MODEL VERONIKA KAMANEVA TRADED IN THE COLD FOR THE SUN-DRENCHED SHORES OF MIAMI, WHERE SHE FOCUSES ON CAREER AND FITNESS

BY JENNIFER VIKSE PHOTO BY MARCO CASTRO

INDUSTRY: How did you get started modeling?

VERONIKA KAMENEVA: My career began in Bangkok in 2014 when, for the first time, I got accepted into Elite Models. I lived on cam pus with other models and attended daily castings. A few months after, I moved to Toronto, Canada, where I mostly focused on acting, workshops, and video commercial shoots.

IM: Tell us about some gigs you’ve done.

VK: Some of my gigs include a commercial for Adidas Canada for a “Champions Are Made” campaign. My experiences include a large variety of different types of modeling and industry sectors: Miami Swim Week, fashion shows, magazines, promotional modeling for Mike Tyson’s brand, and more.

IM: What is your favorite thing about the summer season?

VK: I lived in cold weather conditions my whole life before I moved to Miami four years ago, and it was the best decision I could make! I love to stay active and go outdoors in any month of the year. Also, I enjoy wearing summer outfits without worrying about being cold. In my opinion, quality of life improves when the weather is warm and there is more stuff to do.

IM: Does your background influence your look?

VK: I am Russian. I was born in a far east region, colder than Siberia. My features definitely reflect that. I have very light blue eyes, naturally dirty blonde hair, and I am also very tall .

IM: Where are you currently living?

VK: Miami, Florida.

IM: Tell us about your career.

VK: I took a few paths in life. Back in Canada, I graduated from an advertising and marketing communications program and landed a very good position. Then COVID hit and Canada was very strict with rules and regulations. Therefore a lot of companies had to terminate their operations, including the advertising agency I was working for. In the meantime, I had become a certified personal trainer in 2019. I competed in bodybuilding competitions for three years in the bikini fitness division and came a three-time champion in Canada and later West Palm Beach.

IM: What do you hope for your future?

VK: I hope to keep following my passion for modeling and fitness. I am very happy to have ended up living in a beautiful place where I have an opportunity for growth and development.

IM: What are a few of your favorite things?

VK: I love animals; I always had dogs in my life. I love cooking too, and I am very good at it. Cooking is very important in my culture and I feel like it was passed on from my family.

IM: How would you describe your personality in three words?

VK: Kind, empathetic, energetic.