Navigating Cultural Riches: A Journey from Kazakhstan to Global Success
Maintaining unwavering focus and belief in herself, Zarina’s journey proves that with determination and visualization, one can conquer any challenge. Her commitment to meditation and clarity of purpose sets her apart in her pursuit of dreams.
Zarina, can you take us back to your roots in Kazakhstan? How do you think your upbringing influenced your journey to where you are now?
Returning to my roots in Kazakhstan evokes a profound connection to its rich cultural tapestry and the enduring legacy of the Kazakh nation. Kazakhstan’s vibrant cultural heritage, shaped by centuries of nomadic traditions, embodies resilience, strength, and a deep sense of community.
The warrior spirit embedded in the Kazakh ethos is a testament to the courage and determination of our ancestors, including the legendary figure Chengiz Khan. Their legacy serves as an enduring source of inspiration, instilling within us a sense of pride in our heritage and a commitment to overcoming obstacles with fortitude and grace.
My upbringing in Kazakhstan, steeped in this cultural richness and warrior spirit, has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping my journey and imbuing me with the values of perseverance, resilience, and a profound appreciation for the diversity of human experience.
You mentioned holding your dreams in your mind’s eye. How did you maintain focus and belief in yourself despite any challenges you faced along the way?
Maintaining a laser-sharp focus on my dreams has been paramount in overcoming challenges along the way. By consistently visualizing my goals and aspirations, I cultivated a deep belief in myself and my abilities, regardless of the obstacles encountered.
Moreover, integrating meditation into my routine has been instrumental in fostering mental clarity, resilience, and unwavering self-belief. Through the practice of mindfulness and meditation, I honed my ability to stay grounded, centered, and focused amidst life’s ups and downs.
This combination of visualizing my dreams with unwavering focus and harnessing the power of meditation has enabled me to navigate challenges with grace and determination, ultimately propelling me closer to achieving my dreams.
What was the pivotal moment in your career when you realized your dreams were becoming a reality?
The pivotal moment in my career, a true “pinch me” moment, was when I graced the cover of Vogue Mexico. It was a surreal experience that made me realize my dreams were indeed becoming a reality. Seeing my vision and hard work come to life on such a prestigious platform was not only a validation of my journey but also a testament to the endless possibilities that await when one dares to dream big and relentlessly pursue their passions.
What role did social media play in your journey to success, and how do you balance authenticity with curated content for your 1.5 million followers?
Social media has played a pivotal role in my journey to success, serving as both a platform to share my ideas and a source of inspiration from my followers. Their unwavering support and engagement continuously motivate me to strive for greatness and refine my craft.
Balancing authenticity with curated content for my 1.5 million followers is a priority. While curated content showcases my work and interests in a polished manner, authenticity remains paramount. I strive to maintain transparency and genuine connection by sharing my authentic experiences, triumphs, and challenges.
This balance ensures that my content resonates with my audience on a deeper level, fostering meaningful connections and inspiring others to pursue their passions with authenticity and enthusiasm.
Balancing between two major cities like Los Angeles and New York can be demanding. How do you manage your time effectively to pursue both your professional and personal endeavors?
Balancing between the vibrant cities of Los Angeles and New York is indeed demanding, but it’s important to prioritize both my personal and professional life. My fiance resides in LA, while my work is centered in NYC, so I’ve found a rhythm that works for me.
Regular flights back and forth allow me to maintain a strong connection with my loved ones while fulfilling my career obligations.
To manage my time effectively, I rely on a combination of organization and self-care practices. I prioritize tasks, set clear goals. Incorporating yoga and meditation into my routine helps me stay grounded and focused amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. Quality time spent with my fiance and family rejuvenates me, reminding me of the importance of nurturing relationships alongside professional pursuits. By embracing this balance, I’m able to thrive in both aspects of my life, finding fulfillment and happiness along the way.
Fashion Month and events like Miami Swim Week are undoubtedly hectic. Can you share some behind-the-scenes insights into how you prepare for and navigate through such busy periods?
Preparing for Fashion Month and events like New York Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week and Miami Swim Week requires a combination of meticulous planning and inner calm. Despite the chaos outside, I find that I am most focused and centered internally during these busy periods. Drawing upon the principles of yoga, I maintain a sense of serenity and balance.
My preparation begins with creating a detailed schedule that encompasses all aspects of the events, from runway shows to meetings with designers and stylists. This allows me to stay organized and ensure that no task is overlooked. Additionally, I prioritize self-care practices such as yoga and meditation, which help me remain grounded and focused throughout my hectic schedule.
Flexibility is also key to navigating through busy periods. While I have a plan in place, I am prepared to adapt to any last-minute changes or unexpected challenges that may arise. By embracing the chaos and going with the flow, I am able to approach each event with a sense of ease and confidence.
Ultimately, navigating through Fashion Month is like riding the waves while surfing—balance is everything. With a calm and focused mindset, I am able to navigate through the chaos.
As an ambassador for Damiani and working with other high-end brands, what values do you prioritize when selecting partnerships and collaborations?
Human values such as integrity, respect, and authenticity are very important in any partnership. I value brands that prioritize these qualities in their business practices and strive to make a positive impact on society.
Additionally, I place great importance on family and relationships, so I am drawn to brands that share these values and prioritize building long-term, meaningful connections. Ultimately, I seek partnerships that not only elevate my professional endeavors but also reflect my core beliefs and morals.
Winning awards like “Best Leading Actress” and “Best Fashion Model of the Year” is a significant achievement. How do such recognitions impact your career and personal growth?
Receiving awards like “Best Leading Actress” and “Best Fashion Model of the Year” is truly an honor and a validation of the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my craft. These recognitions not only boost my confidence but also open doors to new opportunities in my career.
They serve as milestones that mark my progress and achievements, motivating me to continue pushing myself to reach new heights. Moreover, such accolades provide affirmation that I am on the right path and that my talents and efforts are being recognized by industry professionals and peers.
This recognition not only elevates my status within the industry but also enhances my credibility and reputation, making me a more desirable collaborator for future projects and partnerships.
On a personal level, these awards serve as a source of pride and fulfillment, reminding me of the importance of perseverance and resilience in the pursuit of my dreams. They inspire me to continue striving for excellence and to never settle for mediocrity.
Additionally, they encourage me to stay humble and grounded, knowing that success is not only about individual achievement but also about giving back to the community and inspiring others to pursue their passions.
In an industry often criticized for its standards of beauty, how do you advocate for inclusivity and representation?
In an industry where beauty standards have historically been limited and exclusive, advocating for inclusivity and representation is not just important to me—it’s personal. As an Asian woman hailing from Kazakhstan, I’ve experienced firsthand the impact of these narrow ideals.
Growing up, I was always taller than my peers, which was not typical for someone of Kazakh descent. This made me a target for bullying and left me feeling like I didn’t fit in. When I moved to the United States, I faced additional challenges, from the pressure of having an accent to feeling like an outsider because of my nationality.
However, as I’ve navigated my career in the fashion and entertainment industry, I’ve witnessed a shift towards greater inclusivity and diversity. I’ve made it my mission to use my platform to challenge traditional beauty norms and advocate for representation of all backgrounds and identities.
By sharing my own story and embracing my unique background, I hope to inspire others to do the same. I collaborate with brands and projects that prioritize diversity and inclusion, and I actively support initiatives that amplify underrepresented voices.
As the industry continues to evolve, I’m committed to being a voice for change and championing a more inclusive vision of beauty—one that celebrates the richness and diversity of our world.
You hold two Master’s Degrees, one in Finance and one in Acting. How have these educational backgrounds contributed to your multifaceted career?
Having earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in acting has significantly contributed to my multifaceted career in several ways. My background in finance has equipped me with valuable skills in analytical thinking, problem-solving, and financial management.
These skills have proven invaluable in navigating the business side of the entertainment industry, whether it’s managing my finances, negotiating contracts, or making strategic career decisions. Additionally, my understanding of finance has given me a unique perspective on the industry, allowing me to approach my career with a level of financial literacy that is essential for long-term success.
On the other hand, my master’s degree in acting has provided me with the artistic training and technical skills necessary to excel in the performing arts. Through rigorous training in acting techniques, voice, movement, and script analysis, I have honed my craft and developed a deep understanding of the art form.
This training has not only prepared me for the creative aspects of my career but has also instilled in me a sense of discipline, dedication, and resilience that is essential for navigating the challenges of the industry.
Overall, my dual educational background in finance and acting has equipped me with a unique skill set and perspective that has been instrumental in my career journey. By combining my financial acumen with my artistic passion, I have been able to approach my career with a strategic mindset while remaining true to my creative aspirations.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to pursue their passions across different fields?
To young women aspiring to pursue their passions across different fields, I would offer the following advice:
Embrace prayers, meditations, and visualizations: Take time for spiritual practices that align with your beliefs and values. Prayer, meditation, and visualization can provide clarity, inner peace, and a sense of purpose as you navigate your journey.
Follow your dreams fearlessly: Pursue your passions with unwavering determination and courage. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back from chasing your dreams. Trust in your abilities and believe in the unique gifts you bring to the world.
Never give up: Despite the challenges and setbacks you may encounter along the way, never lose sight of your goals. Persevere with resilience and determination, knowing that every obstacle is an opportunity for growth and learning.
Stay true to yourself: In the pursuit of your passions, remain authentic to who you are and what you believe in. Stay true to your values, intuition, and inner voice, even when faced with outside pressure or expectations.
Surround yourself with positivity: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you on your journey. Seek out mentors, role models, and a supportive community who can offer guidance, encouragement, and inspiration.
Visualize success: Use the power of visualization to imagine yourself achieving your goals and living your dreams. Visualize the path ahead with clarity and confidence, and let your dreams guide you forward.
By embracing prayers, meditations, visualizations, following your dreams, and never giving up, you can navigate the exciting journey of pursuing your passions across different fields with faith, determination, and grace.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future, both personally and professionally?
Looking ahead, I have both personal and professional aspirations that I am excited to pursue. On a personal level, I aspire to continue growing and evolving as an individual, deepening my connections with loved ones, and prioritizing my well-being and happiness.
I hope to cultivate a sense of balance and fulfillment in my personal life, nurturing meaningful relationships and creating cherished memories with family and friends.
Professionally, I am committed to furthering my career in both the entertainment industry and any other field I am passionate about.
I aspire to take on challenging and diverse roles that allow me to showcase my talents and creativity while making a positive impact on audiences worldwide. Whether it’s through acting, modeling, or any other avenue, I aim to use my platform to inspire and uplift others, advocating for inclusivity, representation, and social change.
Additionally, I am eager to continue honing my skills, seeking out new opportunities for growth and learning, and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. I aspire to collaborate with visionary artists and creators, contribute to meaningful projects, and leave a lasting legacy in my respective industries.
Overall, my aspirations for the future are rooted in personal fulfillment, professional success, and making a positive difference in the world. I am excited to see where this journey takes me and remain open to the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
