Valeriia Chasnyk is a Ukrainian model and content creator building her professional career in Chicago and developing herself within the fashion and lifestyle industry. Her Instagram combines modeling shoots, fashion looks, travel, beauty, and her personal perspective on life abroad. Behind the beautiful imagery, however, there is much more: discipline, the ability to work with the camera, an understanding of her own appearance, and continuous growth in a highly competitive environment. In an interview for GOSSIP, we talk about her journey in modeling, professional adaptation to the U.S., the behind-the-scenes reality of fashion shoots, personal style, ambitions, and how Valeriia sees the next stage of her career.
Valeriia, how did your journey in modeling begin?
If I go back 10 years to the very beginning of my journey, I didn’t see myself as a model at all (smiles). To me, it was simply a beautiful industry, but I had no idea how much it would eventually captivate me and become my life’s work. The turning point came when I first joined a modeling school. That experience completely changed my attitude toward modeling: I realized that I genuinely enjoyed it, that I had an aptitude for it, and, most importantly, that I wanted to keep developing. In short, everything began when I simply decided to try. That is why I always say: you will never know whether something is truly for you until you try it — and that applies to much more than modeling.
You work as a model in Chicago. Has your professional perspective changed since entering the American market?
The modeling industry is a very serious and demanding field, so I was always mentally prepared for competition and rejection. The American market simply showed me how high the level of competition is here and how important it is to constantly grow and work on yourself. I realized that having an attractive appearance is not enough in modeling — professionalism, discipline, the ability to work with a team, and continuous development are all essential. As for Chicago, I consider it a good city for models who are gaining experience and want to gradually adapt to the American market. You can gain valuable experience here and understand how the industry works in the U.S. But if we are talking specifically about fashion, New York remains the country’s main fashion hub, so there are significantly more opportunities there for models with more experience. For me, working in Chicago has been an important stage of adaptation and professional growth in the American market.
Modeling is often perceived as a profession where appearance is everything. How much does that reflect reality?
Modeling is about much more than appearance. You can have a model-like appearance, but if you don’t know how to use it properly, the camera will reveal that very quickly. A professional model needs to be able to adapt quickly to different looks, change poses, emotions, and body language literally every second. Character and determination are also important because modeling means constant competition, rejection, and the need to keep improving yourself. You need to be able to walk and stand in high heels, work in challenging conditions, endure shoots in winter clothing at 27 degrees, and still remain professional and friendly toward the entire team. Even when you don’t like something or things don’t go according to plan, a model needs to stay composed and continue working. So behind those few seconds of a beautiful shot lies a great deal of physical, psychological, and professional effort.
And how do you work on transforming yourself in front of the camera?
For me, transformation in front of the camera comes primarily from practice and experience. Like everyone else, I initially had no idea what to do in front of the camera and was very reserved and closed off. The modeling school helped me tremendously at the time because I was taught every aspect of the work step by step: how to feel my body, work with emotions, movement, and an overall image. Posing is much more than simply putting your hand on your waist or bending your knee. You need to understand your body while simultaneously conveying the character of the shoot. With experience, you get to know yourself better, understand what works for you, and learn to move beyond what feels familiar. A professional model needs to be able to change her character, mood, and presentation depending on the concept — from fashion and editorial to feminine or lifestyle looks.
Tell us about the part of the job that audiences usually never see.
I actually love the atmosphere of shoots and this side of the work. Usually, everything begins with a casting. Sometimes it takes literally a few minutes, while other times a model may be asked to change outfits, be photographed, and tested in different looks for several hours. We arrive at the shoot in advance, and then makeup artists and stylists create the look that has been approved with the client. In the studio, the lighting and camera are already set up. On TFP and test shoots, there is usually more communication with the photographer, who may give guidance on posing and lighting, whereas on commercial shoots, much more depends on the model herself. I like to work quickly, professionally, and positively, and music on set helps me relax and get into character, even when I am meeting the entire team for the first time. One of the most pleasant moments for me was when, after a shoot, the team was so satisfied with my work that they actually started applauding. That was probably one of the best compliments I have ever received as a model (smiles).
Valeriia, how important is it for a model to know how to work with her image on social media?
Of course, today Instagram is an important part of a model’s professional portfolio. Many brands and photographers look for models through social media, so it is important for them to see not only professional shoots but also how a person looks and presents herself through lifestyle content. For me, it is an opportunity to show different sides of myself and demonstrate that I can work with various formats and moods. At the same time, professional shoots remain the foundation because they showcase a model’s skills and ability to work in front of the camera. Lifestyle content, in turn, helps people understand the model’s personality and how she could appear in a brand’s commercial communication. Brands and photographers look for models for specific formats, so it is important for an Instagram profile to reflect not only appearance but also a person’s capabilities. That is why today, for me, social media is not simply a personal blog but a full-fledged tool for professional development.
Has there been a moment in your modeling career when you had to seriously reconsider your attitude toward your appearance, criticism, or insecurity?
I would say that this experience was actually a major part of how I began to rethink myself. When I was 13, I faced intense criticism from an agency regarding my figure, although when it came to my appearance, I had never received negative comments. I tried to lose weight to meet modeling “standards,” and as a result, I developed health problems and later underwent treatment that almost caused me even more harm. That was when I realized that modeling was not worth destroying my health for. I decided that if this really was my path, I would be able to achieve my goals without hurting myself in the process. That decision fundamentally changed my attitude toward my appearance, criticism, and my own boundaries. Today, I have been working as a model for ten years, and I no longer allow other people’s expectations to determine how I see myself.
Valeriia, how do you see your professional trajectory over the next few years? Do you have specific goals?
Over the next few years, I definitely see myself continuing in modeling, and I want to reach a new level in my career. Today, I feel more confident in myself than ever before, which means I can set much bigger goals. I am interested in major fashion shoots, working with American brands, and gradually entering new markets. I want to work across more formats, experiment with new looks, and gain experience through major projects. I also have an idea for my own project, but I see that as a longer-term possibility. For now, my main focus is modeling, professional development, and new opportunities in this field. I want to keep moving forward without rushing, but with a clear understanding of where I want to go!
