How to build a successful modeling career, leave behind your usual lifestyle, and move to the USA in pursuit of your dream.
Anastasia Bogushevskaya is an international top model and modeling mentor. With more than 15 years of experience in the modeling industry, she has spent the past decade successfully working as a model in the USA. In addition, Anastasia conducts masterclasses in New York, where she assists aspiring models in advancing their careers by teaching them runway and posing techniques.
— Anastasia, tell us a little about yourself. How did you get into the modeling business?
I was born in a small town in the Samara region. When I was 13, I entered the world of fashion for the first time and successfully passed the casting at the «Ra-Fashion» modeling school, where a friend took me. Her stories about the first photo shoots and fashion shows ignited my interest in modeling. Thanks to my great success in runway and posing skills, at the age of 18, I participated in the TV show “You Are a Supermodel – 4” and “Miss Russia – 2009”. After participating on television, I was scouted by model agent from a modeling agency in Milan and was invited to Milan Fashion Week.
— What was the most difficult thing for you at the start?
Definitely, the castings. They are a real test of self-esteem. It’s tough to endure competition and criticism, especially when you’re still so young. At the casting, you are surrounded by a crowd of beautiful girls, and you unwittingly start comparing yourself to them. This often leads to insecurities and lack of confidence in many models.
Thanks to my family’s support and my immense desire to become a successful model, I resolutely overcame all difficulties. Many hours of fashion showrooms and presentations, hours-long photo shoots, and competition toughened my character for new heights in modeling.
— How did your career develop further?
My career breakthrough came when I participated in the haute couture show of world – famous designer Giorgio Armani. After that, I was invited to walk for leading designers like Dior, Chanel, Stella McCartney, Carolina Herrera, and Versace in Paris and Milan. In 2012, I went to Japan, where I also participated in Fashion Week shows and gained experience posing for local magazines and advertising campaigns.
— Why did you decide to come to New York? After all, it is the pinnacle of the modeling industry! How did your career develop here?
I always dreamed of living in New York. But this dream seemed impossible for a little girl. Now I believe: The impossible is possible! In 2013, I signed my first modeling contract with Muse Model Management and realized that success awaited me in New York. I walked for shows like Project Runway, Nicholas K, Rebecca Minkoff, and many others.
Later, I signed more contracts with leading agencies in the USA, such as New York Model Management, Fenton Models, and worked for big fashion companies and designers such as Flying Solo, Max Mara, Christian Siriano, Altuzarra, Venexiana, and Emerson.
— What does it mean to you to be a model?
I believe that a model, first and foremost, is a personality. It’s not enough to possess only physical attributes. You need to have this “PERSONALITY,” which means having individuality and developing as a person. A model is an example for other women in demonstrating self-confidence!
— How is your career developing now, given that you have been working as a model for over 10 years?
I still actively work as a model in New York for leading designers and have been featured in a large number of major magazines such as ELLE Magazine, Vulkan Magazine, Bello Magazine, Flanelle, and the British magazine Glam Magazine with me on the cover, which is always a pleasure!
I also teach aspiring models posing and runway techniques, because New York demands professionals, and I am ready to help girls in this challenging business. Additionally, I help assemble portfolios, organize photo shoots, and mentor models in advertising and photo shoot projects.
This spring, I even organized a posing master – class for young children aged 6 to 15. It was an amazing experience! The children and parents were delighted!
— Your advice to aspiring female models?
Believe in yourself, in your dream, don’t fear difficulties, and you will definitely succeed!
