Total look Balmain

U ekskluzivnom intervjuu za Harper’s BAZAAR Srbija, model Yilena Hernandez govori o odrastanju na Kubi, svojoj beauty liniji i definiciji uspeha. Karijeru u modelingu, započela je sa 15 godina a deceniju kasnije osnovala je luxury brend Yilena Hernandez Beauty. Zvezda naslovnica magazina Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, L’Officiel ponosna je što je nazivaju kubanskom Barbikom.

Odrasli ste na Kubi. Recite nam nešto o tome?

Kuba je neverovatno mesto za odrastanje. Imam toliko lepih uspomena ispunjenih dobrom muzikom, hranom, prijateljima. Moram reći da je bilo životnih borbi, što me je oblikovalo u snažnu ženu, kakva sam danas.

Koji su bili vaši snovi iz detinjstva?

Još kao devojčica, bila sam veliki sanjar. Oduvek sam volela da budem ispred kamere, poziram, igram, šta god! Nikada nisam bila stidljiva da priredim predstavu.

Kako ste započeli karijeru u modeling-u i kakvo je bilo vaše prvo iskustvo?

Jedno od mojih prvih iskustava kao model bilo je u veoma popularnoj emisiji “Sábado Gigante”. Nažalost, nisam pobedila, ali mi je to dalo motivaciju da nastavim dalje.

Kako ste odlučili da napustite Kubu i preselite se u SAD?

Nakon nekoliko takmičenja u modelingu, shvatila sam koliko želim da napredujem. Na Kubi nije bilo mnogo prilika za to, tako da sam znala da moram da se preselim u Ameriku, kako bih ispunila svoje snove.

Šta vam je bilo najteže u karijeri modela? A šta najfascinantnije?

Najteže su mi svakako snimanja koja traju mnogo sati, jer se posvećujem svakom poslu a to ume biti naporno. Putovanja oko sveta, upoznavanje različitih kultura i talentovanih ljudi sa kojima delim strast prema poslu, definitivno su najfascinantniji.

Kako Vam se čini kada Vas nazivaju kubanskom Barbikom?

Mislim da većina devojaka odrasta obožavajući Barbiku, zbog njene lepote i omiljene pink boje, tako da je to ogroman kompliment za mene. Koja žena ne želi da je zovu Barbika?

Ko je Vaš mentor/idol i zašto?

Lady Gaga, jer je vrlo kreativna i poslećena svom poslu. Inovativna je i ne plaši se da bude drugačija. Obožavam njenu muziku, pomaže mi u kreativnom zanosu.

Kako izgleda priprema za reviju ili slikanje editorijala?

Uglavnom nisam na strogoj dijeti, ali pred svaku reviju ili snimanje izbegavam da večeram kasno i da pijem alkohol.

Kako izgleda Vaša dnevna beauty rutina?

Jutro počinjem nežnim sredstvom za čišćenje lice, nakon čega nanosim hidratantnu kremu sa zaštitnim faktorom. Ukoliko ne radim, volim da održavam kožu čistom i bez šminke, kako bih je oporavila od silnog šminkanja. Uveče, nakon tuširanja, obično stavljam maske za kosu i lice, nakon čega nanosim noćnu negu, omiljeni serum za lice i losion za telo pre spavanja.

Hajde da porazgovaramo o Yilena Luxury Lashes. Šta Vas je inspirisalo da kreirate sopstvenu liniju šminke?

Na snimanjima i brojnim javnim događajima i trudim se da izgledam najbolje, ali nikada nisam pronašla tačno ono što mi odgovara, zato sam odlučila da kreiram svoju liniju šminke.

Da li ste oduvek sanjali da imate svoj privatni biznis?

Oduvek sam znala da želim privatni biznis a šminkanje je moja ljubav iz detinjstva, tako da je osnivanje sopstvene beauty kompanije objedinio moje najveće strasti.

Danas nije lako ponuditi jedinstven koncept. Kako ste znali da će vasa ideja biti uspešna?

Volim da mislim da je moja linija namenjena devojci koje se ne plaši da ima svoje mišljenje. Ona voli luksuz lepotu i pre svega je jedinstvena.

Yilena Luxury Beauty nudi i proizvode veganskog porekla?

Želela sam da ponudim ekološki prihvatljiv proizvod i doprinesem očuvanju životne sredine.

Da li je teško ukombinovati karijeru modela i razvoj sopstvenog brenda?

Ponekad je teško pronaći balans. Posvećenost i istajnost su ključ svakog uspešnog posla.

Opišite nam svoj život za pet godina.

Definitivno ću se baviti modelingom, možda i osnujem svoju agenciju za modele, otvorim Yilena Luxury Beauty radnju, ko zna. Nebo je granica!

Šta za vas predstavlja sreća?

Mislim da je ravnoteža vašeg profesionalnog, ličnog I duhovnog života smisao istinske sreće. Život je pronalaženje ove ravnoteže.

Koji bi bio Vaš savet ženama koje žele da uspeju u svojoj karijeri?

Rekla bih im da nikada ne odustaju odsvojih snova. Bez obzirana neuspehe, morate verovati u sebe u svemu što radite.

Čime bi ljudi bili iznenađeni da zaznaju o Vama?

Volim hranu. Volim da jedem! Posle dugog radnog dana, ništa poput dobrog kubanskog domaćeg obroka!

Koji je najbolji savet koji ste ikada dobili?

Nijedan san nije prevelik, nijedan cilj nije previsok!

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I’ve heard that you grow up in Cuba. What was that like?

Cuba was an incredible place to grow up in. I have so many fond memories filled with good music, food and friends. There was also struggles but it has shaped me into the strong woman I am today.

What were your childhood dreams?

Ever since I was a little girl I was a big dreamer. I always loved being on camera  modeling, dancing whatever! I was never shy to put on a show.

How did you start modeling and how was your first experience?

One of my first experiences as a model  was a model search on the very popular show “Sábado Gigante”. Unfortunately I did not win but it gave me the experience and motivation to keep trying.

How did you decide to leave Cuba and move to the USA?

After a few modeling contest I realized there was so much more I wanted to do with my modeling career . Unfortunately in Cuba there were not many opportunities . I always knew that in order to fulfill all my dreams I had to move to the US.

What has been the most difficult in your modeling career? What has been the most fascinating about your job?

The most difficult would have to be the long hours. I dedicate myself 100 percent to every job that I do and sometimes that can get me working for many hours. The most fascinating would be traveling around the world learning from all the different cultures and meeting talented people who are passionate about the same things as I am.

How do you feel about being called the Cuban Barbie?

I think most girls grow up idolizing Barbie for her style and beauty so for me it is a huge compliment now as an adult. What woman doesn’t want to be called a Barbie?!

Who is your mentor/idol and why?

Lady Gaga because she is very creative and dedicated to her craft. She is innovative and not afraid to be different. I love her music and it helps be with my creativity on set. She also has her own makeup line that is incredible.

What does the preparation for show or shooting look like?

I usually don’t have a very strict diet but if I know I’m shooting or have a show I try to avoid eating late or have any alcohol two weeks prior.

Please describe your daily beauty routine?

In the mornings I wash my face with a very gentle cleanser and apply my daily moisturizer with SPF, never forget your SPF ladies! If I’m not working I like to keep my skin clean with no makeup to allow my skin a break and breath. In the evenings after my bath I like usually do my hair/face masks and apply my favorite serums and body lotions before bedtime.

Let’s talk about Yilena Luxury Lashes. What inspired you to create your own makeup line?

I have always loved makeup and girly things. While being on set or any public event I always try to look my best, but I never really found exactly what I was looking for. Nothing really did it for me, so I decided to create my own line.

Have you always dreamt of having your own business?

I always knew I wanted to have my own business and be my own boss. I also have always loved makeup so starting my own makeup company just made sense since it combines two of my biggest passions.

These days it’s not easy to offer a unique concept of a beauty brand.  What made you feel that your idea will be successful?

I like to think my line is for a girl who is not afraid of speaking her mind and being herself. She loves luxury, she loves beauty and she is unique.

Yilena Luxury Beauty offers vegan products. Why did you decide to launch them?

The world is evolving and the consumers are becoming more aware of the environment which I am so happy about. I wanted to offer a more eco friendly product and do my part in world preservation by offering animal free products.

Is it difficult to combine your modeling career and the development of your own business?

It is sometimes difficult to balance all my different business ventures, but I have always known that anything worth while doesn’t come easy. When you love what you do, it doesn’t seem like much work. Having dedication and perseverance is the key to any successful business.

Please describe your life in five years?

It would be doing what I’m doing now modeling, traveling perhaps starting my own modeling agency and expanding my beauty line worldwide even opening a Yilena Luxury Beauty boutique who knows! The world is my oyster!

What is your idea of personal happiness?

I think having a balance of your professional, personal and spiritual life is the meaning of true happiness. Life is about finding this balance and having the best life you can possibly have.

What would be your advice to women who want to succeed in their careers?

I would tell them to never give up on their dreams. No matter how many times you fail you have to keep trying and believing in yourself in everything that you do. It doesn’t  matter how many times you fall down what matters is how many times you get up.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I love food! I love eating. After a long day of work nothing like a good Cuban home cooked meal.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Shoot further than the stars, there’s never a dream too big or a goal too high.

Team Credits:

Model: Yilena Hernández @yilena_hernandez

Photographer: Adrián Tapia Rivera @adrianthephotographer

Photographer Assistant: Samuel Lazo García @zammarroo

Makeup Artist: Carlos González @carlosgbeauty

Makeup/Lashes: Yilena Luxury Beauty @yilena_luxury_beauty

Hairstylist: Diego Gonzales @dgxhair 

Wardrobe Stylist: Paige Sloniker @paigespice @_thefrontpaige

Stylist Assistant: Manjary Levins @manjary.l

Nails: Alexander Otero @nailsbyalexander

Studio: Hendo Studios @hendostudios

Videographer: Ryan Joseph @the_ryan_joseph & Brandon Marks @bramaphoto

PR Agency: Publish Pilot @publishpilot