Renowned model and actress Zarina Yeva grew up in the small town of Taraz in Kazakstan. Through determination and valuable teachings from her mother and grandmother, Yeva was able to turn her small town dreams into success.
In the Q&A below, Yeva tells Spotlight about her journey from Kazakhstan to making it big in major cities such as Los Angeles and New York!
You grew up in a small town in Kazakhstan and are now a globally recognized model and actress. How did your upbringing influence your current career path?
I was born in the small town of Taraz, Kazakhstan, which has a population of 200,000—fewer than the number of followers I have on Instagram. My childhood was filled with joy and surrounded by boundless love. When I was just one year old, my parents divorced, leaving my mom to work tirelessly to support us. While she was away, my grandparents, the kindest and most caring people, looked after me.
Both my mom and grandma are strong women who have profoundly influenced my life. They taught me the values of positivity, integrity, and perseverance. My grandmother, in particular, instilled in me the importance of treating others with dignity and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. She helped me realize my true potential and never to take ‘no’ for an answer. Her teachings have empowered me, guiding me to never give up and to approach life with unwavering determination.
You now live between Los Angeles and New York. What was it like moving from a small town to these huge cities?
Moving from a small town to massive cities like Los Angeles and New York was quite an adventure. Growing up in a tight-knit community, I was used to a slower pace and a close sense of familiarity. In contrast, Los Angeles and New York are bustling, with their own unique energy and rhythm. Adjusting to the fast-paced life, constant noise, and sheer size of these cities took some time. However, I found it thrilling to be in places where there’s always something happening, and where opportunities are boundless.
The cultural diversity and vibrancy were also refreshing. It’s amazing to see so many different people, cultures, and lifestyles coexisting. While I miss the warmth and simplicity of my hometown, the move has been a growth experience. It’s allowed me to expand my horizons, meet incredible people, and pursue dreams that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. The contrast between where I came from and where I am now helps me appreciate both worlds in different ways.
You have graced the covers of some of the top publications in the world, walked catwalks for esteemed fashion brands, and appeared in numerous films. What has been the most rewarding moment of your career thus far? Why?
One of the most rewarding moments of my career happened when I received a letter from a young girl who said she admired my work and looked up to me. She shared how she was inspired by my journey and how it gave her the courage to pursue her own dreams. The letter was heartfelt and genuine, and she mentioned that her dream was to meet me in person one day. I was deeply moved by her words. It was a reminder of the impact we can have on others without even realizing it. Knowing that my journey has touched someone else’s life and given them hope was incredibly humbling.
It wasn’t about the magazine covers, the runway shows, or the movie premieres; it was about connecting with people and inspiring them to believe in themselves. I was fortunate enough to arrange a meeting with her during one of my public events. When we met, her eyes lit up with excitement, and we had a wonderful conversation. I could see how much it meant to her, and it was a moment I will never forget. It reinforced my commitment to using my platform to encourage others, especially young girls, to dream big and never give up.
You received the “Best Fashion Model of the Year” at the Influencer Awards back in December of 2023. What does this award mean to you?
Receiving the “Best Fashion Model of the Year” award at the Influencer Awards in December 2023 was an incredible honor and a significant milestone in my career. This award is more than just recognition; it’s a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that I’ve poured into my journey in the fashion industry.
To me, this award represents the collective effort of everyone who has supported and believed in me—my family, friends, mentors, and fans. It’s also a reflection of the progress and evolution within the fashion world, where diversity and inclusion are gaining more traction. Being acknowledged in this way motivates me to continue pushing boundaries and challenging norms.
You have a following of 1.5M on Instagram. Did you ever dream of having a following like this? How does it feel?
I never imagined I’d have a following of 1.5 million people on Instagram—it feels surreal and humbling. When I started sharing my journey, I was just hoping to connect with like-minded people and maybe inspire a few along the way. To have this kind of reach and impact is beyond anything I could have dreamed of. It’s amazing to know that so many people are interested in my story, my work, and my thoughts. It gives me a sense of responsibility to use my platform in a positive way, to inspire, educate, and bring joy to my followers.
At the same time, it’s a little overwhelming because I know that so many eyes are on me, and I want to be authentic and true to myself. The best part is the connection with people from all over the world. I love reading their messages, seeing their comments, and knowing that we’re building a community together.
It’s a constant reminder that we’re all connected in some way, sharing our experiences and learning from each other. Overall, it feels like an incredible opportunity, and I’m grateful for every single person who has chosen to follow me. It motivates me to keep growing, learning, and finding new ways to engage with my followers.
What is your dream role to play? Why?
My dream role would be to play a powerful woman superhero in a film. I’d love to portray a character who embodies strength, intelligence, and compassion while breaking traditional stereotypes about what a superhero should look like or how she should act. This kind of role has the potential to inspire and empower women and girls around the world. Playing a woman superhero would allow me to show that courage and heroism come in many forms and that women can be just as strong and impactful as their male counterparts.
It’s not just about the superpowers or the action scenes; it’s about representing resilience, leadership, and the ability to overcome obstacles with grace and determination. This role would also be an opportunity to inspire young girls to embrace their own inner strength and realize that they, too, can be heroes in their own lives. Whether they’re standing up for themselves, fighting for justice, or supporting their communities, every woman has the potential to make a difference. By playing a woman superhero, I’d hope to encourage more women and girls to believe in their own power and capabilities.
Who is your biggest inspiration in the modeling industry?
Naomi Campbell has been my biggest inspiration in the modeling industry. She is a powerhouse of talent, elegance, and resilience. From the moment she stepped onto the scene, Naomi has pushed boundaries and redefined what it means to be a supermodel. Her unique presence and charisma have made her an iconic figure, but what truly sets her apart is her authenticity. Despite the challenges she’s faced throughout her career, Naomi has remained true to herself. She’s not afraid to speak out about important issues and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry.
Naomi has been a trailblazer for models of color, paving the way for greater representation and opening doors for others. Her work ethic and drive are truly inspiring. Naomi continues to stay relevant and at the top of her game, demonstrating that success in the modeling world is about more than just looks—it’s about passion, dedication, and a strong sense of self. She balances glamour with a grounded attitude, which is why so many people admire her. I admire her strength, authenticity, and the way she inspires others to embrace their own power.
What’s next for you? Are there any exciting projects coming up?
I have so many exciting projects coming up that I can’t share details about just yet. But I can tell you that I’m thrilled about what’s on the horizon. There’s a lot of creativity and hard work going into these upcoming ventures, and I can’t wait to share them with you when the time is right.
I’m involved in a mix of fashion, film, and possibly some new avenues I haven’t explored before. It’s all under wraps for now, but it’s an exciting time, and I’m really looking forward to revealing what’s next. Stay tuned, because I think you’ll be just as excited as I am when you see what’s in store!
