Get to Know Top Model and Pageant Queen Marija Vukasina, Representing Croatia at Beauty of the World 2024
In this featured interview by The Ultimate Pageant Blog, we sat down with Miss Beauty of Croatia, Marija Vukasina, who is preparing to depart for her upcoming competition at Beauty of the World 2024 in China. The event is scheduled to take place September 26, and will be live streamed on social media. Vukasina is a top model, fashion blogger, and law student with international modeling and pageant experience, an advocate of natural beauty, and an inspiration to aspiring models and pageant contestants worldwide. Read on to learn more about Marija Vukasina and her beautiful home country - Croatia.
Featured Interview: Beauty of the World Croatia, Marija Vukasina
TUPB: Thank you so much for taking the time for this interview! You're actually in the midst of competition right now for Beauty of the World 2024, and we certainly appreciate you taking time out to share your experiences.
TUPB: How did you get started in the fashion and modeling industry? Were you 'discovered'?
MV: It all started in 2019. At 17 years old, I was sent by one of the scouters of Miss World Croatia to compete in their regional pageant, Miss Zadarske županije. Being a minor at that time, my parents needed to approve my participation first. They supported me of course and that was first time I actually performed publicly. Back then, I did not know anything about pageants, but now, when I look at my photos and videos at that time, I am really proud to have taken that first step. I did not win anything at the time, but I was scauted by designer Ela Dušević for a TV commercial and fashion show.
TUPB: Can you tell us more about how you became involved with this pageant as Miss Beauty of Croatia?
MV: After having been called by the various agencies and pageants, I became part of almost all the major pageants in Croatia, except the Miss Universe. I was First Runner-up at Miss Earth Croatia 2022, Miss Photogenic Croatia, Miss Supranational Catwalk Croatia 2023, and so many others, but my ultimate dream was representing Croatia in a world pageant. Currently I am preparing for 'Beauty of the World 2024' in China. It will be my second international pageant actually. Last year I represented Croatia on Miss Tourism World in Quanzhou, China. I really want to reach finals this time, so I am putting 100% of my heart into all of my preparations.
TUPB: And what has been your focus in preparing for Beauty of the World 2024?
MV: I am currently working on my catwalk, posing, and language improvement. I also focus a lot on promoting Tourism in Croatia by traveling to many destinations here and filming for National Video. I study Law and finance, and my schedule is quite busy, so I have a schedule for every day to make the most of the work. I did a lot of commercials and fashion shows as well, which was truly very important for placing in China.
TUPB: Prior to this pageant, you've competed on the international stage before. Can you tell us more about those experiences?
MV: It was the best time of my life! I met so many beautiful and inspirational women from all parts of the world. I also learned a lot about Chinese culture and food. Actually, Asian food is part of my life now! I was a bit sad that I haven’t placed in Top 10, but I learned one lesson from that: To never give up. With a crown or without, my purpose is to inspire young women to never give up! There is a place for all of us in this world. Just be patient and hardworking.
TUPB: Were the other delegates friendly with you?
MV: Yes! I made a lot of friends. At my next pageant I will again see Miss Fiji! I was friends with a lot of girls and I tried to talk with all of them. Although at my previous pageant, there were [delegates from] 66 countries and we were divided into two groups. I was mostly spending time with Miss Brazil, Bolivia, India, Dominican Republic, Australia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Botswana, and of course, Miss Fiji. I also wish I had more time with the other group of girls.
TUPB: Did those pageants help you build any personal or professional relationships?
MV: I made a lot of friends from around the world. Sometimes I like to say I have a friend in every country I might travel to. I also made strong collaborations with Chinese organizations, so this year I am preparing the new Miss Tourism Croatia for finals! This year, our male model also won first place in “Best Model of the Universe” in Barcelona. His name is Noel Erman, and he wrote history for our country! I hope to repeat his results one day.
TUPB: That's exciting news! I've been to Barcelona, and I'm actually excited to hear about your country, having traveled the world as a model. I've never been to Croatia, but I've been close to there and I hear it's very beautiful. What do you enjoy most about your country?
MV: I believe everyone has to visit Croatia at least once in their lifetime. Croatia is a really beautiful country with so many beautiful islands, clear rivers, and national parks. It also has one of the clearest seas in the world. The largest islands are Krk and Cres and they are full of beaches and culture. I come from Zadar, a city in Dalmatia that is famous for sea organ. That is the place where I go when I need to take time for myself and just relax while listening to the sea sound. Historically named Zara, it is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia. Zadar was a Liburnian settlement, laid out in the 9th century. Famous church is St. Donat, named like the Biskup who built it. It survived a lot of wars and still kept standing since the 9th century. Dalmatia is also famous for olive oil and lot of fish food that is really good for a healthy diet. I personally use olive oil for pretty much everything I eat and even for my skin care routine. It has a lot of Vitamin E and benefits for our bodies and skin.
TUPB: If someone is planning to visit Croatia for the first time, what would you recommend that they do or see when they are there?
MV: For people who like nature, nationals parks like Plitvice and Krka are places you need to see. My favorite one is Plitvice and it is really hard to explain with the words how beautiful it is. It is a place you need to visit to understand. It also offers many activities like riding a horse or winter tourism activities. Croatia has also a lot of grains, especially in Slavonija. We have high quality wheat. In Zagorje you can find many traditional food like 'Zagorski štrukli.' To sum up, Croatia has a really special place in my heart and I am really proud to be a Croatian.
TUPB: What were you like when you were growing up? Did you always know that you wanted to be a model or compete in a pageant?
MV: I loved fashion since childhood. At the age of 13-14, I started to have more interest in modeling but my career actually started two years later. It happened spontaneously when I was scouted for 'Miss Zadarske Zupanije' but I never thought I would go this far in future. So I am really grateful to have everything I have now.
TUPB: Is there a lot of modeling work in Croatia, or do you have to travel to find work as a model?
MV: In Croatia it is hard to live from modeling only. Most of our models are also influencers. The market is small and we have a lot of beautiful and tall women. I am now focusing on developing a modeling career internationally: Slovenia, Serbia and, of course, China, and the rest of Asia! It is my dream to sign a contract with a modeling agency in Asia.
TUPB: You've been very successful in both modeling and in pageants. What do you like most about each?
MV: In modeling I can be creative, show personality on each photoshoot, and wear amazing creations by many designers. As Miss Croatia, I can inspire young girls to go after their dreams and give back to the community. It's hard to choose only one; both of them shaped me as a woman actually.
TUPB: Which do you think is more competitive in your country - Modeling or pageants?
MV: I believe modeling, because the market is really small and we see over 200 models on every casting while only a few get a job. When it comes to pageants, usually we choose between 10-15 girls every year only. Modeling is more popular, I believe. But I would like to inspire upcoming girls to do both!
TUPB: How has working as a model shaped your pageant experience? And conversely - How has competing in pageants shaped you as a model?
MV: The experience of being in pageantry has taught me one of the most important things I have learned in life: Consistency — How I can accept every failure as a chance to improve on myself. Modeling has given me both the discipline of how to express myself and be professional on every set. There are some of the [shoots] that even take a period of 12 hours; it becomes tiresome. But staying motivated is the key to success. That is my dream, my goal, and I’m ready to work much harder to be a successful model and beauty queen.
TUPB: It's always fascinated me that many pageant contestants gravitate to the field of law and aspire to many types of legal careers. What was it that led you to study law, and where do you think it will lead you in the future?
MV: I believe that education is the key to every [successful] woman. My mother always told me: 'People can take everything from you, but they can never take your knowledge.' I know my goals, and I can always bring up the inner motivation to get to a better place a few years from now. Modeling is my first love, but Law and Economics are my second loves.
TUPB: What are your immediate aspirations, like in the next five years?
MV: Currently I am finishing my Bachelors degree, so I see myself continuing to study and getting a Masters. I also want to keep up my modeling career.
TUPB: What about long term; where do you see yourself in 10 years?
MV: In 10 years, I see myself as a successful model, business woman, and maybe real estate agent or politician. I have an interest in many fields. But I believe God has a plan for each one of us, so we will see. I want to enjoy every moment in this process.
TUPB: Other than all these things we've talked about that probably keep you very, very busy, do you have a platform or community initiative that you are actively working on?
MV: I am currently working on my fashion blog! The idea is to inspire people to use organic cosmetics which protects our nature and not to be ashamed of their style, appearance or anything else. Be unique, be yourself! I would love to help animals in the future and I am looking forward to building a community of my own for that.
TUPB: Do you have any advice for young people who are considering getting into the field of modeling, or competing in a pageant?
MV: I would tell them to never give up. This industry takes a lot more than just a pretty face. You have to put in 100% of yourself to get results. Sometimes it really does take a few years to finally achieve some success and recognition, but it shall be worth it. Be patient, improve your presentation, and walk every day and don’t be afraid to be different!
Follow Miss Beauty of the World Croatia, Marija Vukasina on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marijavukasina/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marijavukasina/
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