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Valeria Sizova is a multi-talented powerhouse whose journey transcends borders and industries. From her early beginnings in Russia to making a name for herself in Australia, Valeria has embraced a life of versatility and achievement. A celebrated model, titleholder of Miss Cosmo World 2024 and Miss Multiverse 2020, founder of ICrave Entertainment, and a participant in Australian Survivor, she embodies resilience, ambition, and cultural pride.
In this exclusive interview, Valeria shares her insights into navigating the challenges of reality TV, creating a platform to empower performers, balancing her personal and professional growth, and drawing strength from her rich cultural heritage. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and the courage to redefine success on your own terms.
From the runway to reality TV, your journey has been remarkable. How has participating in Australian Survivorchallenged you both mentally and physically compared to your modeling career?
Participating in Australian Survivor was a huge challenge, but looking back, I realize that my career in modeling prepared me more than I expected. While the two industries are obviously very different, there are some surprising parallels. For example, in modeling, I’ve had to work with new people on set constantly, adapt to different environments, and be comfortable in front of the camera. These experiences taught me how to push through discomfort and not shy away from the constant presence of cameras, which was incredibly useful in the Survivor environment.
In terms of physical and mental resilience, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that unhealthy eating habits, which are unfortunately common in the modeling world, actually helped me cope with moments of hunger and deprivation on the island. I learned how to perform and push through challenging situations without the luxury of proper nutrition, so in a strange way, it gave me a level of mental toughness and endurance that I didn’t fully appreciate until I was in the thick of it.
Looking back, I was far more prepared for the Survivor experience than I thought I would be, and it ended up being one of the most rewarding experiences and challenges of my life.
As the founder of ICrave Entertainment, what inspired you to create a platform that caters specifically to the artistic community, and how do you see it evolving in the future?
As someone who has been deeply involved in the performance and dance world for many years, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible potential the creative industry has to offer in Australia—whether it’s through stunning costuming, innovative entertainment concepts, incredible choreography, or the way it all comes together to create magic on stage. However, I also noticed there were gaps in the industry, especially when it came to supporting and elevating the people who make these things happen, like dancers and performers. The pay and recognition they receive don’t always reflect the immense talent and dedication they bring to every performance.
ICrave Entertainment was born out of my desire to make a meaningful change and contribute to the industry I love. With my background in dancing, performing, and management, I felt it was time to create a platform that not only showcases exceptional talent but also gives dancers and performers the respect and pay they deserve. My goal is to bring more innovation and a fresh perspective to the Australian entertainment scene, and to continually push the boundaries of what we can offer.
Looking ahead, I see ICrave evolving into a hub for creative collaboration, where new ideas and fresh inspiration can flourish. There’s always more to be done—more talent to showcase, more ways to entertain, and more ways to light up any event. I’m excited about the future and the role ICrave can play in shaping the next generation of Australian entertainment.
Winning titles like Miss Cosmo World 2024 and Miss Multiverse 2020 is a testament to your dedication and versatility.How do you approach maintaining balance between competition, business, and personal growth?
I’ve always embraced healthy competition because it helps push me beyond moments of stagnation and forces me out of my comfort zone. True personal growth happens when you challenge yourself and push past your limits, and I’ve found that participating in pageants has been a great catalyst for that. The pageantry world, in particular, exposes you to so many different cultures and perspectives, and that has been an incredible learning experience. It not only teaches you about others but also gives you the chance to reflect on your own values and motivations, which in turn fuels personal growth.
While I’ve never solely focused on beauty pageants, I’ve always participated while running my business and working full-time in HR and real estate. These experiences, however, have definitely expanded my horizons, opening up new opportunities in the modeling world. They’ve also provided a platform for me to reach a wider audience, allowing me to share my knowledge through workshops and individual classes in catwalk techniques, confidence-building, posing, public speaking, and even dance. Balancing pageants, business, and personal growth can be challenging, but I believe it’s about managing priorities and embracing the journey of continuous improvement. I see each experience as a stepping stone that helps me grow both professionally and personally.
Having represented both Russia and Australia in various capacities, how have these cultural influences shaped your perspective on beauty, strength, and resilience?
I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to call both Russia and Australia my homes. Having lived much of my life in both countries has had a profound impact on shaping who I am today. It’s given me a unique perspective, one that’s enriched by exposure to different people, stories, and cultures. This cultural diversity has made me more aware of the world around me and has motivated me to constantly strive to be the best version of myself.
Both Russia and Australia have their own distinct forms of beauty, strength, and resilience, and I feel honored to represent both. From Russia, I’ve absorbed a deep appreciation for the strength and perseverance that runs through its history and people. Australia, with its spirit of inclusivity and laid-back resilience, has taught me the value of embracing diversity and finding strength in unity.
I believe that these influences from both cultures have equipped me to be a better representative of how we can celebrate our differences while appreciating the unique beauty in each of us. The fusion of Russian and Australian values in my life has shown me that beauty and strength come in many forms, and it’s through embracing that diversity that we grow stronger as individuals and as a global community.
As someone who’s succeeded in multiple industries, what advice would you give to young women aspiring to break barriers and redefine success on their own terms?
Success means something different to each of us, and it’s important to figure out what success looks like for you. Don’t measure your progress by comparing it to others’ journeys, because we all face different challenges and obstacles along the way. It’s crucial to be patient with yourself, stay consistent, and be ready to face setbacks that only make you stronger.
Breaking barriers requires hard work, resilience, and a belief in yourself—even when the path gets tough. The key is to stay focused on what you want to achieve and trust that your efforts will pay off in the long run. Keep pushing forward, stay true to your own vision, and know that your unique journey will lead you to your own definition of success.
@valeria.sizova
Photographer: Daria Bulavina @bulavina
Hair and Makeup Artist: Svetlana Bliznichenko @svetk1ss
Stylist: Ekaterina Dmitrieva @from_cali_with_love