Our cover model Kasia Pilewicz is living life on her own terms after appearing on America’s Next Top Model Cycle 16. Kasia’s in-depth interview in the September 2011 Issue of PLUS Model Magazine left us wanting more. This month Kasia returns to open up about family, fashion, and discovering her own potential.
Kasia on discovering her own potential
I was an extremely quiet and shy girl growing up, and it took me a long time to break out of my shell and take risks to grow as a performer. Modeling has helped me so much, from the time I started as a teenager. It built my confidence and forced me to express my inner thoughts and feelings to the camera (and thus, many viewers).
I’ve always been an artist and a writer, but that was easy, since I never had to expose myself to criticism by showing my work to anyone. But then I thought, what’s the point if no one ever sees it? So I started exhibiting some artwork and publishing things I wrote. I had learned through modeling that being critiqued was a big part of the business. There’s never going to be a time where absolutely everyone will love you or the things you create, so I simply started doing it because I loved it.
I’ve been so fortunate in the modeling opportunities that I’ve had, but I also know that I wouldn’t have gotten here if I had limited myself or if I had not taken incredible risks. I kept going because of my immense love for fashion and modeling. I knew I had the potential to be successful from an early age, but for me it was more about allowing myself to go for it. I’ve had my share of upsets and heartbreaking failures, but what’s important is that I got up and kept going.
A few years ago I found myself facing a new challenge: my passion for acting. I finally got the courage to start taking professional classes and take chances in another art form I love. I find something so fulfilling and magical about doing this work, and it’s the next step in my growth and career path. I’ve struggled with feeling like my chosen career was self-indulgent, but so many people have reached out to me and told me how I’ve inspired them, so I’ve realized that this is supposed to be part of my life’s work. I have this potential for a reason, so I’m just listening and going with the flow from now on!
Enjoy the entire interview HERE!