“Stefanie Gurzanski: the (genuine) way of influencing”

All images here: @stefaniegurzanski by ph. Les Mijoté @lesmijotes – Hervé Leger dress

Stefanie Gurzanski is a Canadian model who knew how to use her weapons. Instagram among others, to expand her success and reach as much public as possible. It looks like a story similar to many others today, but she translated success in her own way, without losing who was before and her goals.

We talked with her about the beginnings – as Playmate year 2014 – and about what followed, her personal interests and her genuine idea of “influencing” new generations, a very important task that Stefanie faces with honesty.

You grow a lot on Instagram and Your reputation arose: how was Your life before it and what were Your plans? When did You start modeling?

I started modeling in high school. Before modeling I had a couple of jobs but nothing really satisfied me, I always wanted to travel and explore more! I started modeling at 17yo and have not looked back since.

You have now 1,5 million followers. How do you feel about influencing the next generation? It’s a huge responsibility, isn’t it?

I aim to be as real as possible on social media. I only promote brands that I genuinely like and use. I think it’s a huge responsibility because public figures have a big influence on what people put into and on their bodies and I like to make sure I am aware of that.

How do You usually shop?

Impulsively.

What’s Your all-time-favorite item and why?

I never leave without my incense diffuser & silk pillowcase so I feel comfortable everywhere I go.

I know it’s very hard to express preferences, but you worked with many photographers and creatives: which work did you prefer – the funniest, craziest, the most inspiring?

I find the work I love the most is done when I have a good creative connection with the photographer. The funniest was when I was shooting in public, I love to see people’s reactions.

The craziest, was in busy places trying to wait as long as I can until there was no one else in my shot! It’s really hard!

You worked for magazines as well and you were playmate of the year 2017 for Playboy: how did it feel? It’s an important step.

Yes. That’s where I started modeling. When I was young I loved the playboy brand so it was a really cool moment for me, being named playmate of the year at such a young age.

But you also hit the runway this summer in Miami: what’s the best part of being a model? The incredible emotion of the live show or see your face on the cover?

For me it’s so incredible seeing my work on print in magazines! I treasure those magazines and opportunities! The runway is tons of fun. I love the process before the show with all the girls, the anticipation and excitement and the walk is a great feeling, very empowering!

Coming to self care: we want to know everything, from Your beauty routine to how many times you go to the gym. It’s a job for You, but also a matter of self love?

I am obsessed with good skin products. One of my favorite brands is Skin Cuticles. I go to the gym every so often but I’m usually at Pilates classes. When I’m on a good schedule I go 3 times a week. I love slow movement workouts!