It’s the one question I have been asked so very often: is a model’s life glamorous? What does a model do every day?
Glamourous is not what comes to mind. What most people don’t know is that behind the scenes, what you are looking at is pure hustle, bustle and in my case, some serious juggling. Since having my two children (6 & 8 years old), I don’t simply wake up and show up to a job or shoot and then go home. Keep in mind that every model’s life and experience is different and we all approach our lives and our careers differently.
Let me give you a glimpse of a typical day in my life when I’m modelling
MORNING
My alarm goes off anytime between 4-6.30 a.m. I’m a working mum so I’m not just getting myself ready however, I’m setting the table for breakfast, getting school uniforms prepared etc and thinking about ways to help my husband or our sitter get out the door easily and efficiently for school drop-off. I could also be driving to the airport and catching a 6 a.m. flight interstate or overseas.
I always start my day with half a lemon in hot water when I wake, followed by a green juice and turkish coffee. I am ready for the day!
I usually shower and wash my hair just before bed the night before and have to make sure my nails, skin and hair are natural, moisturised and clean before any job. Some weeks I’m washing my hair every night so I’m ready for the following day. It’s all about maintenance, all the time.
The most important part of my day is planning and packing ahead. I pack a bag with healthy snacks (usually fruit and nuts) and always plenty of water. I pack pair of Havaianas flip-flops or thongs for comfortable feet in-between outfit changes. I make sure I have black and nude coloured underwear which include strapless bras and knickers. I take my own Armani foundation, eyelash curler and mascara for the make-up artist to use.
I usually pick up a long black coffee or americano in the US, en-route to the studio or location. I can typically take a plane, taxi, car service, my own car, the bus or the subway to get to work. Everyday is different and every country I work in is different too. After all these years, I have it pretty much down pat whenever I go.
My shoot start times can vary from 5-9 a.m. When I arrive at the studio or location, I get into the hair and make-up chair and typically that will take 90 mins. Once finished in the ‘beauty’ chair, I go and change into my first outfit. I could have any number of shots in any given day, sometimes up to 40 changes in a day.
MIDDAY
The crew stops for lunch and we all re-group for the remainder of the day which can vary from 8-10 hours in duration. The hair & make-up artist keeps an eye on things throughout the day whilst the stylist makes sure I am looking my best in wardrobe.
AFTERNOON
When we wrap for the shoot, I am usually heading out the door quickly to get home to my family. I relieve our sitter then continue with the kids homework, dinner, bath and bedtime stories, depending when I get home. My day as a parent finishes around 8.30 p.m. If I’m overseas, I’m usually catching up with friends, running errands when in New York or going out to dinner with the crew before retiring for the day. If my day starts early, I’m in bed by 9 p.m.
At the end of this model mum’s day though, one certainly has to ask – is this glamorous or not? If I’m not on set or location, I’m busy being mum. There is never a dull moment and I am most grateful for the never-ending support and love of my husband, my mother and our wonderful sitter. It takes a community to make my day work!
Happy New Year!
Ljubenka
xoxo
P.S you can find out what I get up to day to day here on my Instagram!
