Meet our February sweetheart: Yana @yana.fitmodel
1. Can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to pursue modeling professionally?
My confidence and joy for modeling have roots that go back to my childhood. At 7 years old, I joined an American ballroom dance school, which led to an 11-year professional career. I traveled, competed professionally, and even danced in heels. Throughout it all, I maintained a healthy and fit lifestyle, which played a big part in shaping my passion for modeling today. After that, I decided to take my fitness journey to the next level and participated in two bodybuilding competitions. It required a lot of discipline and confidence, but it was a great experience. Over the years, I’ve consistently been around cameras, surrounded by inspiring people, and always on stage, which further fueled my passion for modeling. Since I’m 5’10 tall people have been telling me throughout my life that I should model. When I moved to Miami 4 years ago, it felt like all the pieces of the puzzle came together, and suddenly, opportunities started to come my way. That’s when I had my first casting, and it all began.
2. Who were your biggest influences growing up? Growing up, I was influenced by a mix of personal and professional figures. On a personal level, my family had the biggest impact on me—especially my parents, who always encouraged me to embrace my individuality and pursue my passions. Professionally, I looked up to iconic models and fashion figures like Xenia Deli who is from my country as well ,she became Victoria Secret Model when she move to America and has been in several fashion magazine covers , as well Jennifer Lopez who is a business woman , singer, actress and dancer, this two women not only shaped the industry but also demonstrated strength, confidence, and diversity. These women inspired me to believe that anything is possible with hard work and staying true to myself.
3. Describe your lowest moment in life, how did it help you grow? People often find that their lowest points can lead to the greatest personal transformations. Some find resilience through challenges, others develop more empathy or a deeper understanding of their own strengths. Every day is an opportunity to make the most of it, and I try not to let my emotions have power over me. However, of course, there have been down moments, like disappointment in loved ones and friends. But the most painful one was the disappointment I felt in myself. In 2021, my biggest goal was to complete a bodybuilding prep, learn everything about it, and be my best on stage. After achieving that, though, a few weeks after the show, I felt like I didn’t have a goal anymore and there was no purpose to my days. Looking back now, I realize that seems a bit silly, but my hormones also played a big role, as they became slightly unbalanced after the competition. At that moment, I realized I needed another goal to motivate me, so I started preparing for another show. However, my body and mind weren’t ready for it. I couldn’t follow the meal plan my coach had given me anymore, and I was constantly battling cravings, which led to feelings of self-disappointment. One day, I told myself that I needed to find a balance in my diet and training that would allow me to feel happy with my appearance and feel good without needing to compete. After about a year of trying different things, I finally found that balance, which I’ve stuck to ever since.
4. What is a dream you let go of, but it hurts? To be honest I am still working on my dream and I know one day I will make it happen
5. What is something you don’t tell most people? My struggle, my problems, and my emotions, I can only share with my family and husband
6. When did you cry the hardest? I found myself more emotional last year than ever, for me to cry hard has to happen something very painful like a disappointment or the loss of a family member.
7. How do you stay motivated and inspired, especially during tough times? Staying motivated and inspired, especially during tough times, can be challenging, but there are a few things that help me: I surround myself with positivity whether it’s uplifting people, music, gym, motivational podcasts, or inspiring books, I advise everyone to put themself in an environment that encourages positivity can make a big difference in their mindset. 2)Reconnecting with the reason why I am doing something in the first place. 3) I would visualize myself where I want to be and how I see myself being that person and I even behave like that person, that was a game change for me, and the last one and very important I learned with time is to allow myself a break, sometimes is good to take a step back and to recharge, I would find myself many times being a robot at some point and after some time I was exhausted.
8. Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or events you’re excited about? The next event I am excited about is Swim Week, it will be my first swim week since I just started to do runways and also I am pretty new in Miami, my goal is to walk for big designers and to work with famous brands
9. If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be? Don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes. Growth often comes from the unexpected, and taking risks will lead you to experiences that shape who you’ll become. It’s easy to play it safe, but sometimes the most valuable lessons come from stepping out of your comfort zone.
10. Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fans or something you want them to know about you? To my amazing supporters, I want to remind you that everything is possible when you set your mind to it. Never let anyone else’s success make you feel small or doubt your dreams. The key is to find what lights that fire within you—what drives you—and go after it with everything you’ve got. Success isn’t just about big moments; it’s built on the little habits you practice every day. Stay focused, stay determined, and keep pushing. Your dreams are closer than you think, and with hard work, they’re always within reach.