“Be a Little Bit Delusional”: How Anastasia Koval Turned a Teenage Hobby into a Global Career

Photos Courtesy of @ana.koshe / @ph.katyovi

From Ukraine to Madrid, the model and content creator shares her journey, her dream brand moments, and why trusting the process is her biggest secret.

“Everything is possible. You never know how or when it will come to your life. So trust the process—and be a little bit delusional.”

That’s the kind of energy Anastasia Koval brings to everything she does. Her tone is light, her presence grounded, and her story - well, it’s a reminder that dreams aren’t just meant to stay in our heads.

Born and raised in Ukraine, Anastasia started modeling at the age of 14. “At first, it was just a hobby,” she shares. “But over time, it grew into a real career.” From shoots in Kyiv to a bold move to Canada in her early twenties, her modelling path slowly expanded into something more.

“With social media growing, I noticed brands weren’t just looking for professional photoshoots anymore—they needed lifestyle content too.”

At first, she created content casually, simply showcasing gifted products and having fun. But her natural sense of style and storytelling caught brands' attention - soon, they weren’t just gifting, they were offering paid collaborations. What began as behind-the-scenes hobby work quickly grew into a business of its own. “I realized I was doing modelling and content creation 50/50,” she says. “So I decided to treat both seriously.”

Now based in Madrid, Anastasia continues to build on that dual career. She’s worked with dream brands like Clarins, Lancôme, and even Armani: a reality that felt far away just a few years ago. “I'm 170 cm tall. That’s not considered ‘model height’ by the high fashion industry,” she says, laughing. “So the idea of someone reaching out to me for an Armani campaign felt impossible. But it happened.”

Still, not everything in the influencer world is as glossy as it seems.

“People think we just wake up, receive PR gifts, and shoot pretty pictures—but it’s a lot more than that,” she says honestly. “It’s editing, negotiating, researching ideas, staying consistent, and sometimes working through burnout no one sees.”

Anastasia is deeply involved in the creative process behind her campaigns. She often brainstorms her own concepts, hires small teams when needed, and pushes to ensure her vision aligns with the brands she partners with.

“When it clicks, I see it instantly—I just feel the creative direction,” she shares. “That’s when I pitch ideas, propose concepts, and it becomes a collaboration, not just a job.”

But she’s also selective. Despite tempting offers from high-paying but misaligned brands - she says no without hesitation. “It’s not about the money. It’s about what I believe in.”

But Anastasia’s creativity doesn’t stop at modeling and content. In 2023, she launched Koshe, her very own jewellery brand—a delicate, wearable extension of her personal aesthetic and values. “It’s something I dreamed of for years,” she says. “I wanted to create pieces that felt timeless, intentional, and close to the heart.” Much like her journey in front of the camera, the brand (@koshe.brand) is rooted in thoughtful craftsmanship and a belief that beauty lies in simplicity. For Anastasia, Koshe is more than a business - it’s a love letter to the girl she used to be and the woman she’s becoming.

That integrity also means understanding the ups and downs of the job. Burnout, she says, is real - even if it’s invisible on the grid. “We keep up the aesthetics, but we’re human. I love working, I’m a Capricorn! But sometimes I just need to go on a walk, talk with friends, or remind myself how far I’ve come.”

Her trick when motivation dips? She looks back.

“I remember the girl I was at 14, with just 10 euros in my pocket, dreaming of a Chanel lipstick. I couldn’t even walk into a store without feeling shy. Now I’m working with luxury brands. I just remind myself - you did that.”

For Anastasia, the secret ingredient to all of it - career, creativity, balance—is belief. Not just in the process, but in yourself, even when it feels too big to be real.

“Everything happens for a reason,” she says. “So don’t be afraid to dream big, trust yourself, and yes—be a little bit delusional.”

With her signature mix of calm confidence and creative fire, Anastasia Koval reminds us that chasing your dream doesn’t require perfection—it just requires courage, consistency, and belief.