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Despite the stigmas that surround the modeling industry, the reality is, modeling is not for the weak. As models are often competing against hundreds of girls for a single New York City casting call, to be in this industry, many are aware of how cutthroat it truly can be. And though for some, the industry has proven too difficult to stomach, for up-and-coming model Aga Wojtasik, the challenges that the industry has thrown at her have been what has poised and positioned her for success. Now with more than seven years of experience, she looks back at her formative years as a model with gratitude for the challenges and trials she endured, as they are what has helped her blossom into the rising fashion model that she is now being recognized as.

During her early modelling years, Wojtasik was fortunate enough to be able to work with premier, industry leading designers like Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Issey Miyake, French Connection, Uniqlo. From these experiences, the young model recognized the qualities and traits that these elite clients look for in models. It was then that Wojtasik began to develop a subtle, yet effective technique that she practices while on set for photoshoots. Using a series of fluid and elegant movements before the camera, the model was able to perform flawlessly for photographers to ultimately deliver the content they desired to capture.

“I quickly realized how important attitude and energy are on set,” Wojtasik says. “People love to work with people they like, so many times, my personality and simply being nice to everyone helped me rebook jobs.”

With this invaluable skillset, Wojtasik has since gone on to procure clients like Calvin Klein, LaQuan Smith, Rebecca Minkoff, Derek Lam, Pat McGrath, Anthropologie, Opening Ceremony, and Urban Outfitters in New York City. Possessing an undeniable energy, she has managed to gain the attention of casting directors and photographers all over the world. Still, the industry remains competitive as ever, though she doesn’t let it affect her mental well-being. Confident in her own identity and value, Wojtasik sees the challenge as an opportunity to aspire to even greater jobs and experiences.

“I have learned how to take and respect criticism when it is constructive,” Wojtasik says. “It makes me a better model. However, some people’s opinions are not worth a second thought, and I have recognized how to differentiate the two, and ultimately this has made me very aware of my self-worth. I think a lot of models lose their sense of it, and their self-esteem drops. I am aware of who I am and what I stand for, and this has helped me maintain ground in the industry.”

To learn more about Aga, follow her on Instagram.

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