Hello, my name is Valentina

From Siberia with Love

My journey begins in Eastern Siberia. Born near by a lake Baikal I grew up a very outdoorsy kid.
Being outside in nature playing with dirt, hiking in Siberian Taiga forest and picking wild berries, eating fresh produce from my grandma’s garden - my love for natural, healthy living was forming.

Modeling

I was discovered in Moscow subway when I was 18 years old. The next two years I spent in Japan modeling and traveling around.

After Japan I decided to go to New York to pursue international modeling career.

New York was tough, alluring, glamourous and exciting. Working really hard and believing in myself I made my dreams come true.

In my first year in New York I shot ad campaigns for Calvin Klein and Balenciaga. In the following year I signed an exclusive 11 year contract with Ralph Lauren.

On healthy living

Working in a fashion industry where everyone judging you by the way you look I became very self-conscious about being “perfect”. I was starving and depriving myself, counting calories and eating only carrots. I was tired of this way of living, and I knew that there must be another way.

One day I came across a book about raw food. I read it overnight and it changed my life. The next day, I bought a juicer and a blender. I started making green smoothies, juices and nut milks. I discovered raw chocolate, amazing spirulina and chlorella. I switched my skin and body care to all-natural products. I cleansed and detoxed my body. I took my first yoga class and started to meditate daily, waking up at 5 am. 

I was able to enjoy delicious food and not to worry about gaining or loosing weight.

Wellness

Passion for a healthy living led me to enroll in online nutrition program at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York. In 2015 I graduated IIN and became a certified health coach.

I finished an introductory online course at The Herbal Academy where I’ve learned all about herbs and it’s medicinal qualities. One of my favorite hobbies is to create a homemade herbal teas.

I became a wellness columnist for ELLE Russia. My monthly wellness articles appeared on the pages of ELLE Russia.

What I’m doing now

I currently live in Koh Samui, Thailand. After years of traveling, modeling I’ve decided to take a pause and to spend some time in one place - a very beautiful island :) Everyday I spend observing nature, waking up early (or not:), meditating, enjoying local fruits, learning to paint with watercolors, filming a video course for meditation (coming soon:)) and enjoying healthy raw and vegan food by DobRaw cafe .

I’m a co-founder of beach/city kimono line Sola.

I participated in newly opened super cool vegan asian restaurant in Moscow, Russia - Good Food Bowl - where you can try vegan gyoza, ramen, salad and healthy bowls.

I’m truly excited about all things wellness and if you are passionate about natural, healthy and holistic living feel free to contact me for an awesome collaborations.

Love,

Valentina.