We had a wonderful opportunity to speak with Kristina Menissova. Check out the interview below.
Hi, Kristina! Thank you for granting the interview. You have had a successful career. You’re an actress, model, and Opera singer. Tell us about your journey.
I started my journey as a model during my study in Kazakh National Conservatory, Kazakhstan, Almaty and then in International Academy of Music “Vissi d’Arte, Vissi d’Amore” Italy, Rome. During that time my modeling was kind of on an amateur level since I was focused on getting my bachelor’s degree in Opera Singing.
However, after giving birth to my child I decided to concentrate on modeling and move it to a professional level. Of course, I’m planning to go back to singing but since my modeling career is going up and up, I feel like it’s the right decision to stay focused on it.
You have starred in high-profile music videos to rocking fashions by top designers. What has inspired you to succeed?
My 2-year-old son always inspires me. Whenever I feel tired, lazy or in a bad mood, I look at him and it makes me unstoppable. And of course my agents, they never let me skip a single gig.
We know the industry can be challenging, especially for a woman of color. How do you navigate the challenges in the #METOO movement?
In my case, I often get into situations where I either don’t have enough color or I have too much. But our industry works in a way that the most important factor is your name. The more people get to know you and like you, then the more successful you are.
About the #METOO movement: I am so proud of us women. We came such a long way to achieve our current level of respect in society. I am personally grateful to all who weren’t afraid to speak out loud about their very private life stories. However, I would like to ask women to not make-up stories and try to use this important movement for their own personal benefit, like stupid vengeance, get a promotion or build your name on it. Otherwise, this movement will lose all trust that so many of us have worked very hard for.
What has been your most favorite project to date and why?
Surprisingly my favorite project was when I was in charge. Back in Kazakhstan I organized “The Musician Ball” with my best friend. At first, it was supposed to be an average student project, but it ended up being one of the biggest student events in Kazakhstan; with press, celebrities and the government of the city of Almaty.
Let’s talk about acceptance and owning who you are. How important is it for someone to embrace that?
Honestly, this question is very personal to me. After I escaped mentally abusive relationships, I had zero self-acceptance and truly believed that everything was wrong with me. It was hard work for me to embrace myself again and bring my self-confidence to the highest level. I used to read affirmations and laugh about them and felt uncomfortable reading them, but you have to keep doing it until you believe in it. Another good exercise that is very simple is when someone gives you a compliment, just smile and say thank you, even if you don’t feel like you deserve it.
Why is making your life successful on your terms important to you?
There are two reasons for it: the first and main reason is that I’m a very family oriented person and becoming successful will give me an opportunity to provide for my family; everything I wish for. The second reason is that I was dreaming about being an A-list celebrity since I can remember and it is impossible without being successful.
You continuously hone your craft. What keeps you inspired?
Everything I do now is all that I have been dreaming about. Living the life I always imagined is already my motivation, and that’s why I enjoy getting better and better at what I’m doing.
Thus far, what has been the best experience working in the industry?
Working for Sara Happ Ink – The Lip Expert was my first big print project in the U.S. market. The personality of the girl behind the brand is very strong and ambitious; the fact that she has a child was that last piece of the puzzle that I needed to completely believe in myself.
Do you have any upcoming projects that we haven’t mentioned?
The project that I am really excited about the most is Miami Swim Week from 07/12 – 07/16 where I am going with my agency “Aston Models”. Besides the actual Miami Swim Week, our amazing agent, Natalie Pappas, organized a whole bunch of projects that I can’t wait to be a part of.
Complete this sentence, if I had an opportunity to do anything I want, I would do ___________.
If I had an opportunity to do anything I want, I would buy a house for my son and I. After that, I’d create a music video for every song on my upcoming EP (which will be released soon).
Featured Image Credit: Casey Clark.
About Author
