You ’ re from Poland originally ? How was your experience immigrating to the United States at such a young age ? My mom and I escaped Communism from Poland and moved to Chicago when I was five years old . The experience for me wasn ’ t tough since I was so young and didn ’ t know at the time how tough life was for those in Poland because of Communism , but it was very hard for my mother as we came with $ 200 in our pockets . It was definitely a tough beginning . I saw how hard my mom worked in a factory 7 days a week , 15-hour days . We bought clothes at thrift stores . But it made me a humble person and I wouldn ’ t have changed it for the world . Right now I would do anything for my parents for sacrificing their life for their children .
Do you feel you had to work that much harder as an immigrant ? I was only five so I didn ’ t feel it at that age , but as I was growing up I was bullied a lot in school for being Polish and blonde . I was shy , so kids were mean to me . I was spit at in school or had eggs thrown at me walking home , and girls would pull my hair because I was quiet . Kids thought I was ignoring them because I was a shy girl . In life I never had anything handed to me and had to prove myself more than others because of the way I looked and because I was from Poland . My mom definitely had a hard time when we emigrated . She was a nurse back in Poland . When we came to the states she had to take a job in a factory with very little pay . She couldn ’ t continue her nursing unless she went back to school , but decided not to because she wouldn ’ t have had money to put food on the table . A year and a half later my dad came to the USA , so it made things a little easier with two incomes , but finding a job right away wasn ’ t easy for him . So he was a janitor at first until he found a job in his profession as an Electronics Engineer , just like in Poland .
You have been on hundreds of magazine covers . Why shoot for treats ! now ? I decided to do treats ! because the magazine is pure art . I have known Steve Shaw for years and he is a super-talented and well-known photographer . So I knew if I shot with him the photos would be a piece of art . The whole magazine reminds me of the Pirelli Calendar . I have been modeling for many years and these type of shoots are now part of the norm – a new trend in the modeling and celebrity world . Plus , I work hard to stay in shape . I ’ m very proud of my body .
How did you get into modeling ? What was your first modeling job ? I dreamed of being a model since I was a little girl , but it wasn ’ t until I moved out to Los Angeles , at the age of 20 , that I truly pursued it . The beginnings were tough as I wasn ’ t a typical 5 ’ 9 ” -and-up high-fashion model . No agents wanted to work with me as they said I ’ m too sexy , too short , too curvy , etc ., etc . Once I finally got an agent a couple years later I got my first job with Sketchers shoes for an ad campaign , probably at the age of 22 .
How do you feel about nude photography ? I think a nude body is a beautiful thing , especially if someone works hard to keep in shape . It ’ s admirable . We were all born naked and as long as it ’ s shot in an artistic way , I don ’ t see anything wrong with it . Especially when you go to the Vatican and all you see is nude sculptures and paintings .
You were also on DWTS and The Real Housewives . How has it changed your career and your personal life ? I think my experience on reality television was a little different than someone who has never been in the entertainment business and suddenly gets on a show and becomes famous . I love reality TV because fans get to see your real life and realize that someone who is in the spotlight doesn ’ t have a perfect life , and that everyone is a normal person even if they ’ re a celebrity . We all have the same problems and nothing is handed to you .
Tell treats ! a secret about yourself . I ’ m shy ! Which is hard for many to believe as I ’ m very outgoing and confident and have done many sexy photos shoots , but deep inside I am a very shy person .
Where can you usually be found during the summer months ? I love to travel , but because I ’ m so busy traveling for work and have a bicoastal life , Miami and Los Angeles , I don ’ t go away on vacation as often as I ’ d like . Plus , I ’ ve been in Poland for the last six summers as the host and judge of the number one show Poland ’ s Next Top Model .
Which do you prefer , Los Angeles or Miami ? They ’ re both so different . LA is where I call home since it ’ s where I grew up professionally . I have a gorgeous house here full of dogs and joy . You can drive a couple hours and spend the weekend in the snow , the next on the beach , and the following one you can fly to Vegas for the evening .