Supermodel Magdalena Sciupider came to the states with her family in the early nineties with dreams of a wonderful life. The Poland native always valued and respected family and friends, and believed in strong work ethic. She always said "Set no limits for yourself and shoot straight for the moon". If she wants something, she will make sure she gets it.
As a young teen she entered a state wide teen pageant where she climbed the ranks and won. Her striking good looks and flawless figure caught the attention of an agent. She was quickly signed by Ford Model Management of Chicago. This is when her passion for modeling really took off. Throughout the next two years she traveled around the world following her dreams. Modeling in such places like Italy, Paris, Greece and Spain landed her campaigns as well as commercials. Her face could be seen smiling down at us from billboards in places like Greece. In Italy she worked for prestigious house of Versace where she presented a new line of cosmetics. Whether she worked or not she made sure she got the best out of each trip and learned about different cultures in order to better herself.
Magdalena has appeared on shows such as Sex and the City, and Oprah. In a bold move to further her career she packed up and alone moved to New York City. It paid off. She graced pages of Cosmopolitan, Allure and Shape. But she was especially proud of her spread in Stuff Magazine.
Aside from all of her success she remains a sweet, down to earth person, whom everyone will speak highly of. FMD had the chance to interview her...
How did you get started in the modeling business?
Magdalena: I don't have a "Fairytale" type of a story to tell you. I wasn't discovered on the street by an agent or chosen from hundreds of girls in a beauty contest. I simply send my picture to a reputable modeling agency. Few days later an agent called and invited me to come to the agency.
Did you ever think you'd be doing this?
Magdalena: Every little girl when is growing up wants to be either a princess or a model
After I grew up, I knew I couldn't be a real life princess, but I thought modeling could be fun.
What do you like most about modeling? What do you like least?
Magdalena: The thing that I like most about modeling, is that it not only opens many doors for you, but it also gives you the opportunity to meet different types of people, visit various parts of the world and learn about different cultures and things that make people who they are.
The least of the things that I like about modeling is the fact that it is in a way a very superficial business, and if one is not careful enough could get lost in it.
Have you encountered any surprises along the way?
Magdalena: Any surprises.........Everyday is a surprise.
Ever get tempted to get pulled into the party scene?
Magdalena: I think it is OK to go out with your friends and have fun, but to live and breathe a"party life" which is very accessible and alluring for young models is the way to get lost in the industry. I think at the end of the day any model has to use her best judgment and see what is really important. To work in that industry and be successful you have to stay focused, partying is not the way to do it.
Have you developed any new interests since you started modelling?
Magdalena: I started reading more books, beause you very often have to wait a long time at the castings. I also developed a much deeper interest in other cultures. I enjoy learning about them, what makes them special and unique. I like to study the architecture of the country I visit, because it shows its historical background.
What are your favourite things to do in your free time?
Magdalena: During my free time,I love to be with my family and friends. They are the magical secret potion that gives me strength and faith in what I do. They are the ones that keep me grounded and make me happy. I also like to play poker, dance, take my dogs for long walks in the park and like every girl I like to go with my girlfriends shopping (especially for shoes)
Out of all the places your career has taken you, where was the most memorable?
Magdalena: I have traveled to many beautiful places. It would be very hard to choose just one. They are all beautiful, interesting and unique. All of them give something back that is enriching.
Do you have a mentor? Who? What is it about them that affects you? Why?
Magdalena: My mom is my mentor. She is an unbelievable and most incredible woman I have ever met. She is an example of not only a beautiful woman, but also an example of a beautiful human being. In modeling I love my agent Steven Hall. He is not only my agent, he is a friend. He is honest and real, and I was lucky to have him when the road through the modeling world got rocky. Thank you Steven. Also my agent at IMG. Like the agency, he is the best.
Where do you see yourself in ten years? What could be your next career?
Magdalena: 10 years!!!! Wow!!!! That is a very long time. I don't even know where I will be next week. I never think that far ahead. I don't know where my life will take me, but I know it will be great.
What are your beauty secrets? How do you stay in shape?
Magdalena: I don't have any special beauty secrets. On my face I use polish baby cream and always remove my make up before I go to sleep. I think the key to being beautiful is accepting and loving yourself the way you are. All the imperfections as well as the things that you like about yourself are what makes you special. I know it sounds like something out of a hallmark card, but it is true. Don't ever compare yourself to the models on the glossy covers. We don't look like that when we wake up.
Any advice for new models? What advice would you give other models starting out?
Magdalena: The only advice I could give to the new models is to stay focused and persistent. Don't let anyone tell you, that you can't do it. You can do anything you want, but you have to truly want it. Don't be fooled by the glamorous life of a model, it is a hard work and a lot of dedication. Be smart and have something on a side you like to do. Modeling is a profession that doesn't last forever.
Favourite all-time model:
Magdalena: I love Claudia Schiffer and Linda Evangelista, they are timeless. I also love Giselle. I think she is an incredible model.
Favourite kind of food:
Magdalena: I love food, especially pizza and ice cream.
Favourite kind of music:
Magdalena: I love music. All kinds. Jazz, 60's , hip hop, dance, but I am really stuck in the 80's.
Favourite quote:
Magdalena: It is a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.
I'd like to meet:
Magdalena: There are many I would like to meet, and many I wish I have met; Quentin Tarantino, Steven Spielberg, Bill Gates, Donald Trump, Mother Theresa, John Paul II, Angelina Jolie, Coco Chanel, Madonna
If I were trapped on an island I'd take:
Magdalena: My friends and family. Together I am sure we would find a way to get off the island.
Thank you Magdalena for this great interview!
. Did u know her?!
]
.
