Charming Kristina Menissov combines the roles of a model, singer and mum with great success. She talked about her career, her taste in fashion and the upcoming plans in an interview for our magazine.

What inspired you to become a model?
I always wanted to be a model, but never had the courage and confidence to try. Actually, it was my followers on social media who encouraged me to do that and I am so grateful to all of them! Isn&rsquo;t it amazing that people that you don&rsquo;t know can be so kind and supportive to you?!
What were your feelings during your first walk on the runway?
I think everytime is like a first time for me. I get a little / a lot nervous and then when I am doing that catwalk nothing else matters.
Who is your style icon?
I think Blake Lively knows 100% on what to wear on different occasions and she does it with so much grace.
What is your favorite thing about modeling?
Everything! I love walking the runway, feeling good about myself at any kind of shoots. I could say that only auditions are my least favorite thing about modeling.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Inimitable, unique, talented.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I don&rsquo;t think it&rsquo;s so hidden anymore, I am a trained opera singer. I studied opera singing in Italy in Rome.
What is your favorite piece of classical music to perform as a singer?
Musetta&rsquo;s Waltz from Opera La Boh&egrave;me by Giacomo Puccini.

Could you share something about your up and coming music career?
Have you heard my last single Move Your Body with NINELLE? It was just released on July 1st and it went really well! We will be performing it live on July 9th and that performance you wouldn&rsquo;t want to miss. This year I feel really productive about my music activity, I released 2 more songs CROWN with CANSEL and HER STORY with Tamara Kumbula so please you guys share some love on my Spotify and Apple Music and all the other digital platforms! We&rsquo;ve put so much love and energy into both of those songs they are very different. CROWN is very alluring and seducing with lots of Middle Eastern motives, whereas HER STORY is a story about women who became victims of police brutality. So please share your thoughts with me about which song you guys liked the most.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I see myself happy and enjoying life no matter what I will be doing. My son by that time will be 16 so we will definitely be searching for a good college for him and I am so excited for that chapter of my life.
What are your social media monikers?
All my social media monikers are very simple: it&rsquo;s my first name and last name @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kristinamenissov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">kristinamenissov</a>.

What advice do you have for an aspiring model?
Relax and enjoy every step of the journey, every audition, every show, every shoot. It will make you look more beautiful on camera.
Do you love traveling?
I used to travel a lot before the pandemic, I&rsquo;ve seen many countries in Europe and the Middle East. In Asia I&rsquo;ve only visited Thailand, but always want to go back and explore more Asian countries and cultures. I think visiting a new country, trying new food, learning a new language and a culture is like living a bit of a different you during that time.
Which cities and countries do you remember the most?
Spain and Italy are two countries that I fell in love with. I could even see myself living there.
Which countries would you like to visit?
Brazil and go to Rio de Janeiro and dance with them during the Carnival. Then Japan. Then Iceland. And of course, I want to visit Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania!
Who are your favorite fashion designers?
Dolce and Gabbana. Especially their line Mamma. They are Artists.
What is your favorite type of fitness?
Weights and yoga to balance my yin in yang (the two contrary and complementary forces of nature in Chinese philosophy).

Are there any unhealthy dishes and / or products that you cannot resist?
Oh, yes &mdash; pasta and milk chocolate.
What are the main beauty rules that you always follow?
If you want to have beautiful lips, speak only beautiful words. We are all beautiful on the outside. What&rsquo;s important is what&rsquo;s inside.
What are your favorite beauty products?
For skin care &mdash; sunblock and coconut oil. Only these two. (Smiling). For make up &mdash; brow brush, powder and a highlighter.
How do you manage to combine a career as a model and singer and raising your son?
I was learning how to do that. I forgot about my career after having my child, but then I realized that I could combine both and make up for the time that I missed with my son with quality time, which is more important sometimes.
If your son wants to become a model, what advice will you give him?
When you decide to do something &mdash; do it full time.
What&rsquo;s next for you?
I want to finish this year strong. I want to release an EP that we are working on with Andrew Lane, so follow me on social media and stay tuned.

Photo: ANA SAAVEDRA @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/anasaavedra" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anasaavedra</a>
Model: KRISTINA MENISSOV @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kristinamenissov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">kristinamenissov</a>
Hair and makeup: MIRANDA RICHARDS @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mirandarichardsmakeup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mirandarichardsmakeup</a>
Style: ASHLEY WEILER-SANDOVAL @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ashleywsandoval/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ashleywsandoval</a>
Producer: VALENTINA GUROVA @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/valentinagurova/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">valentinagurova</a>

Kristina Menissov. FASHION + MUSIC

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