Olga Velskaya, model, editor, and TV presenter, shares her journey from a childhood dream of becoming a dancer to conquering the worlds of modeling and television. Discover her experiences, challenges, and the invaluable lessons she’s learned along the way.
Harper’s Bazaar (HBZVN): Olga, you have an impressive track record. You are a model, journalist, TV presenter, CMS in artistic gymnastics, assistant to the illusionist Evgeny Kaverzin, participating in the show ballet of Ursula Berg. You recently starred in the music video for the artist Almal’s song “Ranevskaya”. What was so special about this work?
OLGA VELSKAYA: I have experienced different jobs, but they were all creative. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a professional dancer, but later I decided to pursue a career in journalism and television. I have always been passionate about what I do. However, I especially want to mention my last project, where I tried my hand at acting, playing the sister of the popular young singer Akmal in his music video. It was very exciting, and everything turned out well.
HBZVN: Tell us about your modeling career!
OLGA VELSKAYA: I first tried modeling at the age of 17. At that time, I was already working as a dancer in the show ballet of Ursula Berg. At one of the events, a photographer noticed me and offered to collaborate. There were several shoots, and then we did more. Of course, I am proud to have been featured in Harper’s Bazaar – such a famous magazine.
HBZVN: What is the most valuable thing you learned from your studies at the Olga Spirkina School of Television at Ostankino? Did you have a fear of the camera, and if so, what helped you overcome it?
OLGA VELSKAYA: I was so afraid of the camera that my hands would shake, I would break out in spots, and my complexion would change like a chameleon. It sounds funny now, but at the time it was very stressful for me. However, the more I worked on camera, the more confident I became.
Studying at Olga Spirkina’s Ostankino Television School helped me open the door to the wonderful world of television. I had to work a lot on myself—on my voice, diction, gestures—and I still practice individually. To become a true professional, you need to put in a tremendous amount of work on yourself.
HBZVN: You successfully work on the channels “Friday” and “Music Box” as a TV presenter. How do you choose programs, and do you participate in their creation as an editor?
OLGA VELSKAYA: Yes, I participate in the creation of the programs, writing and editing the text for each episode. It’s very exciting. I am also developing my own YouTube channel, where I talk about famous personalities who inspire me. On my Instagram, I showcase my work and share my travels. The most important message I want to convey to my followers is that everything you imagine can be real.
HBZVN: Can you describe your beauty routine? How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle?
OLGA VELSKAYA: I pay a lot of attention to my appearance. I stay active with sports like padel, equestrianism, gymnastics, and running. If I can’t go to the gym, I train at home. Following a daily routine and trying to go to bed early, ideally before 11 PM, are important. I visit a cosmetologist once a week and do home care treatments. Have two meals a day. Avoid gluten and alcohol. But I allow myself occasional treats like pasta.
I believe in balance. My style is conservative and classic. I prefer timeless looks over trendy fashion.
HBZVN: What are your future career aspirations and how do you plan to achieve them?
OLGA VELSKAYA: Regarding my career, I have many plans, but I prefer to show my achievements rather than talk about them. My dream is to have my own program on a federal channel. I believe that with determination, anything is possible. The main thing is to believe in your dreams and work towards them.
Model: Olga Velskaia @olgavelskaia13.
Photographer: Kristina Snegireva @krissnegireva.
Makeup: Maria @aria_visage.
PR: @multi_publications.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
