Anna Vasylevska, a seasoned professional with experience in modeling, acting, television presenting, and journalism in Ukraine, transitioned her career to Switzerland amidst the war in her homeland. Faced with societal disparities and challenges in integrating into a new culture, Anna started out by volunteering for charitable associations and supporting cultural initiatives from Ukraine. Determined to pursue her passion despite skepticism, she built new connections and organized successful projects with Ukrainian designers, garnering attention in the media. Her persistence paid off as she secured roles in prestigious publications and film projects, marking significant milestones in her career abroad.
For 20 years, I worked in Ukraine as a model, and then as an actress, TV presenter and journalist. I led an active social life, and this was what gave me meaning. I moved to Switzerland in connection with the hostilities in Ukraine and, of course, the moment you move, you begin to analyze all your professional qualities, as well as personal qualities that will help in a foreign country without connections and finances, to provide a comfortable life for your children.
Of course, the first thing I thought about was how to ensure the safety of my children, and when that was taken care of, I could not help but think about what I would like to do. I was immediately told that in Switzerland it would be difficult and almost impossible to engage in fashion modeling and lead an active social life due to the societal differences. Switzerland is a country with strict rules, very strict for everyone who was born here and who came here, and they must be respected in all circumstances. I was absolutely aware of this and initially thought that we would stay here for a short time, and my priority was helping Ukraine. First of all, I got a job as a volunteer in a charitable association that collaborated with cultural and humanitarian activities from Ukraine. We delivered all sorts of aid, I also helped organize concerts and exhibitions of Ukrainian artists, but this was not a professional activity, I did not receive money for this, it was something I did for my soul. Unfortunately, the war didn’t end, and I had to think about making a living here with respect to the labor market, and again, everyone told me that this was impossible because there was not so much activity in my field.
They say that if you go abroad, then no one needs you, you will work as a packer or a waiter if you are lucky. But what if I believe in my strength and my dream? Of course, I registered at the Unemployment Office so that they could help me find a job, but I also asked them to allow me to at least collaborate for free on Instagram with brands and do what I like to make myself known in a new country.
Thus, a year later, I found people with whom I resonate, the Day Dream Agency from Ukraine. They organize weddings and photoshoots, and together we collaborated on a series of projects with Ukrainian designers. The projects came out so cool that they shined in the media space and my friends kept asking how I managed to find such gigs in Switzerland. But we didn’t find them, we made them happen to show what we can do. No one was waiting for me or calling me anywhere, I just really wanted to do what I know and love, and gradually we began to shoot photos and videos for a Ukrainian magazine. I am very grateful that I was invited to this interview, and also to a Swiss magazine to talk about my activities.
During this time, I was already featured in a calendar from the Swiss publishing house “Ticino day&night” where my photos were featured for three months. I was very pleased with this collaboration. My next job was participating in a short film “Mendrisio” by Ivan Ducini, which won the first prize at a festival. I only started receiving offers for paid jobs after a year and a half. Some negotiations are still in progress, but I am sure that everything will work out.
Model: @anna_vasilevska Anna Vasylevska
Photo&Video: @annanirvanaaa Anna Pasteriuk
Make-Up: @lombardi_makeup Olena Lombardi
Hairstylist: @stylist.hair.svetik Voronchykhina Svitlana @ilonahair_stylist Ilona Zhupanska
Stylist: @smirnova.stylist.ph Yana Smirnova
Organizer: @dream.day.agency Angy and Zhenya Borysova
PR: @multi_publications
Outfits:
Snake print jacket: @dot.brand
White dress: @matique_official
