Get to know gorgeous model Alma Asuai of Gaga Models photographed by Jacco Meysner.

Alma, tell us a bit about yourself; where you grew up…

Hi! My name is Alma, I grew up in Poland in a small city of Kętrzyn near lakes and forests. It was so much fun. Later I moved to a slightly bigger city called Olsztyn to study at a music school. Yes, for a long time I thought I would become a musician. (laughs)I used to play the double bass and my friends were joking that I look like Esperanza Spaldin. I also attended acting classes at Jaracz Theater in Warsaw. Well, what else to tell? I’ve got amazing friends and a younger brother who is one of the most important people in my life. I graduated from the University of Warsaw and now I’m working as a model and film colorist.

What inspired you to be in front of a camera?

Going way back I was a little bit shy. One time, when I was working as a bartender in Warsaw, Marianna Yurkievich (an awesome make-up artist) literally just pulled me out from behind the bar straight into a photoshoot. And I was curious about this world, but I had to learn how to get comfortable in front of a camera. Now I’m trying to see the person behind, not the camera itself. It’s all about your relationship with the photographer, the communication, and sometimes just becoming someone else… and that’s awesome. Of course it’s still possible to feel quite uncomfortable but it strongly depends on the relationship between me and the photographer.

“Modelling is all about your relationship with the photographer, the communication, and sometimes just becoming someone else… “

How is the current situation with Covid affecting your personal life and modeling projects?

True, times are a little bit crazy. I experienced an episode of burnout – and I’ve learnt a lot from it. The Covid situation forced me to work on myself and resolve a lot of stuff. As for modeling projects – the first three months of lockdown were a dead field. Almost nothing happened. I was supposed to go on a contract to Spain, but then the borders closed. Now it’s better. In terms of the modeling industry, people have found new ways to deal with limitations, but still the market is quite frozen and the clients tend to lower the wages. Still I can’t complain, because I am working. I hope that soon all of the pandemic obstacles crumble and we will live on. Smarter and better, as humanity.

“I think you can find inspiration anywhere if you are aware.”

Do you struggle with motivation with all the stuff going on?

Yes, sometimes I’m really tired of the situation and I’m procrastinating. But then I try to find days to just take care of myself, chill out, see my friends. That brings back the motivation. Also – learning Spanish and drawing helps me stay mobilized.

What are your main sources of inspiration?

Art, music, my friends, graphic designers (their way of thinking), books, and nature. I think you can find inspiration anywhere if you are aware.

Your favorite book?

There’s more than one! (laughs) Let’s say: 100 years of Solitude by G.G. Marquez, The White Teeth by Zadie Smith About Photography by S. Sontag and Ferdudurke by Gombrowicz, Ou! And Dostojevski’s short stories… and Pocket Atlas of Remote Islands – this one is almost as good as traveling. Can not pick one, sorry! (laughs)

Your favorite movie?

Again one?! (laughs) Ok, two, please! Her by Spike Jonze and Lars and the Real Girl by Craig Gillespie … and probably Star Wars

Your favorite food?

Pizza Romana, Indian and Thai curry, Seafruit in Gochujang Paste, Pecan-Maple Syrup ice cream form a polish ice cream shop “Lukullus”, chocolate and raspberries.

A quote you wholeheartedly believe in?

Everything will pass, so be humble, be kind.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Living by the sea or the ocean with my family, working remotely or as a hostel manager and traveling a lot. That’s a real dream.