We recently connected with Anya Shevchenko and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Anya, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I first heard about the imposter syndrome in college while getting my Theater degree. I didn’t know what it was before but once I heard the definition, I knew I had it. It always seemed to me that I didn’t deserve what I had, I didn’t deserve the fame and the bookings that I got, that I didn’t belong. Sometimes I still wonder why everyone is staring at me or asking to take a photo with me. I think I am still not fully cured of it. I believe overcoming it comes with a lot of internal work. The imposter syndrome in my case and probably most cases comes from childhood traumas. Often I see myself as that little girl who grew up in a poor family in a small town in Russia, a lot of times not shown love by my soviet union parents and also not heard. Even though it will always be part of me I have to remind myself how far I have come from that moment as far as my achievements and my internal world. When self-doubt creeps in I have to remind myself that I am indeed 5’10 and skinny so I perfectly fit the runways and their measurements, that I am good-looking enough and skilled enough to be there. I have to walk myself to the mirror and show it to myself. Also sometimes I go through the photos of the runway shows and shoots that I have done to prove to myself that I have worked for world-known brands and deserve to have been there.
I was also terrified of acting in front of people, I would be shaking every time I had to go on a stage or do a casting. Probably caused by my insecurities, as well as my school teacher who was telling me for 7 years how bad I am in public speaking and writing. I am blessed with a great acting coach at LA Mission College who has been working with me for 2 years now and helped me to overcome it. It was hard, sometimes I would be crying after my acting classes or during them, or trying to escape the classes or homework so I wouldn’t have to face myself. But I did it.
I am still learning who I am, and how to understand and show my true self and my real feelings. It takes some alone time and self-reflection. Meditation. Some good people around you to support you.
Advice for everyone unlucky like me to have the imposter syndrome is to not get overwhelmed if it’s taking longer than expected. It’s a fight. It’s a process. A change takes time and constant work. Every day you can make a little adjustment to how you think and feel, and you will be one step closer to where you wanna be than you were yesterday. Don’t stress yourself, be kind to yourself, and love yourself.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a fashion and runway model. The main focus of my career is runways and fashion work. Also, I am almost done with my Theater Acting Degree so I am thinking of doing more acting castings. Another thing Covid and current diversity trends made it difficult to get jobs so I wanna focus more on producing my content. I just wish there were more hours in a day. I just came back from NY where I got to walk the runway at NYFW for Badgley Mischka. I was also invited to attend the Tommy Hilfiger fashion show. I still can’t get over my trip. It was my second time walking for Badgley Mischka. I loved the experience. I love high fashion. Los Angeles made me wear leggings every day… Casual outfits are comfy but I am always waiting for the opportunity to put on a very elegant look and heels. My motto is Better overdressed than underdressed. You can never change that first impression. So I had a very cool sparkly pantsuit, coat off shoulders, and sunglasses. Other models had gorgeous outfits too, the whole Fall 2024 collection was incredible. The venue was amazing. This time it wasn’t Spring Studios, it was moved to the Scarlett-Lehigh Building. The new venue has amazing views of the Hudson River and a massive room with a very long runway. A fashion show is a magical experience you can’t get online.
The most exciting thing about my career is I got to do the impossible. So I wanna tell my story and encourage people to follow their dreams. I often get messages asking if I think they should try modeling despite something that is stopping them (it’s different for everyone). I always say Go for it. You won’t know unless you try. So by the time I was finally able to move to the US, I was already 25. I was in Los Angeles and wanted to try modeling. So I went to all major modeling agencies just to hear No after No because they only accepted models 16-24. So I had some doubts and hesitations, no one to help me or give me advice, and also my baby daughter to take care of (I am a single mother). So giving up didn’t seem like a good option, so I kept pushing and it paid off. Sometimes I still can’t believe I made it. And of course, I am very grateful for everything I have and the people that were there for me during this tough journey.
My next dream is to walk for more high fashion brands like Gucci, Prada, Versace, and of course Victoria’s Secret.
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?
Reflecting on my journey here are the 3 key qualities that helped me get to where I am now. The first one is not giving yourself excuses. People usually get mad when I tell them not to give themselves excuses. Some don’t even realize that every time they say they can’t do something they are giving themselves an excuse. What is it that can’t be done? As long as they are alive most of the ideas can be achieved, just some take more time and more persistance. Unfortunately, the majority of people know deep inside what their dreams are, and the steps needed to take to achieve them. But it is just so much easier for them to stay in their comfort zone than take action: to keep getting paychecks from their 9/5 jobs, and stay employed instead of going through the hassle of starting their own business, staying in a relationship when the feelings are not there anymore just so they don’t have to go through a divorce/breakup or for their kids’ wellbeing. Other popular excuses are not enough money, not enough time, family or boyfriend/girlfriend don’t approve of the idea, too old/too young to start, and many more. Every time I catch myself or my daughter saying I can’t do it, I rephrase it to How can it be done?
Priorities is the second one. I had to learn to prioritize things when my daughter was born. Then I suddenly didn’t have enough time for everything. I do have a very busy life. So I had to learn to put things that I wanted to happen on top of my priority list and make time for them. I often sit down and make a list of goals prioritized in order. It can be a list just for one day, one week, or a month. For example, staying healthy and looking good are always on top of my list so I always make time to work out whether it’s a dedicated gym session or just doing laps during my daughter’s wrestling session around the building while other parents are just scrolling through Instagram or Tiktok on their phones. Time is something you can’t buy. Don’t scroll your life away. Go to the Screen Time menu on your phone and analyze if you spend too much time on your phone. You can even set time limits for app usage and set downtime when only certain apps or contacts will be allowed.
And last but not least is faith. You need to believe that it will all work out and never give up. Sometimes people ask me what is my plan B. The truth is I don’t have a plan B and never had one. I know I have to make it work. If one door is closed you need to look around for other doors that might be open. You need to rearrange things, prioritize things, and sacrifice some things to succeed. Then recharge and get back at it again. Success is a process.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I would love to collaborate with clothing and beauty brands, beauty salons, and anything travel-related, dance or surfing. I love producing quality content. For collaborations, I always choose partners and brands that align with my values. For example, I will never promote something unhealthy as I don’t believe in the product myself. Anyone interested can DM me on Instagram @anya.shevchenko_ or email anyashevchenko@hotmail.com
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anya.shevchenko_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@anyashev
- Other: Email: anyashevchenko@hotmail.com
Image Credits
Dia Dipasupil, Madelene Lisella, Elm Diaz, CJR Photography, Nastya Kinn
