2013 was the year I began my exit from the modeling industry.
I started as a bikini and fitness model really late, at the age of 27, right after a very difficult divorce that left my self-esteem in shambles.
So when a modeling opportunity rushed into my life and just a couple of months after taking my very first professional photos, I’ve found myself on the international competition stage in front of hundreds of people, I knew it was part of my destiny unfolding.
I didn’t even know how to do those quarter turns in front of the judges.
My competition suit was from Target, that cost around $30, my shoes didn’t really match with it and I was just hoping it wouldn’t be that noticeable far from the stage.
I didn’t feel I fit in with other girls who’ve been modeling for years.
In spite of all of the above, Life has taught me to never let any insecurities stop me from saying yes to an opportunity to be courageous.
The way to get my self-esteem out of those post divorce shambles was to BELIEVE in myself again enough to say yes to the next chapter even when I didn’t feel fully ready for it.
Because you know what?
You never going to feel fully ready.
Your next big life’s opportunity rushes to your door and you think, “oh gee, can’t it come next month when I have all my ducks in order?! I am not readddddy…”
And Life says, nope.
This is your only chance.
Take it as it is or I’ll offer it to another, more courageous heart.
Fast forward a few years.
Modeling taught me SO much.
Discipline.
Confidence.
Courage.
Self-love.
And little did I know then, how much it was preparing me for my next chapter: entrepreneurship.
In no other industry have I heard NO that much.
“No, you are the wrong size.”
“No, your nose has a large scar and we don’t want to bother covering it up.”
“No, your portfolio is weak.”
And …it’s in the LAND Of NO’s, I’ve found my YES’s.
I just kept walking with my head held high and trusting that yesss’s will come too, my job is to train and be ready for that YES.
And YES’s came and a lot of them…
And the next few years, I’ve traveled the world for many different amazing modeling gigs.
I could of labeled those NO’s as rejection and began comparing myself to other girls, giving up on the entire industry…
Instead, what looked like rejection was the training ground for my chapter of entrepreneurship;
Training in determination, resilience, grit, audacity, and courage.
So when I reached the glass ceiling in modeling because my mind was not stimulated enough and I was ready to apply my mind instead of just physical looks, I was ready for the next chapter.
I still had no idea of the training that was required of me to EARN the right to even call myself an entrepreneur…
…and I was willing to walk through the land of NO’s as much as needed to eventually find my YES.
What I know for sure:
No one owes me anything.
Nada.
Nothing.
What a freedom to know:
It is always up to me to exercise my courage or to shrink into fear.
I choose courage.
Only I get to do that.
Life will rarely bring big opportunities twice.
My job is to be disciplined every day to be ready.
This is what I believe in.
A lifelong commitment to mastery, courage, and audacity to hear NO’s on your way to YES.
Katerina Satori
Sovereignty Mentor
