From Milan to Paris, Seoul to Cape Town, Paula has walked runways and starred in campaigns for fashion’s most iconic houses, including Valentino, Dior, and Diesel. Her editorials capture elegance, emotion, and bold sophistication, establishing her as a true global muse. Our conversation with Paula explores freedom, transformation, and the beauty of a life lived between movement and meaning.
Paula, you’ve worked in so many countries — from Europe to Asia and Africa. What are some daily habits or routines that help you stay balanced and centered while constantly traveling?
When you travel as much as I do, you realize how much balance depends on small things — good sleep, eating clean, staying hydrated, calling loved ones, or taking a walk instead of scrolling. I’m not perfect with routines, but I always try to find something familiar in every place. Being present in the moment is very important to me. Sometimes it’s a cup of matcha, sometimes it’s my favorite playlist — these tiny anchors help me feel at home wherever I go.
Mentally, I treat travel as a constant source of inspiration. Discovering new cultures gives me energy — it reminds me how much beauty there is in the world. I get lost in small moments — a smile, a scent, the light of a new city — and that curiosity keeps me grounded and full of life.
Modeling often means adapting quickly to new teams, time zones, and cultures. How do you prepare yourself mentally and physically before starting work in a new place?
Before I start working in a new place, I prepare myself more mentally than physically. The physical part comes naturally — I take care of my body every day through healthy habits — but the mental side really matters when you step into a new environment.
Before a new contract, I usually research the country and make a list of places I want to see — nature spots, museums, hidden corners. For me, the most beautiful part of modeling is discovering the world in between — seeing, feeling, and learning something new wherever I go.
Every country, every team, every project has its own rhythm. I never expect things to be the same as before — I stay open. That openness helps me adapt fast and connect with people.
After years in front of the camera, you’ve started studying hypnotherapy. How do you manage your time between modeling jobs, studies, and personal life?
Balancing modeling, studies, and personal life isn’t always straightforward, but I’ve learned to follow my own rhythm. I’m not the type to wake up early to study — I’m a night owl, and I do my best learning in the evenings, cozy in bed, fully focused.
When I’m working, I give all my energy to the job. Free days are for psychology, hypnotherapy, reading, and personal growth — moments when I can focus deeply and absorb everything without distractions. For me, balance isn’t about strict schedules; it’s about listening to myself and making time for what truly fuels me. That approach keeps me curious, energized, and fully engaged in both work and personal development.
You’ve experienced both the creative and business sides of fashion. What practical advice would you give young models about building a sustainable career in this industry?
The fashion industry can be both magical and challenging. My advice to beginner models is to stay true to yourself and your values — it’s easy to get lost trying to please everyone or fit into someone else’s idea of success.
Take time to understand the business side, but don’t let it overshadow the creative joy that brought you here. Protect your energy, set boundaries, and be patient — a sustainable career doesn’t happen overnight.
Small habits, discipline, a positive approach, and consistency matter more than luck. And above all, enjoy the journey, because every shoot, every city, and every team teaches you something new — if you stay curious and open, the industry becomes a place of growth, not just work.
Living abroad for almost a decade must have come with challenges. How do you handle loneliness or homesickness when you’re far from family and friends?
I wouldn’t say I get homesick — for me, it’s more like being travel-sick. In every place I visit, I leave a little piece of my heart behind. Friends, landscapes, and moments — they all stay with me, shaping how I see the world.
My family has visited me a few times in Asia, which made those places even more special. Traveling has taught me that life isn’t about a single home, but about the connections and memories we carry — the pieces of ourselves we leave along the way.
You mentioned that each culture taught you something different. Is there a particular lesson or mindset from Asia that you’ve carried with you ever since?
India had a huge impact on me — it was one of the places that truly changed my perspective. I saw so many contrasts, faced difficult situations, and learned to stay calm in the middle of chaos. It taught me strength, humility, and deep gratitude.
Thailand, on the other hand, felt like heaven on earth. The people there radiate kindness and peace — they taught me to slow down, to appreciate the smallest things, to smile more.
I’ve lived in very different worlds — from poor neighborhoods to the most luxurious places — and both taught me equally important lessons. Traveling made me realize that there’s no single “right” way to live or think. When you look beyond differences, you see that we all want the same things — love, connection, meaning. We may come from different worlds, but deep down, we are one.
You’ve built an international career and now a new professional path. What are your next goals — both in modeling and in your personal development journey?
I don’t really follow paths — I chase moments that surprise me. In modeling, that means shoots that make people stop and feel something — stories told through images, not just pictures. I love living in new cities, soaking up their culture, and really understanding them. I’ve done it before, and I’m already planning my next adventure.
In life, I follow what moves me — what challenges me and makes me feel alive. I’m fascinated by the mind, emotions, and human growth. My goal is to keep learning about myself and others — to live fully, curiously, and fearlessly. Always one step ahead of predictability, following happiness.
CREDIT TEAMS:
Model: Paula Starosielec @pauka_official
Photographer: Maciej Gas @maciejgas_photographer, www.maciejgas.art
MUA & Hair: www.facebook.com/malwina.makeup
Designer: Grazyna Pander-Kokoszka @g_style_atelier
Producer: @say__media
