Ukrainian singer, model and social activist ANGELA talks exclusively about her life hacks for beauty and self-care, what motivates her to work and how modeling is connected with a career as a singer
Summer is coming soon, do you have any self-care secrets?
There is nothing complicated in my methods of self-care and maintaining a figure in perfect condition, so they are quite accessible to every woman. I consider high-quality sleep, proper nutrition and the ability to enjoy life in all its manifestations to be the main conditions for an excellent appearance. Sports and careful self-care also play a big role in my life. And my credo: “It’s easy to be beautiful – if you’re not lazy.” The main thing for me is to get enough sleep. And creams, masks are nowhere to be found without it. Once every two weeks, I definitely visit a beautician, who carefully takes care of my skin, bringing it to perfection. From all salon treatments, I choose different massages and masks that are perfect for my skin. I don’t abuse decorative cosmetics, preferring light, natural makeup in natural shades, and sometimes doing only tinting cream and lip gloss. After tiring tours, as a rule, I take a course of massage, which restores and restores the vigor of the body and spirit. For me, the figure is achieved through diet and physical education!
You represent Ukraine at many beauty contests. Is it a difficult task? How do they react to war abroad now?
I am proud of the fact that I adequately represented Ukraine in many international projects, became the owner of titles and crowns.At beauty contests, you get the right to represent a country or region, to show it from the best side. Emotions, grace and your human qualities are important here, which are not so visible in the work of a photo model. I achieve everything by honest work. I believe that, in addition to appearance, charisma and human attractiveness, how you communicate with people and how you perform at work also play a big role. By nature, I am a responsible person, and I love myself very much. If I do something, I want it to be perfect, to be noticed, praised and invited to work again. I’m just an angel. These events bring together influential people who are able to provide systemic support to Ukraine’s relief and recovery projects. I have the honor to represent our country and I hope that participation in these events can bring the successful implementation of charitable programs closer, in particular, to attract funding for the Okhmatdyt Children’s Center. I am glad that I got to know many influential people, both from the business sphere and representatives of international organizations. During these days, it was possible not only to exchange contacts, but also to agree on the discussion of systematic participation of business representatives and various institutions in aid projects for Ukraine.
What personally motivates you to work, who is that stimulation?
I toured halfway around the world with charity concerts dedicated to Ukraine, which aim to raise funds for equipment for Ukrainian hospitals that receive children who have suffered as a result of hostilities. Foreigners know little about the war, so I actively gave interviews to journalists in order to tell people the truth about what is happening in our country. There were many children at our charity meetings.Children have the right to childhood – this idea became the key to motivation to work. It is incredible how much love, warmth and such bright, beautiful energy these children have. We talked, and sang, and hugged each other. I am grateful to fate to be with them and listen to all their pain and sadness. And although they feel unimportant, I came to them not because I felt sorry for them, but because I was interested in them. It is easier for them simply because they care. Many people do not need money, but support, because they feel alone and lost. It’s interesting to me, because every person is interested in doing what works. If I see that thanks to my actions a person is happy, but could be sad, it turns me on incredibly. The children, forgetting about their ailments, laughed heartily and rejoiced because they received wonderful gifts from me and my team. I will tell you a stunning case. When I brought gifts to them, they brought back their best paintings. You would know how pleased I was! And I was happy. I think their parents raise wonderful children who know well what true joy is. In fact, everything is done for their sake, to bring joy and fullness of life back to the children, so that they forget the negative aspects of the war as soon as possible and return to a peaceful life.
When did you first think about a career as a singer?
It all started with… joy. After all, in my childhood, I associated songs with pleasant emotions: the music played – everyone dances, sings, rejoices. However, I first chose a modeling career, then I decided to get an education: I have a diploma in financier, but I have never worked in my profession. Then I was offered to become the advertising face of a beauty salon, there were beauty contests, that is, I began to earn money in the modeling business. I thought I would only be a model, but I started writing songs. People listened and asked: “And when to sing? You just have an angelic voice!” And I took a risk. Now I realize that I always dreamed of the stage. However, like many others, she did not dare to act. Why? Many reasons: I was afraid, I thought I wouldn’t be able to. Plus, I was always busy, worked, then became a wife and mother. The family needed strength and time. I listened to music, sang in karaoke and at home, sometimes took vocal lessons, and that was it. The war changed everything. I understood that tomorrow may not come, and there may not be an opportunity to make dreams come true. So, sometime last year, I started preparing professionally for the stage. And now I know for sure: everything is possible, the impossible just takes a little more time.
Tell me how to really combine modeling, family and vocal career?
I am often asked: “How do you manage to be both a mother and a singer?”. I answer: one does not interfere with the other! It’s a balance. I divide my time between family and work, I try to get enough sleep and rest if possible, I calm my nerves: usually with the help of books and articles, because I don’t have a psychotherapist. It all helps me keep my balance.I am a very happy person because I enjoy doing what I love. If it was some kind of commitment, then I would have gathered my strength. However, when I write songs or perform, on the contrary, I rest. For example, now my musicians and I are preparing an acoustic program. My tracks will sound new because we will only play traditional instruments: we have drums, keys, saxophone, guitar, bass guitar – and it’s just incredible. That is, it is the opposite here: thanks to this, I have strength.
Who chooses your images and is it difficult to appear in public in new images every time? Do you work with designers?
For many musicians, memorable stage costumes are a way to reveal a musical idea, make an original show, shock the audience and live another life in a new image. Co-authors of spectacular performances are often designers who help bring fictional characters to the stage. They create costumes for concert tours, as well as outfits for music videos. Before my team and I came up with the concert show “Angela Show”, I was dressed by European designers for Paris Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week. These are very expensive designers and they do not cooperate with all models. At one of these shows, I wore angel wings and many viewers liked it very much. After that, I actively use different colored wings in my stage image.
What will you do first after the war is over?
After the victory, I dream of a concert tour of the cities of Ukraine. I sincerely miss the rhythm of an artist’s life that existed before the war. I want to hug fans and make people happy, restore nerve cells.