Meet Julia Sztuczkowska | Fashion Model, Sailor & Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julia Sztuczkowska and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julia, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
It may sound cheesy, but love was always my biggest value in every aspect of life. It was not only about being with the loved ones, but also doing what gives me joy. I think it all started when I was a little child. My dad was telling me every single morning before going to kindergarten, that the most important thing in life is to have love in your heart and loving every human. It got stuck with me, I think. My biggest dream was always to get married. I have never really worried, who I will become or where I will live, as long as I had someone who I love and I can marry one day. While growing up, I started being picky with people, as I experienced a lot of toxic relations and situations. I decided, that from now I’m only choosing those, who makes my hear melt. That’s when I noticed, how love is important in my life. How much I needed the right people who will give me that love and vice versa. I finally had enough time to focus on myself and practice self-love.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was always really fascinated about modelling, and even though I was receiving positive responses from the agencies, the question “how tall are you?” was always ruining my dreams, as I was never tall enough for this job. I think it was just luck when it comes to my story. I started posting pictures on Instagram. At the beginning it was more like an influencer kinda thing, as I was getting free stuff from many cool brands in exchange for a picture or two, but it wasn’t modelling. I got a few times an invitation for photoshoots from aspiring photographers in my hometown area… The situation which changed everything for me, was when I got a message from Offend Swimwear, a bikini brand from London, who asked, if I would like to model for them, as we had a very similar aesthetic. I said yes and got a whole collection of bikinis from them for the photoshoot. That’s also when my pictures were published for the first time and I could be seen not only on their Instagram and Facebook page, but also on their website. We became friends with the owner, as we both had the same sense of fashion and I got invited for a few day photoshoot to Greece, which opened me to new opportunities and people, and showed me the behind the scenes of being a model. I’m still growing and it still takes time, but with more experience it’s just easier to accept certain situations and don’t be scared of taking risks.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As I’m a student at the university of Split in Croatia, I would take my best friend for a week long sailing tip around all the islands. It’s one of my biggest passions and makes me feel free. Whenever I go sailing, I always sleep on the boat and visit new places. Every night I stay at different marina, try the local food and swim in the ocean. It really clears my mind. My favourite island, which is always a must when I go sailing is Korcula Island. The city is small, but that’s what makes it so special. We would go eat spaghetti vongole, drink white wine and listen to live music. What I also love about Croatia, and what makes it really hard to stay in shape, are their bakeries. Chocolate croissant is always a must for breakfast. One last stop before going to the next island, which is always a must when I visit the Krocula Island, is Blanc du Nil, my favourite shop with white, linen clothes, which are perfect for those long days on a boat.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank my parents and sister, who have always been there for me with a full support system. My boyfriend, who was always jumping in with the new ideas and encouraging me to take risks and opportunities, and all the brands I worked with, who saw in me the potential.

Instagram: @juliasztuczkowska

Facebook: Julia Sztuczkowska