Model Inga Wismer.
Inga Wismer to the U.S in 2000 with her first husband, whom she married at the age of 18. Life has not been an easy path for Inga. She went to college and graduated with a degree in Biochemistry from Kean University in New Jersey, then she was accepted into graduate school at the University of Hawaii. Sadly, she had to give up that opportunity as she found herself pregnant and alone after her husband left her.
Blue dress, Bebe. Silver shoes, Ann Klein.
She was re-married in 2008 and had one more child. The son was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism (Asperger’s Syndrome). She was working full-time while caring for her father and her children. Unfortunately, her father passed away, leaving her with a broken heart. Her mother was living in Russia, suffering from complex trauma. When Inga came to visit her, she didn’t let Inga in. She didn’t reply to any letters, and disconnected her phone totally. A few years later, she took her own life.
Finally, Inga had to make a choice between living a miserable existence or thriving. She decided to go for her master’s degree in psychology. “I wanted to help people like my mom and myself by understanding how to heal from complex trauma. This program helped me a lot.” Graduated during the pandemic in 2020. Inga opened a private practice and specialize in trauma. “I was able to support my clients when we all struggled collectively with fear and uncertainty.”
Inga’s decision to pursue a career in psychology was natural. Her own experiences of loss and trauma have given her a unique perspective and empathy for others. Physical fitness and healthy living has also been an important part of her journey of healing and growth. She said, “I run daily and eat a healthy diet. I am now competing in half-marathons and hope to run a full marathon by fall.”
She moved into a new house and made new friends. Her acne miraculously healed. She overcame her severe fear of flying and forced herself to get on the plane. She has been to Turkey, California, Russia, Dubai and England in the last two years. “The more I was flying, the easier it became. I even took some flying lessons which helped me to understand how the airplane works.”
Another important aspect of Inga’s journey of healing and growth has been her decision to pursue modeling. In her 20’s, she was told that she was too short to model, being 5’7”. However, Inga decided to pursue modeling after turning 40. She is now represented by OMAC modeling agency and has walked in New York Fashion Week, Dubai Fashion Week. She planned to walk in London Fashion Week next February.
Orange jumpsuit, Neemz Brook.
Inga Wismer has not only found a creative outlet that makes her happy but has also inspired her children to follow their own dreams. Starting modeling was a journey of self-love, self- discovery, and investment in herself. It is also a statement that we all can heal from the most profound trauma. She told us at the end of the conversation, “As my father was dying, his last words to me were ‘splendid shards’. I didn’t understand their meaning at the time. Now I see that he referred to me as being broken yet brilliant. He knew that I will find my passion, reach my full potential, and as a result will help many people reach theirs by helping them to find their confidence again after whoever or whatever took it away.”
