Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Polina Yatsuk. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Polina, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
Where do I draw my optimism from? From my family and friends. In their support, in their wise words that always come at the right time, when it seems that my strength is running out. There are times when I want to give up. To put my hands down, to believe that everything is bad. But my family always knows how to cheer me up. They don’t give ready-made solutions, but their advice helps me to see the situation from a different angle, to find a way out, to believe in myself.
But there is another secret – positive thinking. It’s not just words, it’s real magic. You can endlessly dwell on your problems, find faults in everything, waste time and nerves on self-destruction. Or you can simply… find the positive even in the worst day. Believe only in the best. Look for a ray of sunshine even on the cloudiest day.
Positive thinking can change your life. Try it! Start small. Find a few reasons to be happy every day. And you will definitely notice how the world around you becomes brighter and life becomes more beautiful.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I was 8 years old when my family moved from the Nizhny Novgorod region to Moscow. To the capital of Russia, a city of opportunities and prospects. School, new friends, first hobbies – life spun in a whirlwind of events. I grew up, time went on, and I changed with it. Self-doubt, torment about appearance – all of this, like a shadow, followed me.
At the age of sixteen, fate presented me with an unexpected surprise. A friend, fascinated by the world of fashion, took me by the hand to a casting call for a famous modeling school. Excitement overwhelmed me, but when I stepped onto the podium during the casting, I seemed to dissolve in the light of the spotlights, forgetting about everything.
The world of fashion, alluring with its beauty and glamor, opened its doors to me. Photoshoots, fashion shows, new acquaintances – all of this spun me in a whirlwind of bright events. I learned, mastered the subtleties of the profession, gaining confidence and honing my skills.
I gained a lot of experience working in Russia, but to understand myself and the fashion world from the inside, I needed to broaden my horizons, so I came to America and continue my journey here. In just 1.5 years, I have already collaborated with major brands and designers and even participated in several commercials. I am sure that there will be many more interesting things ahead, which I will be happy to share with readers
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I can proudly say that my main guiding force in life has always been self-belief and clearly defined goals. Yes, it sounds cliché, but it works if you formulate tasks correctly and take step-by-step actions towards your dream. I can’t promise that the journey will be easy and quick. Perhaps you will have to spend a lot of time and effort. But if this is truly what you dream of, believe me, all the difficulties are worth overcoming to the end.
The second, equally important thing I learned over time is to step out of your comfort zone. It is where you encounter the most resistance that the key to your future growth lies. Taking a step into the unknown is always scary, uncomfortable, and requires a lot of effort. But it is the only way to achieve awareness and cherished results. That’s why I live by the principle: it’s better to do something and regret it later than to suffer from doubts and inaction all your life.
And the last but not least point is to cherish every moment and be grateful. Surround yourself with people who will support you and your dreams. Be grateful for all the opportunities you have been given. Praise yourself for every step that brings you closer to your goal. Remember that the journey to the goal is already a part of the victory.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
This year has been particularly special for me as it coincided with my immigration and adaptation to life in a new country. 12 months filled with discoveries and challenges, but at the same time marking an important stage in my life. Step by step, I pave my way, overcoming the difficulties that everyone who comes to a new country inevitably faces. Seemingly simple things, like finding a place to live, buying groceries, the language barrier, and creating a new social circle – all of this takes on a completely different meaning away from home.
Life turns upside down, and you, as if anew, have to learn to navigate this world. But it is in this process that I feel truly alive, because every day brings new knowledge, experience, and invaluable lessons. I believe that this period will become a springboard for me and everyone who is on the same path to new opportunities and achievements. And remember, you are not alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: polinayatsuk.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polina_yatsuk/
- Other: https://www.emgmodels.com/lost-angeles/women/la-w-main/polina-yatsuk/portfolio/la-w-main
Image Credits
Jeremy Rafanan Alina Lavrova Ashley Eberbach Alla Kozhukhar
