Interview with Daniel Jeliński
We're starting a new series where we interview admirable, talented and creative human beings. We send them open-ended questions allowing them to select which ones to answer - in search of insight and depth in who they are as a person: their story, beliefs and ambitions.
Let us introduce you to Daniel, our first interviewee.
Who are you?
I am a 23 year old bartender from Poland. I’m trying to become a model. I’ve always been interested in the fashion industry so this is something I really want to pursuit. I also graduated an art high school and love drawing.
How would you describe yourself?
I am a creative person, always on the move, doing new things and meeting new people. I’m trying to be an optimist and yet I often complain… maybe because of the place I come from haha.
Growing up in Poland was rough at times. I was bullied a lot during school for trying to be myself. Trying to conform made me afraid of seizing opportunities I had, even in Norway.
When I was asked to model the dress for Envelope1976, I realized how much I’d grown since being a scared boy from a small village in Poland. I knew I’d be able to wear anything without being judged. That was the feeling I’d been searching for all my life.
People started admiring me, instead of hating. I was thankful for being where I was, and how far I’d come.
I think I need to work on not being so critical of myself. I also think I need to try and find my own niche in the industry. I would love to be innovative in some way, not just choose the safe and easyroad.
I would like to be able to truly express myself by the things that I do.
My ultimate dream would be to bring my modeling-career outside of Norway's borders.
I’d love to work for Yves Saint Laurent.
Anja Rubik, who is also Polish, has been working for them for as long as I can remember, she’s a huge inspiration. Watching her journey as a kid gave me confidence that I might succeed as a model as well.
I love being on the runway.
I can still remember the first walk I did. I was told I just had to stand still in Envelope’s store and look good but then Celine Aagaard informed me that we were doing a show! I was freaking out internally because I didn’t know what to do and how to walk properly.
The moment I first stepped on the small runway, I knew that this was what I wanted to do. The feeling is incredible, the adrenaline coursing through your veins and the people watching your every move is unmatched by anything.
My biggest advice would be to always keep trying if something feels right for you. No matter how hard and time consuming it may be.
Finding your place in the world and the thing you love to do is worth taking the risk. That's my plan for now I will take some risks, and see what is waiting for me out in the world.
