Jason Harris
Liudmyla Tkachenko is a stunning Ukrainian model who is currently based in Los Angeles. She grew up in a picturesque town stretching in the western region of Ukraine. Ever since she was a little girl, she has always dreamed of becoming an international model someday. Unfortunately, the economic situation in Ukraine was bad at the time, and since she had no connections in the fashion industry – becoming an international model seemed like an almost impossible feat. But Liudmyla was persistent though, despite her situation, she was determined to turn her childhood dream into reality.
Liudmyla’s first taste of the modeling industry came in the form of a modeling contract that was offered to her to work somewhere in China. Although China has always been considered as one of the most dynamic, and vibrant countries in the world, moving to work in China can often seem daunting because of the language barrier and cultural differences. However, Liudmyla really wanted to make things work with her modeling career hence the reason why she felt that she needed a deeper cultural immersion in the Chinese ways for the sake of her career. She decided to hone her Chinese language skills first so she started taking Chinese language classes. Eventually, she came to the point that she was actually quite fluent in Mandarin.
Since working as a full-time model in China, She has appeared in several high-profile commercials and magazines in Asia. Liudmyla worked as a full-time model for a few years in Asia mainly around Hong Kong, China, and Thailand before deciding to move to the United States to further pursue her modeling career. When she moved to the United States in 2016, she didn’t speak a word of English which was tough because she had to start from the bottom again. She, therefore, decided to study English in a New York-based language school while pursuing her modeling career at the same time.
Liudmyla’s persistence eventually paid off when she started scoring one good gig after another. Since working as a model in New York, she has appeared several times in New York Fashion Week. She has walked for high-profile designers such as Dan Liu, Terraza, and Oxford Fashion, among others, and she has also done photoshoots for high-profile fashion magazines such as the L’Officiel magazine, Marie Claire, MD Trends magazine, Imaginary magazine, and Marjen magazine. Furthermore, she was involved in several catalog shoots as well as a number of exciting projects. Her photos from the New York Fashion Week shows have even been featured in Vogue, Elle, as well as Harper’s Bazaar.
After modeling for two years in New York, Liudmyla decided to try her luck at acting by moving to Los Angeles. Since moving to Los Angeles, she has appeared in a Nike commercial, as well as a few alcohol commercials, and she also scored a role in an upcoming film called “The Nowhere Inn.” The movie is set to premiere in the Sundance film festival 2020. Currently, Liudmyla is studying at an acting school called Beverly Hills Playhouse hoping that this can be her ticket to more projects in Hollywood.
Starting from a humble background, Liudmyla was initially faced with poverty as well as other problems, but she learned how to overcome all that fate threw at her. She moved forward with a single-minded determination to achieve success. Having reached her goal of becoming an international model, she’s definitely a classic example of the results of hard work and determination.
StarCentral magazine recently caught up with Liudmyla to discuss her journey in the modeling world and here’s what went down:
Could you please provide background about yourself and how were you actually ‘discovered’?
I’m originally based in Ukraine. I got started as a model when an agent from a modeling agency in Ukraine came up to me whilst I was in the middle of grocery shopping. The agent told me that he saw potential in me as a model. I, therefore, decided to visit their office the next day and that’s when I got signed up with my first mother agency.
Photo Credit: Georgos Karamanus
What does it mean to you to be a model?
It means always being a role model for other people as well as spreading positivity and good energy.
What sort of person usually follows you? Who’s your main audience?
I actually have a lot of male and female followers so there’s a balance. People who love traveling as well as an active lifestyle always follow me as well.
What’s the biggest challenge to modeling?
Don’t pay attention to rejections. Stay strong and focused.
Have you always wanted to be in the modeling industry?
Yes, it has been my dream since I was a little girl.
What’s your personal mission in life?
Make the world a better place. Spread positivity and good energy.
What has been the most memorable experience of your career so far?
When I walked for high-profile designers such as Dan Liu and Terraza during the New York Fashion Week. The photos from their shows have also been published in Vogue magazine.
Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?
I have met so many talented and creative people that it’s hard for me to choose specific names. The fashion industry is full of interesting, and creative people.
How active are you on social media?
I am quite active on Instagram. I love posting new content daily.
What is your favourite social media platform?
Instagram is definitely my favorite social media platform.
What will you advise other models who may wish to follow your footsteps?
Always believe in yourself. Be focused and enjoy every moment of the journey!
What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.
I am planning to get into acting.
The ‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:
1. Last good movie I’ve seen: Hollywood.
2. What do you consider beautiful and why? Beautiful minds of people, beautiful nature, and beautiful life. Life is beautiful because it’s full of blessings.
3. What haven’t you done yet that you wish you could? I want to learn surfing.
4. Complete this sentence: “If I had no fear, I’d…” surf in Hawaii.
5. What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself? My positive energy and kindness.
Jason Harris
rhoda
