Marouso Tzaneti, International Model

0:00Welcome to the Business of Modelling. I'm Tessa Dewing, Managing Director of Sandra Reynolds, a family-run commercial model and talent agency established in 1975. In this podcast, I sit down with models, agents, brands, creatives and industry experts to talk about their careers, their experiences and the future of our industry. Today, we're in Athens with Greek model Marouso Tzaneti. Maruso has been with Agencia Models since she was 16 years old. And now at 25, she has built an international modelling career with agencies in several major markets. Alongside modelling, Maruso also has a degree in chemistry, bringing together two worlds that don't often meet so directly, fashion and science.

0:49Welcome Maruso and thank you for joining us today. Thank you very much for having me. It's a pleasure to be here with you. So I'd like to start by hearing about your background. So a little bit about where you grew up. Well, of course, I grew up here in Greece. I'm 100 % Greek. And I say that because I don't look Greek. I know you cannot see me right now through the podcast, but you can see me. I can see you. You're incredibly beautiful with your red hair and your freckles. But yes, I wouldn't look at you and guess that you were Greek. Well, yeah, I am Greek. I grew up in Piraeus here. It's near the port of Athens.

1:31And, well, about my childhood, mostly it was about school, about studies. In the beginning, until the moment that I came across a different path, which is modelling, around 16 years old. Okay. This changed the whole thing for me. Okay, so before that, were you good at school? What were you interested in? Well, I was all about arts while studying in my free time. I was all about dancing, classical ballet, singing, painting. These were my hobbies back then. So it's not weird for me to go to another artistic path, which is also modelling and photo shootings. Sure. And were you always interested in fashion?

2:18And do you remember when you were young, Looking at models and thinking you wanted to do that? Well, I have to say I was never positive about modeling when I was young because I didn't know what's behind it, what's hiding behind this. If it's dangerous, that's what I thought. And I was also so in love with science. So I never thought about doing it. And even though on the streets, many people were stopping, my mom, me, and they were like, oh, your daughter should be in a photo shooting for kids or something. But it was very far from what I have ever thought until then. So what happened at 16 to change all of that?

3:00Well, I was in the age that I could decide some things for myself, like I could think more clearly. And I had put a plan on my mind about my studies. I knew what I wanted to do. So I had my aunt that she's a photographer and she's all about social media in stores in Corfu, actually, which is where my origins are. She said, let's do it for fun for us and as a part time job now that you're here during summer. So we did like some tests together for some stores and there was a very well known photographer, Predulis Christos. and he did many great magazines at the time here in Athens. So he is from Corfu and he saw the pictures my aunt got me and he was like, maybe I should try to do like a professional photo shooting for you.

3:56And this is how we started. We did the photo shooting for a Greek designer clothing store and this is all where it all started. And then did you then approach your agency from there? He was actually the scouter. Right. I mean, he said, OK, I'm going to make a book for you, even though I didn't even know what the book was back then. And he said, OK, I'm going to send you to a friend of mine who has an agency, a modeling agency, which is Xenia Kondou. And yeah, this is the beginning. You didn't really know anything about the modeling industry at that stage? or what would happen or anything. So do you remember your first meeting with Xenia?

4:41Yeah, I was very stressed. How could I forget? You came to Athens, presumably. Yes, of course. I live, I'm based in Athens, so it was easy. I had no idea I go there with my mom because I was 16. I was still young. And she was so excited. Like she was texting me all the time. Like, we're very excited to have you soon here. and I remember the first day that we had to do the first introduction video, the first measurements that I didn't know why they're taking these. She was telling me to study magazines in my free time to understand how editorials work. And, well, I had no idea, but soon enough, she was very helpful and the whole team.

5:27So I got to understand how it works. And were your family supportive or was your mum worried? My dad and my mum were both very supportive and they still are.

5:44It must have taken a little bit of time for you to feel kind of confident because it's quite scary being in front of the camera to start with. It is. And we always go through this whole emotional rollercoaster in modelling. Well, in the beginning, of course, I didn't have the same confidence. I didn't know how to move around in this industry. But it needs time to build it. It needs time and reassurance from the people that are in the industry, such as my mother agency played a very important role to really believe in me. Do you remember your first proper modelling job? What do you remember about that?

6:25How did you feel when you realized you were being paid to do something? Well, my first modeling job was about the cover of Madame Figaro. Oh, wow. Okay. It was a pretty big job for someone that didn't really know how to move around. But this is what photographers like in new faces and new models. They like the fact that they don't know how to, they don't have the poses in their mind. They're very plain, very, how do you say it? Very fresh. Fresh, yes. So very naive, but in a good way, you know, in front of the camera. So you saw your true self right there. Now you have agencies in major markets and you base quite a lot in Milan and Paris, I believe.

7:16In Milan and Paris and in London. Yeah, okay. So which are your agencies in each city at the moment? Well, in Milan, I have Tank Agency. In Paris, I have Mademoiselle Agency and in London, Story Models. Been to New York yet? Not yet. But I was discussing about it. It's a big step and a very important one for a model. But maybe in the future, yes, I will. What was your first experience of travelling abroad for modelling? When did the international side of your career begin? Well, it began in Paris. It was like a bit of a shock, but a good shock. Okay. I had six roommates in Paris. This was shocking for me because I've never had roommates before.

8:09Model apartment. And a model apartment. And I didn't know where I am, what should I do with transportation, how to move around. You didn't speak the language. I didn't speak the language and I still don't. I try, but I haven't really got to know how to speak in French yet. I think this is my favourite destination. Paris, your best market. I think so. I've been there seven times until now for work. And what was your first job in Paris? Do you remember? my first job. Well, it was for, how was it called? Frankie Shop, which was a brand I really admired because it has all these like boxy, more man-like clothing for women, very cool.

9:01And I remember I was so excited to wear them in real life. I couldn't believe it to be in another country with someone that doesn't speak your language and you have to do exactly what they say. I tried to be as professional as I could, of course. And what was it like leaving Greece to do that for the first time? That must have been scary. It was scary and very lonely, of course. And I had stress, a lot of stress, but it's something normal. And I remember calling Xenia almost every day. And I was like, maybe it's not for me. Maybe what should I do? because there is a huge issue with money in modelling when you travel abroad.

9:44It's a fear of every model that they might run out of money or they will spend more than what they earn in the end. How did you keep on top of that? Because you're right. And I think when you're a young model and you're working with different agencies in different cities, how do you keep in control of what they put on your account? Because, you know, you hear so much, you know, models will get really well-paid jobs, but actually by the time all the deductions have come off, you're not left with very much. Of course, yes. That's an issue in modelling, but this is how the market is and how this industry works.

10:24You have a percentage in every agency which is different, And because of the taxes, it gets very different from country to country and from market to market. But I must say I noted down myself so I can remember. And we ask for our statements in the end of the month to see how we are, how everything is going. And also our mother agency deals with this. You have to trust your mother agency a lot, as you understand, for everything she can handle with me.

11:05Tell me about when you went to Milan. Did you find that? How did you find that compared to Paris? Well, it's very different. Paris is more expensive and you don't have so many castings. You wait for direct bookings or for some requests and everything is happening without you knowing behind your back. But in Milan, it's very different. You run every day to five or six castings from morning till evening. You have to be there. Like I remember one time that I went back home. I thought everything was finished. I had five castings and then they call me. And the same moment I take off my shoes, I put them back again and I run.

11:51So yeah, it's very busy. But this is very good for models because it keeps your mind occupied and you don't think about the rest. Of course, you need time to enjoy yourself to see the city, but it's better to be busy. You go there for work after all. Sure. Yeah. What about London? Well, London is a bit more like Paris, I would say. It's more moody, like the weather. It's not like Greece. Milan is very similar to Athens. Paris is a different story. Maybe Paris, Yeah, and London are more similar and as markets also. What are the best parts of living and working between different cities? It's an experience.

12:35I must say that it changed me a lot as a person. Even though it can be lonely and all these things, there are so many good things. You really realize who you are and how to stand on your own feet. It made me very independent as a person. and I understood that I can deal with a lot more than I thought. And you must now, now you're established in those markets, you can just fly in for direct bookings, which must be easier. But then on the other hand, you don't get your confirmation till late or till the day before or something. Till the day before, till hours before. And this is the issue, but you have to deal with it if you are in this industry.

13:22but this is the magic behind it. And how do you look after yourself when you're travelling, working, constantly moving because that takes its toll? I sleep as much as I can when I have the time to do that. My beauty sleep is everything to me and I'm always all about healthy skin, healthy diet so I try to do these things so I can feel healthy and be ready for my next adventure. This episode is brought to you by Digital Twinsets. Digital Twinsets provides professionally created digital asset packs of real models and actors for responsible AI-assisted production. Every Twinset represents a real person created with consent, approval and control over how their likeness is used.

14:12As we talk about the future of our industry, one of the biggest conversations right now is AI. Digital Twinsets was created to help brands embrace new technology while protecting the people behind the images. Digital Twinsets creates approved digital asset packs that give brands flexibility while keeping consent, control and transparency at the centre. To find out more, head over to Instagram at Digital Twinsets. So tell me about the market in Greece, Maruso. What kind of jobs do you get here? It is very different working in Athens for all the models, even foreign models. There are many great teams and very good photographers to work with.

14:58For me, because I don't look Greek and this is something that sells more in this market, it's the fact that I do a lot of editorials here and a lot of covers actually in magazines. For example, for Glow in Thessaloniki, also I've been twice in the cover of it. For Galah here in Greece, for Mykonos Confidential, which is a very fresh magazine and with great teams working behind it. Also, the Madame Figaro that I told you about, Elle also, I had an editorial for this. Do you have TV commercials, a lot of TV commercial shooting? Because I think a lot of clients must come in to shoot on the Greek islands because it's so beautiful.

15:45Exactly. No, I have. I've worked a lot in also TV commercials because acting is also another side of me. I really love acting. So these are also one of my most favourite type of jobs. And do commercials pay well here? A lot. It's very different from any other kind of jobs, but you have to be very careful with which one which you choose to work with, because you cannot be in every kind of advertisement, of course, as it is natural. but it's something I really also love about my job. You have to do both commercial and high fashion jobs to really feel successful. It's not all about high fashion and that's it for a model.

16:35Money is hidden behind the more commercial jobs and more beauty shots, let's say, that you can clearly see your face there. Yeah, do you do shows? Do you do runway? Yeah, I did. I was part of Milan Fashion Week. and it went very well. I worked for three designers there because all of the fashion week you have every day, I had doubles. Like I worked twice at the same day or I had been booked from two different designers and I couldn't do both. This is the life of a model. Yes. Yes, you get everything, all your options on the same day and then nothing for two weeks. I remember having a show in the morning and then a presentation at night that you had to be, I don't know if you know what the presentation is, but you are like a living statue, let's say.

17:35you get the place more beautiful, let's say. You wear the creations of a designer and people come around like you're in a live museum and they get to see the pieces take life and breath in front of their eyes. Yeah, yeah. So this was something I didn't know before I got to Milan and it really made an impression to me. Tell me about Greek designers. Greek designers, well, they have a big influence all around the world. And I keep on seeing Greek designers doing big shows in Paris also nowadays. Well, I really support them. And I always support Greek market. That's what fashion should do here in Greece.

18:25I think an advice for people working here in Greece would be to support more Greek models. because I think they're misunderstood sometimes. They have in their mind that maybe because a lot of girls from all around the world and boys are coming, maybe that you should go to another market to work well. But what if you could work in your own market? And for me, it's a great example because when they first see me, they talk to me in English and then they find out I am Greek. So I try to fight this kind of thought that maybe we should work more with foreign models and not our local models. Sure. And do your government support the creative industries here in Greece?

19:10It does. I can say there are very big productions that I didn't expect it, to be honest, here in Greece because we have more of it's not such a big country. but I think it does and many actually because in Greece it's more you have very good scenery and you can do it in not that expensive way the whole production a lot of foreign productions come to work here so and I think we earn a lot from the experiences of foreign productions that have worked maybe more years abroad, we really get ideas from there, I think. Yeah, you have beautiful locations. I mean, your locations are from the beach to the beautiful islands to the mountains.

20:02I think people don't realise how vast Greece is, how big. No, every scenery is so different and holds like something magical behind it. What are some of your favourite islands? You're from Khourm-Fu. Of course, I cannot be completely, I cannot take my emotion away from that. But I would say also, I'm also half from Santorini. I haven't been there and I'd love to. You haven't? Oh, it's amazing. And well, where else? I would say also Hydra, which is a very hot destination for fashion industry. Yeah, yeah. It used to be big in the... Sort of 60s, 70s, didn't it, I think? Exactly. I go there all the time.

20:51My best friend is there, so I go there all the time. And I really love how easy it is. And it's kind of very bohemian and artistic. Exactly. You really are like you feel like you're out of duty, but there are so many artistic places and people there. Very important to meet good people in islands and places where you might not work and you're more free to talk to them. I really like this kind of vacation. Yeah. Yeah. Where do you vacation when you go away? Most of the times in Corfu because I have my family there and my friends, my cousins. But I now try that I have more time because of modelling.

21:37If I don't get something last minute, I try to go to Greek islands to really see Greece. because all the time I'm going abroad and I haven't really travelled around. Yeah, I think that's true, though, for everybody. I think I live in the UK and there's so much... You haven't been to every place in the UK. Oh, my God. So I think that's the same, isn't it? I think you sort of, where you live, you kind of take for granted a bit and you don't really go and explore your own country. And that's a pity. Why not? Absolutely.

22:17Now you've worked on all sorts of things, editorials, beauty, campaigns. Tell us about some of the jobs that really stand out for you. Well, I would say it's a job that I did these days about Roger Vivier, which is a campaign. And I was like, OK, this is happening again. this one was one of my favorites Gala editorial was one of my favorites in France in Paris which was like more of Alice in the Wonderland concept and it was a two day job and I really loved it and the clothes were magical also now another job that I saw these days it's in the building of Printample I did the campaign for them again in Paris.

23:10And I was amazed because my friends started to send me pictures of myself there. They're like, oh my God, I feel like you're here with me. I don't feel lonely anymore. And this is fascinating when you see it happening. Also Vogue, which is, it was a dream when I was younger to be in Vogue. This is what modeling means in the mind of a young model. and I'm proud to say that I've been three times with them. I've worked with them three times. Amazing, yeah. And what kind of jobs do you enjoy most? I would say editorials because of the clothing and the whole concept which is always very creative and different but economically wise I would say worldwide campaigns and of course for fame and popularity they're much better of course.

24:05And now I want to go back a little bit because actually you did carry on with your studies and you studied chemistry. Exactly. Science obviously was always something that you were interested in at school. What made you choose chemistry though? That's meant to be the hardest one, isn't it? Chemistry. It is very hard. And actually, I wanted to be a vet. When I was young, everyone thought I would be a vet and that's it. But I'm very lucky. I know that universe has its own ways to lead you to the right path. Because if I was studying to become a vet, I wouldn't have the chance because of the whole schedule to work as a model.

24:47So it led me to chemistry. And to be honest, because I'm always all about having a healthy skin, this is how I chose to specialize in cosmetic chemistry in the end of my studies. So it would have been very easy for you at that point to have not carried on with your studies and just gone full-time modeling. It could be easy. Many models do that. I think you would have regretted that now. Of course I would. I mean, my parents never, they never said to me not to go on, to carry on with modeling, but they were like, okay, you will have to finish your studies first. You have to focus in that because you will need it.

25:31At some point, maybe modeling might have its ups and downs and maybe you will have to get a plan B. and this is what I advise young models to do. They really always need a plan B. So how did you manage to fit that in? So how many years were your studies? My studies were four years and I finished on time because I really wanted to do, modelling was a motivation for me. I said, okay, I will finish my studies right on time and I was working in the meantime. There were many days that I didn't sleep, almost like one hour of sleep or not at all because I was going back, I was studying away from Athens.

26:17So I had to take an eight hour drive to go to Athens to work and then go back to the city I was studying and to go straight away to university because I didn't want to lose any of the theories or the laboratories that I couldn't lose them. That's amazing to hear that you did that. Yeah, well done. Now that I think about it, it was hard. It would have been easy to not. But now I'm proud to know. I'm just going to follow modelling and forget that. Exactly. It could be very easy, but it wouldn't feel right for me. I mean, was there a point where you thought you'd have to choose one over the other?

26:55Of course. But you stuck after it. There was a point, maybe around last year, that I had to choose because I had finished my studies. And maybe, of course, always modelling can be sometimes overwhelming. So I was thinking about maybe I should try my other profession and see how it is to have a stable job and then decide with which one I should go about more, like to give it all. Because it sounds like, I'm going to ask you exactly what cosmetic chemistry involves, but it sounds like it's not something you can dip in and out of. like you have to have a permanent secure job? To be consistent. It's all about production of cosmetics and evaluation.

27:42You have to be all the time informed about it. You have to read and I do this on my free time. I really try to keep up with the new technologies about the production of cosmetics and I also am very all about perfumes. This is my passion I would say and this is something I would really love to do. At some point, maybe while I'm working as a model to start a brand of my own. But I really want to keep on with my studies maybe at some point about perfumery. Now, I mean, do you look at those products differently now you understand what goes into them? Exactly. This is something that really helps. I have come across, I came across many different type of cosmetics while I was working as a model.

28:31And I really was very curious about what do they really have inside? Do they use the right cosmetics on my skin? Because I have a very sensitive skin as a ginger. And I started looking about it. And when I learned that I could really go dive into it when I was at the university and my bachelor was about cosmetic chemistry, this is exactly what I wanted to do. At first sight, you cannot really see any common things between modelling and chemistry. But I tried to find a way to connect these two. And why fragrance? Fragrances, actually, this has always been a dream of mine, even as a model or as a scientist.

29:20Just always fragrances fascinated me because it's something that you don't really get to learn about. It's like a talent, if you have it or not. And I was always told that I am a good nose, if you understand me. I'm really interested in the fact that you get memories and the whole reminiscing of old times when you smell, when you have a smell that you had before when you were younger maybe or it reminds you of a person. And this whole thing, because I also like to write and poetry and all this is very poetic in my mind, very romantic. So the story behind the fragrance. There's a story behind it.

30:08Yeah. Also in modelling, if we have to connect it, when you do like a fragrance advertisement or campaign, it's all about the emotion as we see from similar advertisements. So I love all this emotion that fragrances get awake in you. Would you like to have your own brand one day? I would love to. This is a huge dream of mine to do it. And I know I will manage to do it at some point. Yeah.

30:44you started modeling at 16 and have kind of grown up in the industry how do you think the modeling world has changed since you started have you seen any changes in your short 10 years short 10 years don't say that it makes me feel old Yeah, I can say now it's all about diversity and looking a bit weird and really standing out. I must say that in my aesthetics, it's more close to the 90s type of models. But it's good to change, I guess. Yeah. And do you think young models now are more aware of how the industry works because of social media? Yeah, but maybe sometimes they can get the wrong idea because being an Instagram model is not the same as a professional model working all around the world.

31:42It's also a different kind of job. And I don't say it's not important because, of course, models have to look for their social media. But it's not the same thing. And many times they have asked me, are you an Instagram model? I'm like, I am influencing the people, the people that really want to be influenced in the modeling type of work. Not exactly only Instagram. Do you feel pressure to build a personal brand online as well as having your modeling career? Well, it's very important to have good social media because it's another book of yours for more people to reach. There are many times that I see in the mood boards when they book me, clients book me, I see pictures of mine through my Instagram and not one of these that I have in my book.

32:48so I understand that you get to be seen very easily through social media so you really have to be very careful with what you post but in my opinion you have to be genuine you have to show how your personality is you don't really, what my agency used to say it's like 50 % of your everyday life and 50 % of your work it's the best type of recipe How do you decide what to share publicly and what to keep private? I try to remember that not many things have changed, even though I'm working as a model. So I try not to really think about it when I post something. I know that maybe more important people will see it, but I want them to see who I am.

33:39So I don't feel much pressure when I post. I try just to be more there so they can see that I'm active and something that it's very useful. But I don't really feel the pressure to post. I don't really have some weird criteria about what I'm going to post. Whatever feels right at the moment. And apart from the look, obviously, what do you think clients look for in models now? I really think that the external looks, it's the number one. But this is to get your first job. But to get rebooked, you have to also have a personality that matches your looks. You have to be very professional, very positive to really show them that you love this kind of job you're doing with them.

34:32And you're very grateful to have this job because the competition is big. And looking back, what do you wish you had known when you started at 16? I wish I knew that there are many models that they cannot deal with rejection. And it's a big thing and a big issue. But I would say to my 16-year-old self that you will go so far, more than you could ever imagine. And the universe will help you to get there, to get what you're meant to have. so you don't have to worry as much and there's nothing wrong with you because you always go into this whole kind of emotional roller coaster about maybe you should change your looks, your diet.

35:21You do the best that you can and that's enough. How do you deal with criticism and rejection? It's very common. It may be more common than getting the yes as an answer. But this is what you need. Maybe you're meant to do something else that is better for you. And I've seen it happening in my career. So I really trust fate in this part. Of course, you feel a bit bad at the moment. You're like, OK, I'm disappointed. What should I do differently? Nothing. It's all about, it's something very subjective. So it's all about what they're looking for at the moment. There's nothing wrong with you. You don't have to change anything.

36:06Only the things that you want to change to feel good about yourself. You should always feel healthy. And that's the most important thing. Yeah. So don't feel pressured to do something that you're not comfortable or change yourself. Rejections might come, but it's okay. Baby steps. It will happen. If it's meant to happen, it will. And have you got any tips for any young models in Greece that might want to travel internationally to work? I would tell them to travel when they really feel mature and ready to go because it's not easy out there. You have to be alone dealing with very, maybe even extreme type of circumstances.

36:49When they really feel confident, they should really try it. It's a whole life changing experience. But they have to be very focused. They have to remember they're there for work and not just for fun. Of course, remember to enjoy your time there because you're in a different city that many would kill to go there. But you should always remember to have the mind in your head. Because there are a lot of people also that might come to you and there may not be the best influence for you. Sure, sure. But you would always say, finish your studies. Of course, this is the number one. Finish your studies, do something along, like even some college or something, like even some seminars, they would be very helpful for your future so that you don't really focus only in modelling.

37:47And if this, for any reason, doesn't really go far, at least you will not feel like you have nothing on your side. You have something else outside the industry. You have to have a plan B. Whatever happens, you will feel more secure and more confident to do something that you really love. If you can make your hobby a job, this is great. But if it doesn't work, you have to make it work. have some different interests and some studies. It's very helpful.

38:27What would you still love to achieve in modelling? I don't make plans usually because I know, as we say in Greek, God laughs when you make plans. And in this industry, love cries from laughing. but I would say maybe work with luxury brands of course and I'm a perfectionist. I would say I would love to inspire them, not only work with them. To be more of an ambassador. I would love to be in use of them for them. But also another, maybe a cover in Vogue would be my next goal. With which photographer would shoot that? I have a lot in my mind, but I will not limit it. And do you see your future long term as a mix of modelling and cosmetic chemistry?

39:21Definitely. I will try to work in both worlds so I can have best of both worlds. And maybe about the brand that we were talking about before, maybe I will try to push it a little bit more. But I have always worked like that in my life. My life was all about chemistry and modelling, so I will try to keep on doing both. Finally, Maruso, if you could give one piece of advice to your 16-year-old self, what would it be? trust the process everything is written for you and if you really have a positive kind of mindset it will just come to you you have to love yourself as my scouter from my model agency in london said when we we first had a video call he was like do you love yourself how you look right now, how you are.

40:23And I said, yes, I think this is the best that I can be. And he's like, OK, this will be seen through the camera. So this is the best advice I got from someone in this industry. You have to love yourself to be healthy and all the rest you should not worry about. It's written. It will happen. That was such a lovely conversation, Maruso. Thank you so much for having me again. Thank you so much for joining us. Thank you for listening to The Business of Modeling. If you enjoyed the conversation, please follow the podcast. Leave us a review and share this episode with someone who would enjoy learning more about the world of modelling.

41:06Thanks for joining me and I'll see you next time.