FIV | Magazine

Designer, vintage bags and being a mom: an interview with Olesja Schalnich

Trainee — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 02:00:36 +0000

No woman can have enough handbags in her closet, can she? Whether it’s Louis Vuitton, Chanel or Prada, no matter how many bags you have, a new addition to your collection is always warmly welcomed! But if you opt for the expensive luxury designer, then it should also be practical – after all, you’re investing quite a bit of money. This is exactly how bag lover Olesja Schalnich sees it, she told us in the following interview. In the following interview, you can find out what you can find in the bag clutter and whether you should also buy a handbag organizer to keep order in the bag chaos.

Looks, Hair, Beauty and Books!

She showcases her timeless style and passion for lifestyle, beauty and fashion on Instagram and YouTube. The fashion-conscious YouTuber has been sharing fashion hacks with her followers for over 10 years, starting with hair tutorials and make-up, she shares everything to do with lifestyle, whether vlogs from her vacations, updates on her book collection or her annual perfume favorites. She tells us about special treasures in her bag range and her opinion on vintage designers and funny bag finds as a mom.

Louis Vuitton as the first expensive handbag

FIV: Nice to chat with you Olesja! You have a certain love for your handbags, is there one that is particularly close to your heart?

Olesja: I treasure my very first Louis Vuitton handbag the most. I watched it on Pinterest and all kinds of social media platforms for a very long time. I really wanted it because I thought it was really beautiful and it was a goal for me to be able to treat myself to this handbag one day.

When it actually happened, I was very proud. Even though I’m no longer the biggest fan of the brand, the bag is very special to me. Another bag that is close to my heart is the Chanel bag (my only one so far). This one is also very special because it was also an investment and because a Chanel handbag is simply something special. And because I consider the brand to be very high up among all the top designers.

This bag just looks perfect on me. I can really identify with it and I’m very proud of how far I’ve come to be able to afford a bag like this.

Vintage bags – sustainable designer shopping

FIV: Would vintage designer handbags also be an option for you?

Olesja: In theory, I think it’s very, very good. The sustainability aspect behind it is wonderful. I’m very much in favor of it and think it’s great. It doesn’t age classic fashion. It always looks beautiful & is always in demand. The older the fashion is, the more it is appreciated.

Vintage is currently out of the question for me. I haven’t acquired a taste for it yet. Maybe that will change one day. I’m currently buying new bags so that I’m the first owner of the bag. That simply has a special meaning for me.

As a mom, diapers sometimes hide in the handbag

FIV: Have you ever found anything unexpected or curious in your handbag?

Olesja: I’m a very tidy person and always know what’s in my handbag. I’m very minimalist and like to have an overview of everything.

However, as I had to transport pancakes somehow and only had my handbag available, I had to carry them in it. It was very funny because it didn’t fit together at all.

And even as a young mom, I occasionally had to take a fresh diaper with me. Then it can also happen that a fresh and used diaper turns up in a fancy handbag.

A backpack just doesn’t suit my style

FIV: As a mom, the perfect handbag also has to be very practical – do you prioritize functionality or aesthetics?

Olesja: Definitely functionality, because that’s my disposition too. I’m more the practical type … my star sign is Virgo. I just love order & structure and that things are practical & useful. That’s why I value functionality, but I think that goes hand in hand with aesthetics.

For me, for example, a backpack is out of the question because it doesn’t suit my style. Of course, the backpack is a 10/10 in terms of functionality, but it doesn’t suit me. That’s why aesthetics take precedence over functionality.

I first choose a bag for its aesthetics and then check its functionality before deciding whether to buy it or not.

Handbag organizer for a good overview

I think handbag organizers are really good

FIV: Most bags don’t have as many compartments as backpacks, so it’s easy to lose track – there are now handbag organizers, what do you think of them?

Olesja: If you carry particularly large bags, I find this very helpful. Especially if you carry and organize half your life in your bag, it’s just a wonderful idea. I think you can recommend it to everyone.

Most large handbags are cut in such a way that they only have a large interior. You look inside and everything piles up on top of each other, which is why I think the organizers are really good.

I usually tend to carry smaller bags and, as I mentioned at the beginning, I always have a good overview of my contents and that’s why there’s no mess. But I’m not averse to it in itself.

Simple or eye-catching? Both are possible!

FIV: Do you prefer a plain black dress or a striking design?

Olesja: I’m a more classic/elegant type of person, so the black bag is an option for me because I can use it more. I would invest more in this bag because I know I will wear it a lot.

But it depends on the person’s individual style. If someone dresses very plain & monochrome, no patterns, then I think this person could dare to wear color & pattern to make the look more exciting.

FIV: So in your opinion, it’s better to wear a black dress if it’s conspicuous?

Olesja: If your closet is very colorful, exciting, with lots of textures and different cuts, then I think it’s important to have very clear, classic handbags that aren’t also exciting to balance out the look. It all depends on your individual style. Having a bit of both is certainly not a bad thing either.

FIV: Thank you for inviting us into your world, Olesja! Your love for luxury handbags and your minimalist interior design style are truly inspiring. See you next time!

Now in FIV Issue #32!

You can also discover the whole interview as well as inspiring fitness stories, travel tips and fashion in the complete magazine!

Read now: FIV Magazine #32

More about bags:

Are you looking for a new luxury bag? Then take a look here to see if there’s something for you!

Luxurious bags for every woman:

Home workouts: stay fit without leaving the house

Trainee — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 16:00:30 +0000

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle isn’t always so easy with a full-time job and other commitments, but summer is just around the corner and we need a convincing, simple solution that can be easily integrated into our everyday lives: Home workouts! The good thing about training within your own four walls is that you can get fit regardless of time and place, you don’t waste any annoying subscriptions and you can follow your routine undisturbed at your own pace. But sometimes you do long for a change of scenery and we spoke to someone who makes exactly that possible. (Photo: Ben Park)

Fitness, fun and vacations with Lena’s Health Lab

With a degree in biology and health management, Lena shows a variety of home workouts every week on her YouTube channel Lena’s Health Lab, including Pilates and barre exercises. What makes her special is that Lena does her workouts in the most beautiful workout locations and not only helps us get a good workout, but also takes us on a mini vacation. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Her aim is to convey to her viewers that sport should not only be effective, but also fun. We had the chance to have a quick chat with her.

Valuable tips for the fitness journey

FIV: Hi Lena, on your YouTube channel you bring the most beautiful workout locations to your viewers’ living rooms and guide them through a variety of fitness workouts. You’ve been doing this for a few years now and are therefore an expert, do you have 3 tips you can give to someone just starting out on their fitness journey?

Lena: 1. don’t take on too much at once. Exercise for 10 minutes a day and see if you want to keep going after that. If not, that’s okay for now. Step by step!

2. find something that you really enjoy. If you have to force yourself to exercise every day, you won’t be happy.

3. celebrate the small successes! Have you managed your first push-up? Congratulations. Be proud of yourself. This is just the beginning of your fitness journey!

FIV: That’s valuable advice that we can take to heart! Tell me, do you also have a secret to success?

Lena: I don’t think it’s really a secret, but I always stay on the ball and adapt my training to how I feel and at the same time to the latest training science.

A sense of achievement and overcoming boundaries

FIV: Have you ever had a moment when you can look back and say it was a real sense of achievement?

Lena: When I performed the “Rocking Balance” exercise accurately for the first time, even though I was convinced that I would never be able to do it, it felt like a triumphant moment that showed me that I could overcome my own limitations and overcome challenges that initially seemed unattainable.

FIV: Overcoming your limits is certainly a challenge, but all the better when it works out. Before you take on such challenges, do you have any kind of routine or something you do before you start?

Lena: I tidy up my living room. I need it to be tidy so that I’m not distracted during Pilates. Once everything is in the right place, I lay down my mat and take off my socks. Then I can get started.

Cheat days, recovery phase and Fleetwood Mac

FIV: Cheat days and cheat meals are always hotly debated among fitness gurus: What’s your take on it, do you think it’s okay to get away with it?

Lena: As long as I can make sure that the majority of my diet consists of healthy and balanced foods and about 80 percent of my meals meet this guideline, I enjoy my favorite foods to the fullest.

FIV: I’m sure many people are now relieved that they don’t have to give up their cheat meal. Besides, the OFF time from training, i.e. recovery, is also an important aspect, isn’t it?

Lena: Very important! But I’m still in the learning process – when do I really need a break and when is it listlessness that I simply have to overcome. Sometimes it’s a fine line!

FIV: We just have one last question for you: What’s your favorite music to listen to in order to get a good workout?

Lena: Fleetwood Mac simply always works.

FIV: Cool, we definitely agree. We don’t want to keep you any longer and wish you continued success on your fitness journey.

Now in FIV Issue #32!

You can also discover the whole interview as well as inspiring fitness stories, travel tips and fashion in the complete magazine!

Read now: FIV Magazine #32

Find out more about Lena here:

Equip yourself perfectly for your next sports session. We’ve put together a list of sports brands that will keep you fit and stylish at the same time:

Sports brands: Women x Men – Fashion from Asics, Under Amour & The North Face

Adventurous on the road: discover the world with these travel tips

Trainee — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 16:00:06 +0000

With so many places to visit and the sheer vastness of our world, many know the burning desire for far-flung adventures all too well. From breathtaking beaches to hidden treasures off the beaten track, there is so much to explore and experience. In fact, you can fulfill your dream of a trip around the world even on a small budget. It doesn’t have to be the expensive 5-star hotel or the vacation resort, the travel costs are ultimately based on your own needs and if you like, you definitely have the opportunity to find bargains. Find out how to find these bargains and where to look in the interview!

On a trip around the world with Yvi and Simon

Yvi and Simon aka Travellovestorys from Düsseldorf have been traveling the world for the past five years. Thailand was their first destination that impressed them so much and triggered more wanderlust. This trip was not just a vacation, but the beginning of a life full of adventure and discovery. The couple have made it their mission to show people on social media how to explore the world on a low budget. In this interview, they tell us about their absolute travel highlights, give us tips on how to save money and tell us about fantastic beaches on the west coast of Australia.

Top travel destinations: From Thailand to Sri Lanka

FIV: Hello you two, by now you’ve visited countless places. Is there a place that you particularly like?

Yvi and Simon: Thailand is our favorite travel destination. On our very first visit in 2019, we fell in love with the fascinating culture, stunning beaches and delicious food. This trip marked the beginning of our shared thirst for adventure and inspired us to plan a trip around the world. Thailand will always have a special place in our hearts as it is the place where our dream of traveling around the world began.

Sri Lanka is another favorite destination for us. Our trip in the summer of 2022 during the economic crisis was unforgettable. Despite the difficult circumstances, we were touched by the friendliness and hospitality of the locals. The diversity of the culture, the delicious food and the untouched nature, from the tea plantations to the national parks, made a deep impression on us. Sri Lanka has taken a special place in our hearts.

Relaxation or adventure?

FIV: Most people tend to explore new places as vacationers during the summer vacations. Can you explain the difference between vacation and rest?

Yvi and Simon: On our trip around the world, we noticed that many people use the terms “vacation” and “travel” interchangeably. However, we define them as follows: “For us, “vacation” means taking time out from everyday life to relax and unwind, often at a fixed location such as a beach resort or spa hotel. The focus is on comfort, rest and leisure, without necessarily paying attention to every euro. In contrast, the term “traveling” implies an active engagement with new places, cultures and experiences. It is less about relaxation and more about discovery and adventure, often with a carefully planned budget to gain lots of experiences.

Overall, it can be said that during a vacation, the focus is often on taking a break and relaxing from everyday life, while traveling is about experiencing and getting to know the world. We have discovered a passion for traveling and are always on the lookout for new adventures, cultures, tastes and impressions. Together we have already traveled to around 50 different countries, including many in Europe as well as far-flung destinations such as Australia, Indonesia and Thailand, but also special destinations such as Hawaii, Jordan, Colombia and Panama.

FIV: How do you prepare for your trips?

Yvi and Simon: Careful planning and organization are essential when preparing for a trip. Once the destination has been decided, we book accommodation, think about how we’re going to get around and check our insurance. When packing our suitcases, we use packing lists and roughly plan what we want to do on each day to save time.

However, as we gain experience, we let ourselves drift much more and are open to new adventures. Sometimes our plans change spontaneously, and that’s okay. We have more useful tips and interesting and important points on our website,
which should be considered when traveling around the world.

Watch out! Saving tip:

FIV: Do you have any insider tips on how to save money on vacation without sacrificing fun and adventure?

Yvi and Simon: There are a few areas where you can save money on your vacation without compromising your experience, for example, you can easily compare prices for flights, accommodation, transportation and activities and save money.

You can compare flights online at “Skyscanner” or “Google Flights”. It’s similar for accommodation. “Booking.com, Airbnb and similar apps are your best friends. Accommodation such as hostels or Airbnb accommodation is usually cheaper. It’s best to take the bus from the airport to the city instead of a cab or Uber.

And if it does have to be a cab or Uber, then share the costs with other passengers or leave the airport if possible, as this saves unnecessary airport fees. You can also save on food by visiting local markets and cooking for yourself instead of going to expensive restaurants.

Paradise beaches and insider tips

FIV: Do you have any recommendations for people who would like to go on vacation to the beach?

Yvi and Simon: We discovered some of the most beautiful beaches on our trip around the world. On the west coast of Australia, we were impressed by Turquoise Bay in Cape Range National Park with its clear waters. Cable Beach in Broome and Reddell Beach offered relaxing backdrops. Lucky Bay around Esperance was named one of the best beaches in the world. In Hawaii, we were fascinated by the black sand beach of Waianapanapa on Maui. However, the beaches in the Philippines were particularly unforgettable during our boat trip from Coron to El Nido. Nacpan Beach on El Nido and Darocotan Island on Palawan attracted visitors from all over the world with their white sand and crystal-clear water.

FIV: Where is a good place for a solitary vacation?

Yvi and Simon: A special tip is Darocotan Island in the Philippines. As already mentioned, white and pristine sandy beaches, pleasantly temperate and cerulean-colored water and a diverse and colorful coral reef await you here. There are few tourist facilities on Darocotan Island, making it an ideal place for travelers looking for peace and nature off the beaten track.

The island offers accommodation in the form of simple huts and campsites, allowing vacationers to experience the beauty and seclusion of this tropical paradise up close – you should pack a good book and plenty of sunscreen. There is also a sunken shipwreck off the island, which can be easily reached from the beach.

This island for relaxation away from tourism

FIV: Do you have a special insider tip for a more unknown place?

Yvi and Simon: We found paradise on earth during our trip – Karimunjawa. This group of islands off the coast of Java is a hidden gem of Indonesia. With turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, it offers untouched beauty.

Unlike overcrowded tourist destinations such as Bali or the Gilis, Karimunjawa remains untouched by the mainstream. Here, visitors can enjoy the peace and serenity of nature while snorkeling, diving or hiking.

The arrival by ferry from Jepara on Java, which takes several hours, ensures that the island is not overrun by mass tourism. This allows travelers to experience the authentic flair of Karimunjawa and explore the untouched nature in peace.

FIV: Which absolute dream destination is still on your bucket list?

Yvi and Simon: Iceland is a dream destination that is right at the top of our bucket list. The breathtaking landscape with its glaciers, numerous waterfalls, endless lava fields and active volcanoes fascinates us beyond belief. The natural spectacle of the Northern Lights, which light up the sky in brilliant colors, is also an experience that you will never forget and should see once.

A visit to Machu Picchu is also high on our bucket list. We want to admire the ancient and impressive ruins of the Incas and see the mysterious history and beautiful landscape with our own eyes. We also want to experience a safari in Africa and see the unique and diverse wildlife.

FIV: Then we hope that you can fulfill this dream very soon. Thank you for your great tips and impressions!

You can find more from Yvi and Simon here:

More about travel, vacations and experiences

Have these wonderful experiences got you into travel fever and want to plan your next trip right away? Here is a list of destinations that might interest you:

Travel XXL: Tips and recommendations worldwide

Home workouts, indoor cycling and healthy living

Trainee — Sat, 15 Jun 2024 02:00:31 +0000

There’s more to a healthy fitness routine than just discipline and stubbornly sticking to it: To stay on the ball in the long term, it is equally important to listen to your body and understand what it needs at any given time. Sometimes this means skipping training and getting moving in other ways, such as a simple walk. Did you know that just 10,000 steps a day burns around 400 calories? If you enjoy a walk more in company, then simply grab your best friend and walk together. Sophie is also up for a long walk, she tells us in the interview

Weight loss & healthy eating with Cycling Sophie

Cycling Sophie is, as the name suggests, an expert when it comes to indoor cycling, and she inspires her viewers with new workouts every week on her YouTube channel. In an interview, the fitness guru gave us an insight into her fitness journey – among other things, she tells us about her weight loss of over 30 kg and tells us what she likes to snack on before a workout. Sophie knows that sport alone doesn’t help you achieve your dream weight, but that there’s more to it than that.

No motivation? No reason for compulsion

FIV: Hi Sophie, you regularly provide us with great workouts on your channel, how do you actually do it on days when you don’t feel like it?

Sophie: If I really don’t feel like exercising at all, I first ask myself whether it’s my head or whether there’s a physical reason. If it’s my head, then I remember the feeling after training, in the shower, and that feeling pushes me for the first 10 minutes and then my endorphins take over and off I go.

However, if there is a physical reason (too little or poor sleep, digestive problems or my period), then I have learned to listen to my body. Instead of forcing myself to do something during training, I take my headphones and go for a long walk, whatever the weather. My health has become extremely important to me. Especially because of my road accident at the beginning of 2018.

Pamela Reif’s snacks: the perfect pre-workout bar

FIV: Do you treat yourself to a small snack before training, if so, what do you eat?

Sophie: Actually the Chunky White Chocolate Oatbar from Pamela and if it’s a short work-out then it’s either a handful of blueberries with almonds or the Crunchy Protein Bar from Pamela.

Exercise alone does not lead to weight loss

FIV: Is there a fitness myth that you would like to debunk?

Sophie: Oh yes, definitely. And that is that sport per se leads to weight loss. I speak from my own experience, having lost almost 30 kilos in my youth. The most important thing that athletes with a specific goal need to consider is that only an adapted diet (and yes, I know this is a huge area and super individual) leads to a loss of fat mass, for example. Muscle mass can also only be built up with an adapted diet. In any case, I recommend professional support if you find it too much for yourself and can no longer see the wood for the trees.

Well-being is more important than weight!

FIV: Fitness 101-Could you summarize 3 valuable tips for our readers to help them reach their goals?

Sophie: The journey is the reward.

Banish your scales. Weight is not as important as your body image and that is not reflected in any number.

Do not expect results overnight.

FIV: After so much experience, you must already have some impressive results. What has been your biggest fitness success so far?

My fitness and my performance have nothing to do with my appearance

Sophie: My first thought was immediately my weight loss in my youth or my cycling races as a member of the German national youth team. But when I think about it again, it’s probably more of an emotional ‘fitness success’. And it’s this: I’ve learned and accepted that my fitness and performance have nothing to do with my appearance. I am super capable and fit, EVEN if my skin isn’t the tightest due to weight loss. It’s been a long road, but self-acceptance is the most emotionally valuable thing I’ve achieved in the last few years.

FIV: You’ve made an essential statement! One last question: What is your favorite exercise in the gym?

Sophie: That’s easy – the leg press – without it I probably wouldn’t be able to master my hills and sprints on the bike as well.

FIV: Thank you Sophie for your insight. We don’t want to keep you any longer and wish you continued success!

Click here for Sophie’s work-outs:

More home workouts to copy

Fancy an effective home workout with no frills? Here are some cool tips and exercises for beginners that can be done anywhere!

Workouts for at home

Inspiration for one-pot oven meals and a balanced diet

Trainee — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 03:00:50 +0000

Fast food can also be healthy! Yes, you read that right – fast food simply means that it has to be quick. Between work and home life, there’s often hardly any time to spend hours in the kitchen, but living off the takeaway around the corner isn’t an option in the long run either. Our suggestion: one-pot meals. Healthy meals that almost cook themselves and yes, they really do exist!

Healthy eating habits and secret indulgence food with Loredana Chantal

Loredana passionately shares her delicious dishes on Instagram and TikTok and her mantra is: quick, delicious and also calorie-conscious! From various pasta recipes to potato gratin and Oreo cheesecake – Loredana’s recipes really do have something for every gourmand who loves delicious and healthy food. We asked Loredana what her must-haves in the pantry are and which cheat meal she can’t resist.

Delicious and quick from the oven? That’s possible!

FIV: Hi Loredana! Nice of you to take the time to answer our questions! We’ve seen on your channels that you can really cook up all sorts of things from A to Z. But if we break it down, what are your must-haves as a stockpile?

Loredana: For me, a must-have in a healthy household would definitely be a good selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as high-quality sources of carbohydrates such as potatoes or rice and a filling source of protein such as pulses or feta. That way you always have a good basis for a balanced diet at home.

FIV: For many people, fast food and healthy meals are opposites – but you actually prove the opposite: fast and healthy are not necessarily mutually exclusive, are they?

Loredana: Preparing quick and healthy food is absolutely compatible. That’s exactly why I came up with the idea of preparing all my recipes in the oven in 2021. It only takes a few minutes to prepare and the oven cooks a balanced meal for you. Back then, I opened a whole new chapter with oven recipes. You can now find them everywhere on Instagram, which makes me very happy.

FIV: Do you also follow a particular diet, such as veganism or vegetarianism?

Loredana Chantal: I mainly eat a vegetarian diet and try to make sure that my food provides me with all the nutrients I need.

Eat when the body gives the signal

I’m a big fan of intuitive eating

FIV: And how do you feel about intermittent fasting?

Loredana: Intermittent fasting is definitely a trend and has shown positive effects for many people. I’m a big fan of intuitive eating and believe that you should eat when you feel hungry. Personally, I rarely feel hungry in the morning and therefore often have breakfast at lunchtime. So you could say that I occasionally practice intermittent fasting unconsciously. However, I don’t do it consciously and strongly advise against prohibitions and strict rules. My motto is: – Eat when you are physically hungry.

FIV: Do you have any experience with nutritional supplements or would you recommend them to others?

Loredana: While we can theoretically get a lot of nutrients from our diet, the reality is often different. Although I try to eat a healthy and balanced diet every day, there are days when I don’t always succeed. That’s why I think it’s important to support my nutritional needs with supplements. I have consulted a naturopath to find out exactly what I need.

A weakness for the famous French fries special

FIV: What is your secret indulgence that you keep giving in to despite its unhealthy side?

Loredana: My secret indulgence would probably be a portion of Pommes Spezial. These are chips with ketchup, mayo and fresh onions. It’s certainly not the healthiest, so I enjoy them very consciously or integrate them into a healthy bowl with salad and a source of protein.

FIV: Well, with all the healthy meals, a French fries special is allowed. Thank you Loredana for your time. We’ll definitely make one or two of the one-pot recipes.

More about Loredana’s one-pot recipes:

Now in FIV Issue #32!

You can also discover the whole interview as well as inspiring fitness stories, travel tips and fashion in the complete magazine!

Read now: FIV Magazine #32

More inspiration for delicious meals.

If you’re looking for more inspiration for delicious meals, we’ve got just the thing for you. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy simple and fresh dishes. Here are our best summer recipes that you can easily recreate.

Simple summer dishes to recreate

Traveling the world with Life to go: making every trip a unique experience

Trainee — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 02:00:05 +0000

Traveling is more than just a way to get away from it all – it’s a chance to discover the world, get to know new cultures and gain unique experiences. Going on a trip around the world: This is the dream of many, as there are countless beautiful places that cannot be covered in just one summer vacation a year. However, planning such a trip around the world requires a lot of organization and inspiration. We turned to the people who should know best how to go about it.

Quit your job, pack your rucksack: Jessi and Daniel’s trip around the world

Jessi and Daniel quit their jobs in 2015, sold all their possessions and boarded a plane with a one-way ticket and traveled to Thailand. Today they live on Koh Samui in Thailand and are expecting their first child. They share insights, tips and tricks on social media to show others how it’s done.

Thailand: How it all began

FIV: Hello, you two. You’ve already seen a lot of the world. Let’s say you only had one destination left, where would you go and why there?

Daniel and Jessi: Phew, difficult question. We’ve been traveling the world for over 5 years and have visited 39 countries. So it’s very difficult for us to limit ourselves to one destination. Each of the countries was special, but some countries were very special for us.

Thailand, for example. Our first long-distance trip was to Thailand in 2011. We immediately fell in love with the land of smiles, returned again and again, got engaged here, got married in Thailand, started our journey around the world there in 2015 and emigrated here at the end of 2020, after more than 5 years of traveling the world, which is why we made our world travel film, to the tropical island of Koh Samui.

In addition to Thailand, we were also extremely fascinated by Namibia, Mexico, Cuba, the USA, Brazil, Ecuador, Indonesia, Japan, the Maldives, Iceland (simply a magical country), Australia and the South Seas. Actually, all the other countries too. It is very difficult for us to limit ourselves to one destination.

Travel or vacation? Everyone as he likes!

FIV: Do you generally prefer to go on trips to discover new places or do you sometimes go with the intention of simply switching off?

Daniel and Jessi: We prefer to travel and discover countries and cultures in depth. We also love to go on vacation for a few days and relax on the beach, but after a few days we get “bummed out” and have to see something of the country, otherwise we feel like we haven’t really been there.

For us, traveling means above all that we travel from one country to the next, crossing borders and suddenly finding ourselves in a new culture, rather than being in one country and one region on a vacation. Of course, there are also holidaymakers who combine regions in one country or even 1, 2 or even 3 countries, but that is the exception rather than the rule and counts for us as a real trip rather than a vacation.

What is important here, however, is that people find the right way to explore the world for themselves. Whether it’s a single vacation, longer trips, 1 country or several countries, whether as a backpacker, luxury traveler or hotel vacationer … there is no right or wrong. Everyone should simply find their own way of traveling that makes them happy and fulfills them. And what we all have in common is the travel itself, the desire to discover countries – no matter what kind.

Adventures in Cuba and dreams of the Arctic

FIV: Which destination surprised you the most and is particularly memorable?

Daniel and Jessi: The most unusual destination for us was definitely Cuba. We got virtually nowhere with English, which is why we attended a language school for the first few weeks to learn Spanish on the spot. This was a hurdle in itself, as the Spanish teacher didn’t speak any English. After that, we spent another two weeks driving around the country in a rental car.

We really felt like we had been transported back several years. Somehow like in a country before our time. We encountered horse-drawn carriages, ox-drawn carts, cyclists and pedestrians on the highways. The roads were a pure adventure and cities like Havana or Trinidad had a very special flair, especially away from the “tourist zones”. The supermarkets were not full to the brim like in Germany, but there were often empty shelves. Internet was very limited. Sometimes we had to visit public places.

We attended a salsa class, drank the best mojito on the streets of Trinidad and bathed in the clearest and extremely turquoise sea. Cuba was definitely not easy to travel to, yet it was absolutely extraordinary and definitely needs to be mentioned here. It was also very different from a vacation in Havana, as we really traveled the country. Here we can refer back to the question above, because if you travel to Cuba as part of a package vacation, you experience a different Cuba than if you really travel the country on your own, from A to B, on to C and have to overcome a few hurdles along the way.

TIP: How to save money when traveling!

FIV: As you already have a lot of experience, can you tell us the best places to save money when planning a trip?

Daniel and Jessi: We have found that package vacations through travel agencies are often more expensive than self-planned trips. Our first vacation to Thailand through a travel agency in Cologne was well organized, but also significantly more expensive than subsequent self-planned trips there.

By comparing flights, hotels, rental cars, etc., we were able to save hundreds to thousands of euros. For us, traveling is not about saving money, but about gaining unforgettable experiences.

Therefore, we would rather save on activities and excursions than on important aspects such as a suitable rental car or a hotel that meets our needs. Ultimately, everyone should find their own way, and there is no right or wrong way.

Traveling is and remains our absolute passion

FIV: Do you still have an unexplored destination on your bucket list?

Daniel and Jessi: Antarctica is definitely at the top of our bucket list. The Arctic would also be our last continent, as we have otherwise traveled to all the other continents.

Seeing polar bears, penguins and orcas in their natural environment would be our absolute dream.

We normally prefer warmer regions, but Antarctica really appeals to us. We would also love to go to Finland in the depths of winter. Preferably at Christmas, in a cozy cabin, with lots of snow on the doorstep – maybe we’ll make this dream come true next year when our son is born and we’re no longer travelling as a couple, but as a family. Of course, we have a number of other countries on our bucket list, such as Chile, Argentina, Canada, Kenya, Tanzania, Mongolia, Taiwan, New Zealand and many more. And we would also love to travel to some countries again and then, for example, to other / further parts of the country.

Traveling is and remains our absolute passion. However, we are currently taking a short break from traveling as we are expecting our first child in July. But we already have a lot of destinations in mind for next year and then as a family, which we are particularly looking forward to, which will also change the way we travel. We will be able to see countries in a completely different way again, namely through our eyes and also through the eyes of our child. That will certainly be very special.

Maldives and insider tip for the best road trip

FIV: Which island has had the most beautiful beach for you so far?

Daniel and Jessi: We would immediately say the Maldives. A fine, light-colored sandy beach and turquoise blue water in front of it. Simply perfect.
On our trip around the world we also had some of the most beautiful beaches on the west coast of Australia, on Cuba in Varadero, in Thailand and Indonesia, but also on Iceland with the unique Diamond Beach, where huge blocks of ice are washed up like diamonds in the dark sand.

FIV: Do you have an insider tip for a place that is not overrun by the mainstream?

Daniel and Jessi: A road trip through Slovenia. This country absolutely blew us away. Incredibly beautiful lakes, clear turquoise water, beautiful cities and great to travel around in a camper. The people were also very friendly to us and yes, the country really surprised us in a positive way.

But we could add to the list here too, such as a road trip through Namibia or a camper van trip through Japan, which is also quite rare and meant we had lots of great encounters with the locals.

FIV: With your great experiences you have certainly put many people in a traveling mood. Thank you for the great interview and have lots of fun!

You can find more content from Daniel and Jessi here:

Now in FIV Issue #32!

You can also discover the whole interview as well as inspiring fitness stories, travel tips and fashion in the complete magazine!

Read now: FIV Magazine #32

Tips for family vacations:

Camping cheaply with the family? With a roof tent, you can save on accommodation costs and experience nature up close. Our expert gives tips on affordable destinations, campsites and seasonal offers. Pack up the family and head off on an adventure!

Cheap camping & traveling: Rooftop tent vacation with the family

Once around the world: Island life and safari: Adventures with Laura and Finn

Trainee — Sun, 09 Jun 2024 02:57:02 +0000

Summer, sun, beach and sea – most people look forward to their long-awaited vacation all year round. However, planning the perfect summer vacation can often be quite time-consuming. Finding the ideal destination, calculating the budget, booking flights or train tickets and packing suitcases. Others, on the other hand, are not afraid to travel halfway around the world into the unknown and are constantly on the move. We spoke to Laura and Finn, who have already seen a lot of the world and can give both holidaymakers and globetrotters first-hand experience for their next trip.

Up and away: off to Bali!

Laura and Finn have been traveling the world as digital nomads for over 3 years. In 2020, they took the ultimate step of leaving everything behind, packing their backpacks and venturing around the world with just a one-way ticket. They explored Southeast Asia during the pandemic. Since then, they have fallen in love with the beautiful island city of Bali. On social media, they take us along on their exciting adventure and share breathtaking insights through pictures and videos, as well as valuable tips and advice. In this interview, they tell us about the most beautiful beaches and why Japan and safaris in South Africa are very special memories for them.

Local cuisine – the courage to taste!

FIV: Hello Laura and Finn, you’ve already been on some fantastic trips and have a lot of experience. Where do you think we should save money on vacation, if possible?

Laura and Finn: Overpriced western food. We love trying out the local cuisine in new countries and can only recommend it to anyone. Sometimes it seems a bit scary and unfamiliar, but for us it’s part of traveling. You should at least give the local cuisine a chance. If you fancy a pizza or pasta from time to time, that’s perfectly fine!

Vacation or adventure trip? That’s a matter of type!

FIV: You dared to emigrate to the big wide world, so do you generally prefer going on an adventure trip to a classic vacation?

Laura and Finn: It totally depends on what the goal is! Both have their pros and cons. If you want to relax and simply enjoy yourself, you should go on vacation. Unfortunately, we often miss out on that because when we’re somewhere beautiful (even if it’s actually meant for relaxing), we somehow have the feeling that we want to share it with our community – so we end up working again.

Going on vacation simply means switching off from everyday life and not having to plan anything else during your vacation. Traveling, on the other hand, means challenges for us personally.

Traveling is about learning and seeing new things.

Discovering new cultures, stepping out of your comfort zone, being open to new things. Traveling is exhausting and has little to do with relaxation. Traveling often involves changing locations, moving around a lot, packing suitcases, lots of sightseeing, etc. You also need to stay spontaneous and “let yourself drift” during the trip. If you like a place, stay longer and if not, spontaneously move on. Traveling is about learning and seeing new things.

I think in the end it’s all about the mix. Sometimes an exciting new trip (preferably into the unknown) and sometimes just going on vacation without the pressure of having to see something and just having a good time.

These islands have fantastic beaches to offer

FIV: You’ve traveled a lot around the world and have certainly been able to see some islands with great beaches, is there a favorite that you could recommend to us?

Laura and Finn: I don’t know if this counts as an island, but we saw some insanely beautiful beaches in Western Australia. After our relatively spontaneous wedding for two in Perth, we took a road trip up to Exmouth. The nature we saw there was unique! Such beautiful white beaches with turquoise water and a really impressive underwater world

Otherwise, the beaches of Koh Lipe in Thailand and the beaches in Boracay, Philippines, also surprised us extremely positively. Both corners of the world were a dream for swimming, but compared to Western Australia, Thailand and the Philippines are of course much more touristy. So there was also a lot more going on there.

In Europe, we liked the beaches on Milos the best!

Insider tips away from mass tourism

FIV: The most annoying thing on vacation is usually when you have to queue up everywhere because of the loud tourist hustle and bustle and lose a lot of time as a result. Do you have an insider tip for us that hasn’t yet been overrun by the mainstream?

Laura and Finn: Siargao Island in the Philippines.

I know it’s a long way from Europe, but it’s worth it. The island is not completely undiscovered, but for us it has the perfect amount of tourist attractions (restaurants, infrastructure and hotels) and is still extremely local, with lots of untouched nature. We have fallen in love with this small island in the Philippines.

For those who like it a little closer to home, we can also recommend Milos in Greece. Of course, this island is also not completely untouched or a super insider tip, but at the moment it still has the perfect medium level of tourist attractions and is not yet overcrowded. There are still beaches here where you can be on your own, even in the middle of the high season.

Japanlove and memories of South Africa

FIV: Thanks for the recommendations, everyone can choose what they prefer on vacation. Is there a place that you particularly liked and that left a lasting impression?

Laura and Finn: It’s hard to say. Somehow every destination has its own individual charm. Some destinations offer such a rich and interesting culture, others have beautiful nature to offer.

Even though we are both total island lovers, Japan has perhaps impressed us the most so far. The country is simply unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. Japan is a world of its own.

The people are very reserved but incredibly respectful and polite, the food is a dream (at least for us) and there is something new to see and discover around every corner. A trip to Japan is a must for every travel lover!

FIV: Japan is supposed to be really great. Have you ever ventured to a more unusual destination?

Laura and Finn: Of course, it also depends on how you define extraordinary. As mentioned before, we were extremely impressed and liked Japan – there was so much that was crazy and unusual here. But as we travel a lot in South East Asia and Asia in general, another corner of the world was probably still extremely extraordinary for us – South Africa!

We can only recommend everyone to treat themselves to a safari in Africa once in their life.

We were there for 3 months last year and think the country is so beautiful. First and foremost, of course, the wildlife. We were able to spend 3 days in Kruger National Park and what can I say – WOW WOW WOW! For us personally, it was the best thing to be able to see all these animals in the wild. It does something to you. As a European, you only know all these animals from television or the zoo, but there’s no comparison. We can only recommend everyone to treat themselves to a safari in Africa once in their life. It is beautiful, extraordinary and more than impressive to be able to observe all these wonderful animals.

South Africa is also a great country! Cape Town is a very liveable, modern city. There are so many great national parks and the South African people are extremely open-minded, nice and hospitable. We will definitely be back!

Whether by train, car or plane – Laura and Finn use everything

FIV: Do you have a preferred mode of transportation when you’re on the road? For some people it has to be quick and they prefer to get on an airplane and others prefer to get behind the wheel and enjoy beautiful window views on a road trip.

Laura and Finn: A good and exciting trip always consists of a mixture of EVERYTHING!

Often you can’t avoid the plane (especially if you live on an island, like we did). When we were backpacking in Thailand for 4 months in a row, we really took every means of transportation. Whether it was day or even night ferries, trains, private drivers (cars), minivans, (night) buses and so on.

In Japan, we only traveled by bus and train, which worked very well. In countries like South Africa or Australia, cars or vans are more suitable for traveling. Here in Indonesia, we do almost everything on a scooter. So it really depends on the destination. Each means of transportation has its own charm.

New York, Italy and the Cook Islands

FIV: Which absolute dream destination is still on your bucket list?

Laura and Finn: The whole world, actually. There are really few countries that we don’t want to visit. Our individual ranking always changes according to our mood. There’s just so much we haven’t seen yet and the world is so beautiful and diverse.

If we had to make a decision right now, the following goals would be at the top of the list:

Cook Islands: This group of islands looks simply beautiful and still truly untouched. South Korea. We’ve heard so many great things about this country. Tanzania. The nature and especially the wildlife here must be incredibly impressive.

New York City: Finn has been there several times, but for me (Laura), the city has been sooo high up on my bucket list for sooo long.

Italy: Sounds relatively unspectacular at first, but we’ve both hardly ever been to Italy, if at all, but we both love Italian food. We would love to do a van road trip through the country.

FIV: Then you still have a lot of exciting things planned, it rarely gets boring with you, we think that’s good. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us, we wish you many more wonderful impressions and a safe journey.

You can follow Laura and Finn’s travels here:

Now in FIV Issue #32!

You can also discover the whole interview as well as inspiring fitness stories, travel tips and fashion in the complete magazine!

Read now: FIV Magazine #32

Would you like to discover more about traveling?

We are often drawn to faraway places and forget that we don’t always have to get on a plane to enjoy the beach:

Baltic Sea or North Sea? Camping, vacation home, vacation! Travel check

Serlina Hohmann on everyday life as a model, grooming and staying fit

Trainee — Sun, 09 Jun 2024 02:00:05 +0000

The world of a model offers not only glamor, but also challenges. Always being on the go means constantly meeting new demands and finding your way in an often hectic environment. In addition to the glamorous photo shoots and catwalks, it is also important to have your skincare under control in order to withstand the stress and always look your best. But it’s not just outward appearance that is important – mental fitness also plays a crucial role if you want to withstand the pressure. (Photo: Serlina Hohmann & mf mgmt)

The hectic everyday life of a model with Serlina Hohmann

Serlina Hohmann successfuly took second place in the 12th season of GNTM in 2017 and has proudly described herself as “busy & booked” in the industry ever since. She takes her followers with her on Instagram and shows them her exciting everyday life as a model, her favorite meals and the best way to stay in shape. In this interview, the successful model tells us about her love for New York and what motivates her to keep stepping in front of the camera.

Serlina Hohmann Instagram

Time in Tel Aviv and life in New York

FIV: Hello Serlina, you spent a lot of time abroad, including a few years in Tel Aviv – what was your life like there?

Serlina: Tel Aviv won my heart very quickly. I originally come from the beautiful, but also very quiet and sedate city of Koblenz. Life in Tel Aviv couldn’t be more contrasting. The city is loud, colorful, chaotic and hot. And yet, or perhaps precisely because of this, it completely captivated me. This city really is bursting at the seams with vibrancy and warmth. I know it’s often said about New York – but Tel Aviv is REALLY a city that never sleeps. I lived there for most of my 20s and loved it. The beach, the sun, the people, the countless restaurants, bars and cafes – I miss it so much.

FIV: We believe you! In the meantime, you often commute to New York – how would you describe the city in three words and what do you particularly like there?

Serlina: Inspiring, lively and colorful. For me, there’s something totally magical about NYC. I actually went there for the first time last year and was so impressed by the energy of the city. I loved just walking around the streets for hours and taking it all in. There is just so much to see there!

Everyday life of a model and career dreams

FIV: How can someone who wants to become a model imagine a typical day in the life of a model?

Serlina: There is actually no such thing as a typical day. Every day is different. There are months when I travel an incredible amount, fly a lot, live out of a suitcase all the time and am in a different city every week. These are the exciting months, but also the more stressful ones. I’m constantly meeting new people, have long shooting days and often don’t get much sleep. This is followed by quieter months in which I work from home a lot, create my own routine and prepare myself mentally and physically for the next shoot. This time then consists mainly of emails, e-castings and fitness.

Foto: Serlina Hohmann & mf mgmt

FIV: Is there an absolute dream brand that you would absolutely love to work with one day or has this already happened in your career?

Serlina: I don’t have a specific brand in mind. But ever since I started modeling, I’ve always had two dreams in the back of my mind. One is that I would love to be booked for a really cool perfume TV campaign. I don’t know why. But I’ve always been fascinated by those super elaborate and elegant perfume commercials on TV. My second dream would be to make it onto the cover of a big magazine.

FIV: What exactly excites you most about modeling and makes you want to step in front of the camera again and again?

Serlina: I actually enjoy the “everyday life” on set the most. With every job, I meet a new team, get to know new life stories and just see so much creativity and talent. Although you don’t know each other at first, you get to know each other very quickly and somehow bond very quickly. When I sit in the make-up chair in the morning, an hour later the stylists and I have already told each other our entire life stories. I always find it so refreshing to get to know so many new ways of thinking and living and I have the feeling that the people on set in particular have really broadened my horizons in recent years.

Care routine and fitness

FIV: As a model, you are often exposed to a lot of make-up looks and styling – do you have a skincare routine for your skin?

Serlina: My motto is definitely “less is more”. It was a great learning experience for me that expensive doesn’t always mean better and that you don’t have to follow every trend and test new products every month. This usually only stresses and overwhelms the skin. My tip is: find a few products for cleansing, care and sun protection that you tolerate well. And then stick with it!

FIV: Sport is certainly also firmly integrated into your everyday life – what is your go-to routine to stay fit?
Serlina: For me, sport is so much more than fitness. Nowhere else do I relieve stress and switch off as well as when I’m doing sport. I actually exercise every day. My fitness routine is usually a mixture of Pilates, running and yoga. On rest days, I prefer to go for a walk.

FIV: That’s really exciting, with so much variety it rarely gets boring. We wish you continued success with everything!

Now in FIV Issue #32!

You can also discover the whole interview as well as inspiring fitness stories, travel tips and fashion in the complete magazine!

Read now: FIV Magazine #32

GNTM at a glance

You could also imagine following in the footsteps of past models and competing in a casting show for the cover of a coveted fashion magazine. Take a look at what has happened in 18 seasons:

GNTM 2024: The casting show

Backpacking around the world: Whatsnext travel stories

Trainee — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 03:00:53 +0000

Perhaps you’ve always been drawn to faraway places and you like a challenge? Packing your rucksack, getting on a plane and then saying goodbye to Germany for an indefinite period? Some of you have probably already toyed with the idea. But taking such a step without a contact person is not so easy. That’s exactly why we got in touch with Elle and Domi aka Whatsnextreisen. The two of them took exactly this step in 2018.

Adventure around the world: Courage, tips and stories

Elle and Domi, better known as Whatsnextreisen, are real adventurers. In 2018, they took the bold step of leaving Germany behind to travel the world. Since then, they have explored numerous countries, got to know exciting cultures and shared their experiences on social media. With their inspiring stories and practical tips, they motivate many people to make their own travel dreams come true.

Pure wanderlust: discover the world with Elle and Domi

FIV: Hello, you two! You’ve traveled a lot more than the average person. Would you say you’re more of a vacationer who flies away to relax or do you prefer to travel adventurously?

Elle and Domi: Mostly prefer traveling. For us, the difference to a classic vacation is that you see more of the country than the hotel, the hotel pool and the beach. You tend to travel around the country, try the local restaurants and swap comfort and relaxation for adventure and new experiences.

But that can be exhausting and so you also need relaxation and a vacation! That’s why a mixture of both is certainly a good idea for many trips. If you come to Bali from Germany, for example, you should definitely travel to the island, because flying halfway around the world to go on an all-inclusive vacation in a star resort is not worth it in our opinion. Most countries become an exciting travel destination primarily due to their culture, great people and delicious food, so you should definitely not miss out on this.

Combine these experiences with relaxation on the beach, a massage or two or a chic restaurant visit and you have the perfect long-distance trip.

The India experience

FIV: What was your most unusual destination?

Elle and Domi: Our trip to India can definitely be described as extraordinary! The country is so incredibly different that you really only have to step outside the door to experience crazy things.
Whether it’s the cows in the middle of the highway, the unbelievable noise from non-stop honking or the little barbershops set up in the middle of the road. You just have to go with the flow and you will definitely experience unforgettable things.

The country is also huge and super varied. We saw everything from snow in the mountains to camels in the desert. The country is also very impressive culturally, for example we visited the golden temple in Amritsar. Here, free food is prepared for 100,000 people every day. The whole thing is run by volunteers and we were also able to lend a hand.

So if you want to immerse yourself in a completely different and somewhat magical world, India is the place to be. One
but should have a thick skin, because privacy or peace and quiet in this country is really only
in the hotel room.

FIV: Which destination have you liked best so far?

Elle and Domi: Of course we get asked this question a lot and it’s difficult for us to give an answer. Every country has its own charm and we liked it in its own unique way.

We loved the incredibly beautiful islands in the Philippines, the diversity in such a small area in Sri Lanka, the wildlife in Australia and the delicious food in Thailand. So there is no clear winner, it always depends on what you want from a trip.

Travel preparation and vacation destinations

FIV: In your opinion, what is the best way to prepare for a trip?

As soon as we know which country we want to visit, we would always search through YouTube & Co. You can now find so many great content creators who can give you travel tips and prepare you for a trip.

With this help, you can put together a travel plan and roughly plan your route. But no matter how much you have learned on the Internet, in the end you have to make your own experiences and so we think it is very important to remain spontaneous when traveling.

We often only book the first 3 nights in a country and then decide on the spot how to continue the trip. If we like a place, we stay longer, if we find it boring, we prefer to travel on. That might sound a bit scary at first, but once you’re on the road you realize how easily everything works.

FIV: Do you have an insider tip for people who want to go on vacation away from the tourist hustle and bustle?

Elle and Domi: Pakistan immediately comes to mind. Unfortunately, this country has a bad reputation in Europe due to the media. But it is incredibly beautiful, relatively easy to travel around, inexpensive and offers some of the most impressive nature we have ever seen. In addition, the country still feels very untouched by tourism and is therefore definitely an insider tip.

If you’re less keen on mountains and just want great beaches and a beautiful underwater world, Sulawesi in Indonesia would be our insider tip.

Dream beaches and scooter rides in Bali

FIV: What is your favorite among the islands with the most beautiful beaches?

Elle and Domi: These must be the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia. These islands lie in the middle of the Indian Ocean and are the most beautiful we’ve ever been to. The only things you see are endless palm trees, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and of course the world-class waves that attract surfers in particular!

FIV: Which absolute dream destination is still on your bucket list?

Elle and Domi: Phew, that’s quite a few. Spontaneously, we can think of the Fijis, we want to go to New Zealand, the Galapagos Islands must be beautiful, we really want to go on safari in Africa and we would also be very interested in Iran.

FIV: And last but not least, we would like to know which means of transportation you prefer to travel by, plane, car or train?

Elle and Domi: None of the three, because of course we don’t have the scooter, which we use every day in Bali and with which you can travel around Asia spontaneously and independently.

Of course, your butt hurts at some point and you sometimes have to leave the scooter behind for longer distances. In Asia, we would then switch to bus or train, in Europe we would probably prefer to travel by rental car. So it depends a little on the destination, the type of trip and, of course, the budget.

FIV: Cool, thank you so much for your insights and tips! Your passion for traveling and your flexibility are really inspiring. See you next time!

You can find more content from Elle and Domi here:

Now in FIV Issue #32!

You can also discover the whole interview as well as inspiring fitness stories, travel tips and fashion in the complete magazine!

Read now: FIV Magazine #32

More about traveling:

Tips for your next trip

Jacky Wruck on the modeling world and making dreams come true

Trainee — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 02:00:48 +0000

Walking the catwalk for the hottest designers such as Louis Vuitton, Dior or Chanel in Paris, Milan and New York and making it big is the dream of many young girls. The viewing figures for GNTM alone show how much interest there is in taking a look behind the scenes of the industry. Heidi always demands top performance from her girls, because she knows that not everyone has what it takes to prove themselves in the real world of haute couture.

In an interview with model and actress Jacky Wruck, we find out more about her breakthrough from veterinary assistant in the family business to the catwalk. (Photo: guido_raschke + mf mgmt)

From the practice to the catwalk

Jacky Wruck took the plunge in her career by winning the 15th season of GNTM, and with great success, as she was able to turn this dream into a sustainable career. As a content creator on Instagram, she shares her beautiful snapshots as well as insights into her everyday life, including her sports and skiing routine, but also how she is passionate about animal welfare and spends time with her own horses. In the interview, Jacky tells us more about her life in the public eye, tips for anyone dreaming of becoming a model and her TV appearance in high diving.

GNTM, acting and the modeling world

FIV: Tell me Jacky, when did you actually realize that you wanted to become a model, or was it always your dream? Was it a moment or a development over the years?

Jacky: It’s been a dream of mine to be in front of the camera professionally for as long as I can remember.

I always loved fashion as a child, getting changed four times a day, standing in front of every camera or experimenting with nail polish. In fact, being in front of the camera was always a bit more my thing than the catwalk, which I nevertheless learned to love.

And then it was up to me: at the end of my youth, would I dare to pursue the courageous dream or go down the path of working with animals, which also had its great appeal. But for now, I wanted and still want to be brave and try something that some people advise against.

FIV: GNTM was a decisive stage in your life – tell me, what’s Heidi like behind the scenes, did you have much contact with her?

Jacky: We had regular contact with Heidi, but not all the time or “a lot”. Nevertheless, I had the opportunity to get to know Heidi. As a person and not just as a model and entertainer.

It’s nice to realize every time that we are all cut from a similar cloth. We all have this place that shapes our private lives. Heidi placed a lot of emphasis on this. She had often mentioned that it was important to protect your private life and spend as much time as possible with your loved ones. To be there. To exist as a person and not just as a public figure.

FIV: Is there anything that surprised you in the real fashion world or that you didn’t expect during your time on GNTM?

Jacky: Nothing really surprised me. I was mentally prepared for a few things, but it’s still something completely different when you experience everything live. This statement refers to both the good and the bad sides of the industry.

FIV: You have also ventured into the world of acting – how is that similar to modeling, if you can compare it at all?

Jacky: There are parallels, but the differences definitely outweigh the differences. Acting is a completely different craft and explores different artistic themes. A very exciting topic, if you ask me.

Foto: jannis_mattar. + mf mgmt

High diving experiences & veterinary practice memories

FIV: You were also recently seen on the RTL high diving competition – how did you like that?

Jacky: I love challenges, learning new skills and meeting new people whose stories inspire me. The high dive was one of those extreme experiences. I would have liked to have presented other jumps, but life is only sometimes a concert of wishes. I really surpassed myself during this time and am already looking forward to the next challenges.

FIV: Do you miss the time when you worked at your parents’ veterinary practice and if so, what?

Jacky: No, I don’t miss that time. Sometimes I look back melancholically on the time when I wasn’t in the public eye, because the pressure – which I naturally put on myself – didn’t exist in that way. I am grateful for the experiences I had in this important profession as a veterinary assistant, but I am currently experiencing a different phase of my life – for which I am just as grateful in a different way.

FIV: Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and insights with us. We wish you continued success on your exciting journey!

Now in FIV Issue #32!

You can also discover the whole interview as well as inspiring fitness stories, travel tips and fashion in the complete magazine!

Read now: FIV Magazine #32

Want to become a model? What you need to know

Have you always seen yourself on the catwalk in Paris, Milan and New York and want to be booked for cool shoots, but have no idea how the modeling business actually works? Here are a few tips from the pros:

Tips from the model manager