Olha Zakharchenko: "I believe that if a woman is happy, everyone around her is happy"

Olha Zakharchenko is the heroine of the April DIGITAL cover of BOMOND VIP fashion, a plus-size model whose professional path inspires with a recognizable story about the presence of women in the fashion industry without permits and frames. Ms. Olha's career includes the podiums of Odessa Fashion Week, Kyiv Fashion Week, shows in Milan and Paris, as well as the experience that formed the main position: "I allowed myself to shine." A phrase that becomes the inner point of reference for a special story. In the new interview, we talk about modern women as a multidimensional system of roles, about expectations and the ability to remain themselves in the face of change. Olha reveals how internal support is formed, why the experience of “otherness” becomes a force, and why the main criterion of correctness for her is not compliance, but a sense of happiness. This is a conversation about freedom that is not declared, step by step, exit after exit, decision by decision.

For decades, the model industry has dictated strict rules regarding female appearance and "permissible" parameters. Today, this framework is gradually being destroyed, and the concept of beauty goes far beyond standards. You are developing brightly in the professional modeling sphere as a plus-size model. Ms. Olha, please tell us how your journey began and what was your own history of prosperity in this industry?

Perhaps, many little girls have a dream of being a princess or queen, so that from your appearance the breath of others freezes. And many women, different in age, appearance and figure, at least once looked at fashion magazines or saw shows, and for a moment the thought flashed... "I want to be the same, confident and beautiful".

Yes, when this thought flashed through my mind, I didn't chase it away, but just decided to myself... “Why would you.”

My first appearance on the podium was as part of the Miss body positiv Ukraine beauty contest, I decided to take part after seeing the ad on the social network, and “jumped into the last car”. I had a few days left to prepare for the competition, and it turned out that I needed professional photos, which I did not have. In one day I found a great photographer, and my first photo session took place.

And I didn't win the contest, but I tried this delicious, beautiful dish, touched the fashion world, and a wild appetite woke up.

And I discovered a woman in myself that I can no longer close back. The one who wants recognition and shine. All attitudes, like... “Be quieter,” “Be more modest,” flew out of my head, and new thoughts came in their place... “life is already short, and you are also modest”. And I allowed myself to shine here and now, not waiting for the situation to change and a better time.

Then there was a screening as part of Odessa fashion week, Kyiv fashion week, then in Milan, a festival in Paris, again in Milan and again in Paris, and I'm not going to stop.

If you could depict a portrait of a woman of the modern world in the form of a painting, what would she be? What traits, states or internal qualities, in your opinion, today most accurately characterize a woman of our time?

Probably the portrait of a modern woman is different for everyone, depending on the values of each. For some, career comes first, for someone, family and home. And each of these aspects is very important.

But, in my opinion, there are common features: a modern woman in our time must learn to remain calm before changes, be flexible to preserve her inner world, try not to lose herself and always remember what she dreamed of as a child - this gives inspiration and strength.

Today, women are often pressured by imposed scenarios: what should be the "right" mother, wife, realized business woman. How, in your opinion, to find your own scenario of life, without adjusting to other people's expectations, and remain happy and honest with yourself in this way?

In order not to lose yourself, you need to listen to yourself first and last too. You should not rely on outside opinions in matters relating to one's own happiness. When I perform any action, especially when it is on an ongoing basis, I listen to the inner feelings: does it make me happier or not?

Accustom yourself, take it as a habit - constantly trying something new. Everything around is so bright, and it is very important to know what brings you pleasure. If you don't try, you won't know. I am already an adult girl, but I still love everything that is beautiful, shiny and smells.

And in the case of being “right”, it's probably not a question for me. I am a model on the catwalk in Paris and Milan, aged 35+, weighing more than 90 kg. The state of health and disability make life quite difficult, but I can pack up for a trip in a day, and it doesn't matter that my first aid kit is much larger than a cosmetic bag - I am as "touched" as possible. If a woman gets pleasure from being “right” and meeting the expectations of society – that's great.

For me, to be right is to be happy every day. I got rid of the excellent student's complex, realizing that I would never meet generally accepted requirements, and I and my beauty could not be stuffed into any framework.

Is there an appearance on the catwalk, photography or an image in your career that is engraved in your memory especially strongly? Share a moment that has become a landmark for you.

The most iconic, probably, is the very first show. There was both a shooting and an exit that made me breathless, and I forgot that I had to smile, and I had a very serious expression on my face, because... well, I'm doing something important, right?

In the end, the designer gave me a dress in which I went out on the catwalk, and I was hooked on these feelings, on the atmosphere, on the energy of creativity. Even for this chaos that is happening behind the scenes.

What advice would you give to those who are just starting their journey in the modeling industry? Perhaps there are things that are not talked about in public, but that are worth knowing before the first shooting or casting, a kind of behind-the-scenes truths of the profession.

As for the advice for girls who want to try themselves and are just starting out. I can say: it won't be like that. Not as you imagine, and it's all “wrong” can go away at any moment. And it is important to be able not to be upset: “why is it all wrong”. But I can guarantee that if you like it, it will bring many new bright colors into your life - it will definitely not be sad and boring.

Life sometimes puts us in situations that can break: it can be health problems, personal crises or professional losses. I know you've been through your own difficult stages. What helped you get up and move on, and what would you like to say to women who are now in a state of inner ruin or confusion?

Each of us has many obstacles in life, and every Ukrainian woman is now a heroic woman. I also have such an obstacle in the form of an incurable disease, it greatly limits my physical capabilities. And every day is like fighting for another breath, for another step and another day of life.

I, like each of us, can list a lot of reasons why “no”... not on time, difficult, complex, etc. But it is enough for me to ask myself one question: what did I do to make it “yes”?

Let's imagine that you and I are sitting somewhere on the seashore with a cup of coffee, and you have the opportunity to leave a message to women all over the world. What would these words be?

I want everyone to say yes to themselves, at least once. And then there will be more for one happy woman. I really believe that if a woman is happy, everyone around her is happy: family, friends, neighbors and even cockroaches.

Photographer

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