In January of 2023, junior Darya “Dasha” Ilnytska, had an unexpected encounter with a recruit who had given her a modeling business card.
Unlike people in most careers, Ilnytska did not start out slow. Starting with a bang, Ilnytska’s first show was Los Angeles Fashion Week (LAFW) where she worked with big designers such as Kenneth Barlis who has designed for Cardi B.
However, modeling isn’t all fun and games. There are plenty of downsides, such as the competitive nature of the industry. “It’s super competitive, there’s a ton of processes that you have to go through… and sometimes the environments are a bit toxic and it’s very tiring,” Ilnytska said. Models also have to compete to be given a job. “Some months I get a good amount of jobs, and other times I don’t. It’s very unpredictable,” Ilnytska said.
But there are also plenty of upsides, like the friendships that can be made in the industry and the plenty of people you can meet.
“I love meeting new people and working with designers,” Ilnytska said.
Although there is the possible benefit of being paid well, making a career out of modeling is very difficult, but a good hobby for Ilnytska.
“As a hobby, unless I end up being able to make a living out of it,” Ilnytska said.
Ilnytska’s jobs aren’t just fashion shows, she is featured in numerous photoshoots, advertisements, and even magazines. Most recently she was featured in a magazine called American Modeling Aficionado (AMA), and for a jewelry brand called Silma, where she did advertising photo shoots for the company.
Her success doesn’t end there, she has one upcoming show: San Diego Fashion Week (SDFW) in October.
