Vindy Krejčí initially never had any plans of becoming a model, but when opportunity knocked on her door – she decided to take a chance and now she couldn’t be happier with her decision. Vindy is a half Vietnamese and half Czech model who’s currently based in the Czech Republic. She was fifteen when she appeared in her first fashion show and she loved the experience so much that she went on to appear in more fashion shows. Besides modeling, Vindy has also done quite well in the pageant world, she won the title Miss Karkulka Mácha in 2015, she placed 3rd runner up in the Miss Caddy 2014 pageant and she also placed top 10 in the national beauty pageant, Miss Czech Republic.
StarCentral Magazine recently caught up with Vindy to discuss her journey in the modeling industry and here’s what went down:
Tell us your name and something about yourself?
My name is Vindy Krejčí, I’m 22 years old and I’m based in the Czech Republic, where I’ve lived all my life. I’m half Vietnamese and half Czech and I’m currently studying in university.
In the year 2014, I started building my modeling portfolio, I was 16 years old at the time. I was working with a few modeling agencies, however, I was still a freelancer. I’ve never dreamt about becoming a model, it just happened and now I really love my job. To be around creative people and watch how they make something amazing together is great! But I knew its a time-limited business and I wanted to also focus on building my skills and experiences in various fields. As time went I eventually got an offer to work in modeling and production agency called FA FASHIONABLE.
I also took part in several beauty pageants in my country where I was fortunate enough to have had success. I won the Miss Karkulka Mácha 2015 pageant and I placed 3rd runner up in Miss Caddy 2014. In 2016, I placed top 10 in the national beauty pageant, Miss Czech Republic.
In 2017 I got an offer to represent Vietnam in an international beauty pageant called Miss Global 2017. Regardless of my height, I placed in the top 20 and won the title Miss Global Photogenic.
What does it mean to you to be a model?
Opportunity. Being a model is flexible – it gives me freedom. What I like the most about being a model is that each project is different. Different styling, different visage, another team of incredibly creative people. I enjoy it every time I get a new transformation. On this basis, I present the “personality” they have created from me. I also enjoy the opportunity to travel and work with people from all over the world.
What sort of person usually follows you? Who’s your main audience?
According to statistics, primarily men. As for the nationality and country where my followers come from, the Czech Republic still leads. And I try to keep it that way. Most clients who contact me to collaborate whether it’s for a campaign or just for collaboration on Instagram want to reach the Czech audience. My followers also include women and young girls my age. They often ask me how I succeed in modeling despite my height, and support me in my work. I always feel responsible for what I put on my profile and I always think of a way that it can affect my followers.
What’s the biggest challenge to modeling?
I would say that anyone who wants to get into modeling must be durable, have healthy self-esteem and be balanced with him/herself. He or she needs to be able to handle stress and have thick skin. I think “commercial” models have it a little easier than fashion models. Their magic is made up of their entire personality, their face, and their character. And so they can be forgiven a few centimeters at the waist for example.
Have you always wanted to be in the modeling industry?
No, not really. As a child, I heard negative things about the modeling industry. But when I was fifteen and I appeared in my first fashion show, I started to think differently. When I did my first catwalk, I suddenly had the urge to join more shows. I eventually met an amazing, creative man who motivated me with his story and personality. Today he is my future fiance, Luděk Šmehlík.
What’s your personal mission in life?
Be a role model for my children and other women. I’m not a feminist, I’m not a careerist, and I’m not a housewife either – I’m a bit of everything. We women are very capable, hardworking and imaginative. Our empathy and intuition make us unique. And I admire every woman who can do what she loves and follow her heart.
What has been the most memorable experience of your career so far?
The most memorable experience of my career was participating in the international beauty pageant, Miss Global in Cambodia. It was in 2017 and since I was half Vietnamese, I represented Vietnam. I was truly honoured to represent one of my nationalities. There were over 60 finalists from all over the world and the organizers took great care of us. I didn’t see it as a competition, I saw it more like an experience. I was myself and it paid off. I won Miss Global Photogenic and ranked among the top 20.
Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?
Definitely my man! There’s also pageant coach Mommy G and choreographer Chieko Hidaka, whom I met in Miss Global. Their personal charm is unreal. Both were strict but very cordial at the same time. I’m very grateful for all the help they gave me.
How active are you on social media?
I try to communicate with my fans every other day. As much as possible. Primarily I want to inspire them with my work so I post a lot of behind-the-scenes footages.
What is your favourite social media platform?
Definitely Instagram. But I’m learning to use Tik Tok now. I use it for fun. Some videos are really funny!
What will you advise other models who may wish to follow your footsteps?
Be yourself and overcome your fear. Don’t be afraid to try new things because you never know where the wind might take you. Work on your portfolio and show that that you can be malleable.
What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.
It may sound a little lax, but so far, it has always worked out even though I never planned anything. So I just want to let things flow.
The ‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:
1. Last good movie I’ve seen: Parasite
2. What do you consider beautiful and why? Nice behaviour. Because it makes people happy around us.
3. What haven’t you done yet that you wish you could? I would like to parachute and overcome my fear of heights.
4. Complete this sentence: “If I had no fear, I’d…” be where I am now.
5. What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself? I would like to be more disciplined when it comes to working on my own goals.