We are thrilled to share an intimate chat with an emerging talent. Her name is Polina Chernyshova. She’s not just a model. She personifies our core values. Join us as we explore her life. We delve into her dreams. We journey through her unique career path. Polina is not only stunningly beautiful but refreshingly candid too. So, sit back. Relax. Let’s discover the real Polina Chernyshova.

What was your biggest job or thing you’ve done in your modeling career so far?

The biggest job I’ve had was with Dior. To date, it’s one of my most cherished work experiences in my modeling career. I had the opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s top brands, which I’m incredibly proud of. The team I worked with consisted of professionals who created an environment of unity; we supported one another wholeheartedly, which elevated my experience as a model. At times, I felt a little overwhelmed because the level of care and respect directed towards me was unparalleled.

My emotions ranged from fear to happiness during this experience. I was treated with great gentleness, a quality often missing in the workplace. Furthermore, the team at Dior emanated a strong sense of camaraderie and passion for their shared mission, which was nothing short of invigorating.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started as a model? What do you think makes you different from other models in the industry?

I hail from a small, isolated military town in Russia. A place where, I believed, there was no room for dreamers seeking something more. At school, I encountered rejection from classmates who tried to convince me there was something wrong with my appearance. But it did not dampen my spirit, instead, it ignited a fierce determination within me to prove them wrong. These were my thoughts as a ten-year-old child. As I grew older, I evolved, but my attitude persisted.

My entry into this industry was quite unusual. Initially, I merely posed for photos with my friend, not giving it much thought. At the age of 15, I was involved in ballet and we had a photo shoot. Following this, a girl who greatly impacted my life noticed me. She facilitated my initial foray into this field. I started networking, collaborating with interesting photographers, and participating in projects, paying no heed to my peers who failed to see me for who I truly am.

“By the morning I had a lot of messages, agents and scouts were writing to me offering to collaborate.”

After graduating from high school, I moved to another city, where I failed to gain admission into my desired university. One day, I decided to alter the course of my life, remembering my passion for modeling. Before heading to bed one night, I posted my photos to a well-known modeling group for models in the CIS countries; we have a strong modeling community. At the time, I had little expectation of success, particularly as I was dealing with acne and aware of my below-average height for a model. By morning, however, I was inundated with messages from agents and scouts offering to collaborate. Out of all these inquiries, I chose to align my career with a single mother agency, MONSTERA MODELS. The director of this agency, I daresay, groomed me into a model.

We spent a year treating my skin, capturing new material, preparing for my first trip, and overcoming rejections, as I am shorter than most models and lacked modeling experience. Ultimately, one day we secured a contract. I was confirmed. We were ready and I was able to start my journey in modeling. What distinguishes me from other models is a question to which I can’t provide an objective answer. I believe that my unique path, my defiance, and my drive to prove to everyone, including myself, that I could make it in this industry, are defining factors. Everyone has their own journey, and that’s what sets us apart. Currently, I am working in Asia, but I am also open to opportunities in Europe and always willing to collaborate.

How do you stay healthy and trim? What is your beauty routine?

Firstly, nutrition and exercise are key. It’s important to customize your diet to meet your individual needs, determining how many calories you require and how frequently you should eat. I am aware of my dietary needs and strive to consume healthy food. My advice is to avoid skipping meals. If you don’t have time for breakfast before work, take a banana or two with you and eat them on your cab ride. This is a tip I adopted from interviews with Olympic champions, and it has worked well for me. It keeps me energized and staves off hunger until lunchtime.

Sports have always been a part of my life, and I continue to incorporate them into my routine, primarily focusing on stretching and strengthening exercises. It’s particularly important to train and strengthen the back, as most of our work involves standing, often for extended periods. A weak back can make photoshoots considerably more challenging. I recommend incorporating yoga into your routine, especially when feeling mentally drained. It helps strengthen my body and calm my mind.

After work, during my cab ride home, I listen to a custom-made playlist. Music serves as a vital mental health aid for me. Skin care is also an essential part of my routine; every morning and evening, I follow a professional regimen that suits my skin type. It’s a rule I never violate, never going to bed with makeup on after work.

I also bring my own makeup brushes to work to avoid using those of makeup artists. This practice ensures my health, beauty, and longevity in the modeling industry.

Can you share a few tips for aspiring models who are just starting out in their careers?

I want to advise aspiring models to believe in themselves and despite refusals to continue to work and try. Be bold, active and determined, accept constructive criticism, work on yourself, work and do. Love this business, try, and in the end, it will love you. I have tested this in my own experience.

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

To me, beauty is a multifaceted concept, encompassing not only physical attributes but also internal qualities. When assessing someone’s beauty, I tend to focus on their inner attributes. Often, these internal qualities harmonize with one’s physical appearance, demeanor, facial expressions, and the energy they emit. All these elements can enhance one’s beauty, and vice versa.

While it’s possible to judge beauty based solely on external factors, such assessments are inherently subjective. Until a person finds harmony within themselves and embraces self-acceptance, they cannot manifest their full potential for beauty. In my view, true beauty involves the ability to integrate external and internal attributes and to convey this harmonious blend to the world. It’s not always sufficient to be physically attractive; sometimes, your inner world can offer a deeper, more meaningful portrayal of your character and provide what external beauty cannot.

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

For me, a primary issue in modeling is the failure to accept the model as an integral part of the team. It’s not uncommon to arrive at work and feel a divide between the team and oneself. I believe that to create a superior product, regardless of its scale, team spirit is crucial. If the team and the model merge into a single cohesive unit, the outcome of the entire process will be significantly enhanced.

There are many other well-known issues that models encounter, such as body-shaming by agencies or clients over aspects like height, weight, facial features, nose shape, and so on. I’ve experienced situations where, upon arrival at work, clients would complain to my agency about my under-eye circles. Despite this being a normal human trait, once my makeup was done and I began working, these same clients were delighted with the results.

How do you think you can deal with them?

I want to address both clients and models. It’s important to remember that our interactions should not be driven solely by the desire to make money. Maintaining humanity towards others, including each other, should remain a key focus. I firmly believe that such an approach will yield greater productivity, foster positive emotions and experiences, and lead to financial gain and growth in our industry.

Instagram of Polina Chernyshova and more Interviews here…