AN INTERVIEW WITH MILA BOUZINOVA OF AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL

By LAUREL SPARKS

The Boston Artist Laurel Sparks asks the former America's Next Top Model contestant from Boston, Mila Bouzinova, a few questions about life and modeling.

Laurel Sparks: What inspired you to start modeling?

Mila Bouzinova: People always assumed that I was a model and would ask what agency I was with, what campaigns I was in, what shows have I do, etc. So I figured I might as well actually get paid for looking like a model.

LS: By being a model, how do you think you contribute to society?

MB: A model gives everybody an aspirational image. A model can inspire an individual to take action to achieve their dreams. A person can look at a beautiful ad and think, "I want to be that" and hopefully take action to achieve whatever the goal that they aspire to is.

LS: How do you feel about being a public spectacle? What are your dilemmas about it, if any?

MB: Being in the public eye means that everyone has an opinion about you. Regardless of whether the opinion is good or bad I am flattered that people who do not know me take the time to think about me. I'm very secure with myself and enjoy the spotlight, so I welcome the attention.

LS: How do you define physical beauty and what are your personal standards?

MB: Beauty is simple and elegant, it cannot be disputed. Personally, I find beauty in everyone.

LS: Do you have public role models? If so, who are they?

MB: I admire Kelly Ripa and Ivanka Trump because both of them are classy, beautiful, and smart.

LS: If you could change anything about your physical appearance, what would it be?

MB: I wouldn't change anything.

LS: What kind of fitness plan or diet regiment did you have to go through to prepare for the ANTM competition? What was it like?

MB: I actually didn't have one! I was on vacation the whole month before going on the show. In retrospect, I wish I would've hit the gym a few times.

LS: In general, do you feel you have to restrict your daily life in order to maintain your physical appearance? In what ways?

MB: No, not at all. I live a very healthy and active lifestyle that I have had all my life and will maintain for the rest of my life as well.

LS: How do you deal with harsh criticism?

MB: I try to improve as a person every single day so I welcome all criticism.

LS: How do you deal with rejection?

MB: There are many paths to get where one is going. You will get to where you want to be if you just continue to persevere. If rejection happens, just find a different way.

LS: Do you agree with the Judges' reasons for cutting you from the competition? If not, in what ways do you think they judged you wrongly?

MB: I respect their opinions.

LS: Given the chance to compete again, what would you have done differently?

MB: Actually taken it seriously.

LS: In general, do you wish the modeling industry was different? What would you change about it if you could?

MB: I would probably hope that they used models who are a little bit older, just for the sake of the very young girls who have to grow up very quickly in the industry.

LS: Do you have other vocations or career aspirations?

MB: Well I am 20 years old and have a Finance degree from Boston University and will have my Masters' from Fordham University in May. So the world is my oyster.

LS: What will you pursue next? If you had a 5-year-plan, what would it entail?

MB: I would like to act or host a TV show. Also, I would definitely like to get married and live happily ever after.