It seems that nothing is impossible for the heroine of our interview. Andrea Piecuch has built a modeling career, is a former Miss Universe Virgin Islands, is a small business owner, and is passionate about jewelry. Not everyone can boast of such a career. We decided to get to know Andrea a little better and asked our digital cover star about her path to success, beauty pageant, inspiration, and her jewelry business.
Hello Andrea, Welcome to ELLE.UA. You are a former Miss Universe Virgin Islands, model and small business owner. Tell us how it is to be the most beautiful woman in the Virgin Islands?
Hi! Thank you so much for having me. Well, it was definitely an honor and a year in my life that I will always cherish because it granted me the opportunity to represent my territory at the highly exclusive Miss Universe pageant where I competed alongside 90 other exceptional women from around the globe. This achievement was the result of unwavering determination, relentless dedication, and numerous personal sacrifices. The experience not only provided me with invaluable memories, lifelong friendships, and extraordinary opportunities but also reinforced the significance of embracing once-in-a-lifetime moments that I will forever hold dear.
Dress, jacket, hat, earrings Chanel
What is the most memorable thing that you remember from a beauty pageant?
I remember all the hard work and training that went into it. Competing in pageants taught me so many valuable life skills. Skills like how to budget my money, how to eat to properly fuel my body, how to carry myself with poise and grace, the art of public speaking, and it taught me more about fashion and how to dress appropriately for a numerous variety of occasions.
Tell us about your model experience. What was your most interesting and hard project?
A project I loved was one we shot in Mexico, and I had to play a young mom which was very new to me! But it was exciting to work with kids on set and feed off of the contagious and fun energy that they bring.
Hat, Chanel; corset, Honey Birdette; pants Honey Birdette, jacket, Chanel, vest, Chanel, gloves, Jessica Bara
What do you like more, beauty pageant modeling or photo modeling and why?
They are very different and I enjoy different aspects of both. In pageants, you need to showcase yourself! But in modeling you get to embody a character or an art form, and it`s always changing depending on the job.
Now you have your own jewelry business. Tell us about it?
Yes! I do! It started as a way to create things that I wish existed, but I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. It is extremely fulfilling to create something tangible out of an idea- and even more rewarding when I see other people wearing and loving my designs.
Bodysuit, skirt, accessories, Chanel
What materials did you use for your jewelry lines?
I`m very inspired by femininity and timeless elegance- with a touch of modern art! Every piece I make starts as a drawing in my sketchbook and I try to keep the quantities limited for each style, so it feels more intimate and personal. I work mostly with gold and whatever gemstones I feel drawn to at the moment.
What is your favorite city to live in?
I currently live in Miami and I love it. I’m a summer girl and I love being close to the ocean and getting to skip out on harsh winters.
Hat, Chanel; corset, Honey Birdette; pants Honey Birdette, jacket, Chanel, vest, Chanel, gloves, Jessica Bara
You also worked like a flight attendant for Emirates Airlines, tell us about your experience?
Working as a flight attendant based in the Middle East allowed me the opportunity to travel to over 80 countries and become conversationally fluent in 5 languages. I`ve met so many people from all walks of life, cultures, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, and I’ve learned how to engage and connect with all of them. It also taught me that a smile is universal.
What inspires you mostly?
My family is my biggest source of inspiration. My father used to always tell me that the worst feeling in the world would be to look in the mirror one day and think to myself that I could have achieved more. It is this driving force that is constantly motivating me to try new things and to overcome any obstacle in my way. The unwavering love and support of my parents has been the biggest contributing factor to my success.
Bodysuit, skirt, accessories, Chanel
Tell us about your passion for music.
Music has always held a special place in my heart, and playing the piano has been a significant part of my life for as long as I can remember. I find solace and creative expression through playing and in my spare time, I devote hours to honing my skills, exploring various musical genres, and mastering intricate pieces.
What would you like to wish for our readers?
I hope that if you are reading this, you feel inspired to pursue your dreams and your unique gifts to obtain whatever goals you have set for yourself! And I hope that you always remember where you came from and stay grounded in gratitude as you reach your every success.
Hat, Chanel; corset, Honey Birdette; pants Honey Birdette, jacket, Chanel, vest, Chanel, gloves, Jessica Bara
Team:
Model: Andrea Piecuch
Photographer: Olly Vento
Stylist: Christina Barron
Make up: Iuliana Burdiogova
Videographer: Marc Zuric
PR: Mariia Borovenska
