Check our exclusive interview with TV Personality, “Dancing With the Stars” contestant, “Poland’s Next Top Model” host and judge, “Real Housewives of Miami” star and gorgeous model Joanna Krupa and her gorgeous sister model Marta Krupa.
Who was your role model as a child?
Definitely my mom! No matter how hard life was at times, she always made sure to have a very positive attitude and kept her head high.
How did you get started in modeling?
My dream was always to be in-front of the camera, as a model, actress, even a ballet dancer. Entertainment was always in my blood since I was little girl… My sister Marta and I used to record ourselves acting, dancing and lip syncing pretending we are famous lol.
How has modeling changed your life?
Modeling has definitely given me a huge opportunity, and allowed me to live the American dream.
Emigrating with my mom from Poland at the age of 5 with $200 in our pocket was really tough…, but I never gave up on my dream and once I achieved success in modeling it changed my life. It really does show you that, with hard work and dedication, even if 99% of the times you hear a no!, you should never give up, just have patience.
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
I don’t have a specific beauty inspiration, but I do look up to the supermodels from the 90’s like Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Stephanie Seymour, they all look so amazing because they have taken care of themselves at a young age. You can prolong looking fresh and youthfull as long as you take care of yourself and eat healthy.
What’s your secret to staying fit and in shape?
I don’t have a secret, basically I just follow a regular routine. I go to the gym 3 to 5 times a week and try to eat as healthy as possible. I start my day by making myself a vegan protein shake with flax seeds, chai seeds almonds, walnuts, apricot seeds, acai, banana, papaya, and almond milk. That gives me the nutrients needed to feel good and healthy throughout the day…
How did you feel when you did your first fashion show or photoshoot?
I did many test shoots with photographers to build my portfolio and it took a couple years before anyone really wanted to work with me so when my big break came I appreciated every moment. My first big moment was when I got the cover of Maxim in Holland.
Which is your favorite photo and why?
It’s difficult to pick one, as I have done lots of photoshoots and over 100 covers worldwide. I definitely love my Ocean Drive covers, the Michigan Avenue covers, my Glamour covers, my Shape covers…Playboy cover in 2009 was one of my top favorites which also allowed me to work with the very talented photographer Rankin.
Photographer you dream to work with? and Why?
Patrick Demarchelier will be one of my dream photographer’s to work with, he is one of the old-school photographers of the 90’s supermodels.
What’s your advice for the newer models?
Stay in shape, eat healthy, workout, be professional, have a good attitude, show up on time, be likable, definitely be thick-skinned, as you will hear more no’s than yes. This business has a lot of competition, just keep fighting and be strong.
What beauty tips do you swear by?
Definitely moisturizing, because it’s the biggest anti-aging there is, it definitely helps in preventing wrinkles. Always use sunglasses as they protect your eyes, Vaseline under my eyes before going to bed protects from creasing but also never sleeping on your face to prevent wrinkles, Choose a spray tan instead of the sun, it’s healthier and a tanned body always looks better.
3 things you can’t live without?
My husband, my animals and my family.
How is your relationship with your sister Marta?
Our relationship is great, we don’t get to see each other as often since she moved out of LA to be with her fiancé Marco (Professional Indy Car driver Marco Andretti). I definitely miss those days of having her around but i knew the day would come where she would want to be on her own. I’m happy for her and want the best for her and I am glad she found Marco.
How did you get approached to be the main judge on Poland’s Next Top Model?
I was in Poland doing a TV interview, and the production of Poland’s Next Top Model was also doing an audition, so they asked me to come and meet the producers and do an audition for the host and judge. I got the gig and now we are doing our 6th season and it’s one of the top rated shows in the country.
Do you have to travel often to Poland for the show?
The whole season takes about 2 months to film.. and the Finale is live where the viewers vote for the winner.
How did you got approached to be on RHOM?
My producer friend was approached if I would be interested and I met with them and then was cast on the show.
What made you decide to join the cast?
Its a very successful franchise so I saw it as another stepping stone….totally different fan base from my days on Dancing with the Stars or other projects…, it would allow my fans to see a more of my personal life.
Are you still in contact with the girls on the show?
Yes, I’m still in contact with some of the girls, I made one amazing friendship which I cherish. Having my dream wedding was also one of the best parts of being on the show. The show saved my relationship with Romain which allowed us to get married. I truly believe if it wasn’t for the show we would have probably have broken up…the show made us stronger and now nothing can break us as the worst is behind us…we both learned a lot.
Do you guys have a script on what to do or say?
We didn’t have a script, it was a reality show, but I can only talk about the Miami franchise and my experience… with all the drama with all the women we would never need a script lol.
You’re known for having a sophisticated style. How would you describe your own style?
I definitely have different styles. I try to dress sexy chic for events, dinners, or going out. At home I go very casual, no make-up, my hair pinned-up.
We know you love and care a lot about animals, how that love started?
Since I was a little girl always loved animals how can anyone not?, I always had dogs fish and hamsters growing up, I could never imagine my life without an animal as they are therapy for me. I can be having the worse day and spending time with them is the best medicine to make me feel better. I never understood how some people can be so cold when it comes to animals when they are so helpless and defenseless and rely on humans to keep them safe and so many people abandon or torture them.. it’s a very sad world for animals.
Around 10 years ago I decided to get more involved, after watching an undercover video of how cold hearted monsters torture and abuse poor innocent voiceless animals. I decided to support different charities and organizations like PETA which led to creating my own animal rescue “Angels for Animal Rescue” angelsforanimalrescue.org with my rescue partner Gabi Gutierrez and my sister Marta. In our rescue 100% of donations go to the animals. Lately we have been funding it ourselves as we are pretty new and we don’t have many donations coming in.
It makes me furious how ignorant some people can be. They feel because I am in the pubic eye my money grows on trees and they expect me to help every animal on my own, I am not god and can’t save the millions and millions animals in need on my own and need help just like any organization, people need to stop being so negative and realize that if we all did a little something the world would be a better place, just $1 donated can make a huge difference in an animals life if all people helped.
Tell us about your own animals? Do they travel with you?
I have 5 dogs, the youngest one is Darla that was rescued from Florida, she is about 3 years old. Darla is the love of my life as she reminds me of a toddler, I truly believe she is human at times. Then Prince, he was thrown to the shelter to die by his heartless owner so I rescued him as a senior because he was super depressed and gave up on life, now he is a little trouble maker and I love him to death. Rugby was rescued as a baby and he is the smallest of all my dogs but he thinks he is the boss of the household and not afraid of anything. Sebastian was rescued as a puppy from a puppymill breeder and is about 11 years old and the sweetest baby, but all he cares about is food 24/7. Shaggy looks like a little monkey I always laugh he is part monkey and part dog, looks like a stuffed animals.
All are rescued dogs and I love them to death. Rescues are the best option because not only are you saving a life but also getting a new best friend that will appreciate and love you till the day they are gone. 8 million cats and dogs get killed each year at the shelters because over population. Owners need to start becoming responsible and need to spay and neuter their animals!!! And people need to stop surrendering their animals to the shelters and realize they have a high chance of being killed. Instead if someone can’t keep a pet for whatever reason, they need to find a rescue or a new loving home.
Two of them travel with me sometimes depending where I’m going as I live between Miami and LA.
Tell us about the charity and where people can get more information about it or for future events?
You can visit our website angelsforanimalrescue.org and follow us on Social Media at @Angels4animalre. We are constantly looking for fosters adopters and donations.
The world famous ads for PETA was your idea?
I approached PETA years ago when I first saw a video how animals get skinned alive and thats when we did my first Anti Fur Peta ad which became an international sensation. To this day I have done 5 ads, anti-fur, promoting adoption, against fur trim, against SEAWORLD and other parks that captured and breed orcas and dolphins, and my recent one is against wool where sheep get killed and tortured when they sheer their coat.
You can see the truth on peta.org and my latest ad is peta.org/features/joanna-krupa-truth-behind-wool
Now you live between Miami and LA, any plans to move to LA as your main location?
We have been bi-coastal since Romain and I met…. having his business in Miami and me having mine in LA makes us travel a lot, but after all these years we still manage to make it work. We will see what the future holds but I would love to end up in LA full time, especially when we start having children, but for now it has to stay the way it is because of work.
Any plans of you and Romain to open a nightclub or restaurant in LA after the huge success of Mynt?
Mynt has been very successful and they are celebrating their 15th year and still being the top place in Miami. I am beyond proud of Romain and what he has accomplished with the nightlife in a very competitive market, and yes there have been talks about expanding Mynt to other places including LA.
What is the key to success in any relationship when you guys travel and work a lot?
I think the key is being dedicated to each other and communication. The most important is trust and not being jealous. Romain understands that I travel a lot, and he knows that what I’m doing makes me happy, so to make it work, both people needs to be on the same page.
What is a typical day for Joanna Krupa?
On my off day I wake up, take the dogs for a walk, feed them, then do my morning healthy shake, go to the gym, do some work on the computer, and have a lunch or dinner meeting. I like to keep myself busy.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
It’s hard to say, as life is full of surprises so you never know, but hopefully I will have two children by then, and just be happy and healthy. I definitely want to be a mommy.
How do you cope with all the success and stress?
There is definitely no formula for it, for me I love it, for me it’s pure joy, being busy makes me feel alive, and I try to be happy and positive with the people I love. When I am not busy working it drives me crazy as I always need to be doing something and fill I am being useful.
3 things you can’t leave your house without?
My cellphone, sunglasses and wallet.
What are guilty pleasures food wise?
I love sweets, but I try to be good and not over do it not just to maintain a healthy weight but also sugar is not healthy so I try to avoid it as much as possible and eat something healthy like fruit when have a sugar craving.
When I can indulge, I love the warm chocolate volcano cake with vanilla ice cream, french fries and pizza. I’m only human and love the bad food as anyone else but need to be smart and most important is all in moderation.
Best advice ever given?
When paparazzi follows you and sometimes u have no privacy as u never know when they show up so it can get overwhelming at times especially if I am in my sweats with no makeup on, but my husbands dear friend the creator of Elite Models and the man behind the most beautiful supermodels of the 90’s like Cindy Crawford John Casablanca told me “Worry when they are not talking about you and not following you” so that was great advice from him.
Are you working on any upcoming projects?
I’m about to start my 6th season of Poland’s Next Top Model, my movie “You Can’t Have It” is gonna be released soon, also another movie Another Day in Paradise supposed to be released this summer.
Later in the fall I’m working on another movie Wind of Heaven where i actually play an animal activist 🙂
Who is your favorite actor/actress?
Angelina Jolie and Charlize Theron, not only are they very beautiful and successful, but they are humanitarians and give back.
What do you think about Social Media?
It’s the present and the future, I think it’s important to be active on social media. The entertainment business has changed so much and now having a big following has changed the way clients and brands sees you. Its the best way to market yourself.
Where we can follow you?
Interview with Marta Krupa
Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
My Mother has been the biggest influence in my life. She taught me how to be independent, how to make strong family connections and how to set goals to become a strong woman. She came to America with only $200 dollars in her pocket to give us a good life. I love being with her. She’s my best friend and has gone through so much to provide for the family. I will always admire that about her. She also has always said to treat others like you want to be treated and that has always stuck with me till this day. I honestly don’t know what I would do without her. She is my role model.
How and when did you start into modeling?
I started modeling when I was 17. My sister always knew that she wanted to be a model since she was 13 and I was still trying to figure it out. I used to play sports and was a huge tomboy growing up, but when I was getting older and was developing more into a woman I realized I should give modeling a shot.
In five years from now, where do you see yourself and your career?
Working in film and television. I always knew since I was a little girl that’s something I was always passionate about. We would film little videos at home while my mom and dad were at work. I loved every second of it. I felt like a star.
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
I have a secret girl crush on Jessica Alba. She’s so naturally beautiful with or without makeup.
What are your makeup bag staples when traveling?
Mascara. That’s all I need and of course a little concealer and bronzer.
What other Tv and modeling projects have you done?
I’ve done a lot of magazine covers worldwide. Some of them include FHM, LA Direct, 944, Bay Fashion magazine and also Polish magazines. On TV, I was on “Dancing with the Stars” Poland, and also Im on the “You Can’t Have It” film along with Joanna.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling? And what is not?
Let’s start off with the worst thing lol. I loveeeeee FOOD!!! I fluctuate a lot and its hard for me to diet. When I do I am miserable, but at the end of the day the best thing is to look back at these photos and just say WOW I look good. All that dieting and working out was worth it 🙂
What’s your advice for the newer models?
Stay true to yourself. Back in the day you had to be a size zero to be perfect in the modeling world but now I feel like things have changed. As long as you are confident in your skin thats all that matters. Own it!
And now on your personal life, how is life with Marco?
Life with Marco has been incredible. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner.
Do you guys have wedding plans yet?
Yes, we are planning to wed in September/October 2017. We are just waiting to get his IndyCar schedule for next year, so we can set an exact date.
What is the feeling when you see him on the tracks?
Anxiety..it stresses me out and I can’t imagine how he feels. It’s a super competitive sport. As long as he is safe that is all that matters to me. Of course, I want him to win without a doubt. I believe in him and have faith in him. He’s amazing at what he does and he’s a true champ in my eyes.
Have you tried driving any of his race cars?
No, lol that is not possible. What they do is is super tough and physical. Not a lot of people can just get in an IndyCar. You need practice and talent to do that. I have been in a two seater and after one lap I was already sore. I can’t imagine how the drivers do it.
What music we can find in your iPod?
A little bit of everything. I’m not picky as long as the track has a good melody and beat I’m in. Doesn’t matter if its rock, country, pop or etc. I love everything.
Do you support any charity?
I support my sisters rescue. I’m also part of the rescue as well. I might not be part founder/owner but I try to do as much as I can to help them out. Animals mean everything to me. That’s something my sister and I have in common. We do so much for animals.
3 things you can’t leave home without?
Cellphone, wallet and sunglasses.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Nurturing, Loving and Kind.
What do you think of Social Media?
To be honest I am not a big fan. I feel like in todays world it is ruining a lot of friendships and relationships. Too many people are focused on what others are doing than focusing on their own lives. I personally really hate it. It takes away from the things that really matter in life. Just don’t like how people get so caught up in that stuff. It’s unhealthy.
Where we can follow you?
Speaking of how much I hate social media lol, but you can follow me at Twitter: MartaKrupa & Instragram: Marta_Krupa
Favorite food: Tacos.
Song: hmmm….. too many to choose from, don’t have a favorite one.
Travel destination: I want to go to Switzerland. I love nature and I know I would really enjoy it out there.
Restaurant: I don’t have a specific restaurant, but I do love SUSHI!!!!
Actor/Actress: Tom Hardy and Rachel McAdams. There are so many talented actors. It’s honestly very hard to choose.
Quote: “Whoever Said that Diamonds are a girls best friend…never owned a dog “
Book: Currently reading “ How to live 150 years” by Mikhail Tombak
Movie: “The Vow”, “The Notebook” (huge hopeless Romantic)
Drink: Andretti Wine
Photo Credits:
Photography by Brie Childers
Instagram, Twitter, and WAMI: @briechilders
briechilders.com
Make up/Hair: Tony Yates
Leather jackets and jewel tone unitards courtesy of stylist Ali Levine
Marta in the gold sequined one piece: Sun Kitten Swimwear
