Model Nastya Swan: “Let’s create public centres to help people with social anxiety and depression. I really want to see more happy people in the world.”
I would definitely create public centres to help people with social anxiety and depression. I want to hug every person in the world and tell them they can do anything if they put their mind to it. I really want to see more happy people in the world.
I had the pleasure to interview Nastya Swan. Nastya is a young 18yr old Russian-born model, social media influencer and artist based in New York. Through her dedication and commitment, she has become a role-model for many young people across the globe, inspiring them to be more self-confident and stand up for what they believe. As a model she was even a cover-girl on ELLE magazine in Russia and already worked for several preeminent fashion brands. In less than five years, Nastya has built over 918k Instagram followers and 626k subscribers on YouTube, receiving over 35 million views for her video blogs. Her aim is to inspire people and become a role model for young people, especially women, who increasingly lack self-confidence and seek motivation. Not surprisingly, big fashion labels like Bershka, Maybelline and Dolce&Gabbana (to name a few) spotted the opportunity and approached Nastya to model for them on Instagram and YouTube. Nastya believes the chance to talk and be heard is a precious freedom in society, which drives her to discuss emotive topics about confidence, self-care, well-being and freedom — across many social platforms. She opened-up to us more about this passion in an interview on Instagram; discussing how she started; her modelling work; which brands she works with and how she interacts with her followers on a daily basis. Recently she has worked with Zara, Bershka, Under Armour, Nike, Puma, Dolce Gabbana, Elle, Harpers Bazaar, Maybelline, La Mer, Estée Lauder and Guess…Her favorite experience was with Maybelline, when she shot a TV commercial for the Russian media with the main Maybelline makeup artist, who showed her many tricks to improve her facial looks.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I was born in Russia in a small town and then my family moved to Latvia when I was just 14 years old. When I was a kid we were traveling around the world so I always felt like a ‘third culture’ kid. My home would be wherever I was living and I created it from there. Then at 16 years old I decided to move to New York on my own and follow my dreams. I never wanted to be like everyone else, I lived in my own magical world and I still believe it exists.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
I’m a model and influencer and I’m blessed to call it my work as it’s always been my dream. I appreciate my career as it gives me an opportunity to communicate with the most talented brands, designers and creative people in the world. I shot for brands like Zara, Bershka, Dolce Gabbana, Maybelline, L’Oréal and it’s a wonderful experience to be a part of it. I also have a huge audience on social media, so I identify myself as an influencer as well. I can share my thoughts and priorities in life with millions of people on the internet. Since 14 years old I spoke out publicly and it continues to make me feel powerful and valuable using my online platforms. I want to change the world and help people; that’s why I chose this career, to become a role model and show through my example that everything is possible.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
The most interesting day I have experienced was when I attended the Harpers Bazaar annual event in Plaza New York. It was a real fairytale as I felt like a princess. I didn’t plan to go there but I received the important new accreditation just the day before, so I chose a dress in two hours and I never felt so confident. I was surrounded by Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, all the Victoria Secret models and I felt like a part of it. I was introduced to many creative people and after the ball I went to sleep absolutely inspired.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I remember when I had just started, I used to record videos for my YouTube channel more than a few times as I was thinking that my camera was on but it was turned off. It’s ok making mistakes likes this in the early days because practice makes perfect. But it’s funny and disappointing at the same time.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
I’m happy to say that recently I worked with Armani Beauty and was modeling for them to try out all their new products. I shot for Uniqlo and Alexander Wang’s collection and I just became a L’Oréal Paris ambassador so I’m going to Cannes Film Festival with them in three days and I can’t wait! We will shoot a TV show there together, which will be incredible.
I’m very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it is important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
I believe that television and film is a great platform to be heard and inspire people to take new challenges in life but social media’s become equal in the entertainment industry and we should care about it as well. Every word and idea we put out in the world affects the culture and the way we see things, so it’s important to discuss mental health, self-care and health in general through the medium of entertainment.
From your personal experience, can you recommend three things the community/society/the industry can do to help address some of the diversity issues in the entertainment business?
Meditation, yoga and healthy nutrition is the solution for a balanced and great life.
- Don’t be scared of anything.
- Don’t listen to other people’s opinion
- Never doubt yourself
- Spread love
- Be grateful for every day you have because every day is an opportunity.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Focus on your well being first. It’s ok not to be ok sometimes. You don’t have to be working all the time. It’s better to take some time and restart filled with energy and a new power inside.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I would definitely create public centres to help people with social anxiety and depression. I want to hug every person in the world and tell them they can do anything if they put their mind to it. I really want to see more happy people in the world.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
There is a small amount of people who I appreciate, respect and love so much because they believed in me once and it means so much to me now. Because of these people I can’t afford myself not to succeed. They include my mum, dad, worldwide manager and my personal trainer. These people help me every day to become a better version of myself.
Can you please give us your favorite Life Lesson Quote? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you will never get back. I just want to be the light that shines and brings constant positivity to this world, so every time I get sad I remind myself of that.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Gisele Bundchen probably. The energy and confidence she has is unbreakable. She inspired me to always believe and know who you are, never let society break you and follow your dreams.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nastyaswan/
This was very meaningful, thank you so much!