Natalie Korneitsik, an Estonian beauty queen, and TV presenter, represented her country at Miss Universe 2012. Later, she made a dramatic move first to Italy, and then to Mexico. Transitioning to journalism, she became the first Estonian to work in Mexican television and pursued education at UNAM. Embracing the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language, Natalie integrated into Mexican society, achieving success in Spanish-speaking media, notably as a spokesperson for the FIFA World Cup. Throughout her journey, she has actively promoted Estonian culture internationally and remains committed to making a positive impact through charitable projects.
Natalie, you are an unusual person. At the age of 15 you participated in the European Parliament Congress in Strasbourg, your political essays attracted public attention. And at the age of 16 you were found by a prestigious modeling agency, and along with your modeling career came the title of Estonian beauty queen. Tell us how you got interested in politics. Was politics the area in which you wanted to realize yourself in your early youth?
Well, I was a serious kid, very curious about how the world works and who rules it. I remember reading “War and Peace” by Tolstoy at the age of 11. I guess I always had a huge attraction towards politics. And yes, most likely, if I had not been scouted at the age of 16 by Milan’s biggest agency, my life would have taken a very different path. I remember my parents were not happy about me going to Milan. They were very skeptical, as many people are about the fashion industry, but I am grateful they gave me the freedom to have this experience; it made me a stronger person. In the end, I stayed in Milan and got my first university degree there, along with lots of amazing experiences.
You became the first Estonian to work on Mexican television and the first Estonian to become a student at the oldest university of Mexico (UNAM). You have been living in this country for a long time. As a successful model, you could choose any country in the world. Why did you choose Mexico?
I get this question a lot. But to start with, I always saw modeling as a hobby, something temporary that didn’t define my life choices; that’s why I got 2 degrees. I moved to Mexico from Milan, and everybody was surprised by my decision, but Mexico is a country full of opportunities. Besides, they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. At that time, I was involved in TV journalism. When I came to Mexico, I couldn’t say a word in Spanish except for “tequila”. Televisa (the world’s biggest Spanish-speaking media conglomerate) came up with a kind of an experiment: they provided me with Spanish classes daily for 6 months, and if I were able to learn, I would stay and work for them. 7 months later, I became one of the spokespersons of the FIFA World Cup and started hosting a few sports entertainment projects in my freshly learned Spanish.
What impressions did you have about the country when you first arrived there? What cultural differences between Estonia and Mexico were most noticeable to you? Which ones have become a problem?
To be honest, when I first moved, I didn’t enjoy it. I felt like a complete stranger because I didn’t speak the language, I didn’t know much about the local culture and mentality. I even ran away a few times, but something always brought me back to Mexico. It took me a few years to integrate into society, learn the history, and understand the traditions. There are certain differences between our mentality and the Mexican one. For example, we are very direct; usually, we say things as they are, straight to the face. Meanwhile, in Mexico, people tend to “soften the truth”, avoiding any negative comments. Also, they never say “no”, even if they know certain things will never happen; Mexicans will still tell you “We’ll see. Maybe”. And Mexican society is very conservative. As a woman, your reputation is one of the most important aspects of your identity.
What factors helped you adapt to life in Mexico? How long did it take to master the Spanish language? What events or moments were turning points in your career in Mexico?
I made a few Mexican friends who helped me a lot to adapt and understand everything better. Some of them truly became like siblings to me here. Also, my family was very supportive, even though they are always worried that I am so far away from Europe. I think the main turning point was when I realized that it’s actually possible to learn Spanish in 6 months with proper dedication, and by doing that, I entered Televisa.
What projects/initiatives in Mexico do you particularly enjoy supporting? What changes in public perception of Estonia have you seen as a result of your work? What plans do you have for the future? In which country do you want to realize your self?
Oh, I’ve definitely raised a lot of awareness about Estonia in Mexico, and not only in Mexico. Besides Miss Universe and being the first Estonian ever on Mexican TV and at the oldest university, I also always highlight Estonian digital achievements at the conferences I host. And, of course, many of my international friends have visited Estonia thanks to my wonderful PR efforts.
Regarding projects in Mexico, I truly would like to get involved with charity foundations. There are so many things that can be done to help in this country, even in small ways. I’m already working on it. About my future, I am not sure yet what country I would like to settle down in. I have some very interesting projects in progress but I am a person who doesn’t like to talk before it’s all done. I definitely want to leave some legacy after me.
Model: @nataliekorneitsik
Photographer: @maksimtoome
Make-up: @byverastyle
Hair: @elen_on_hair
Wearing:
Top: Mugler
Jeans: Zara
Fur jacket: Soft Gold
