Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Paula Pötry. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Paula, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change when I started my creative career, but I would have done things a little differently. I began my journey at 21, but I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset. My first job was cleaning a hair salon every Sunday at 16, which taught me hard work and responsibility. At a very young age, I also came up with my first business idea—a bikini line. However, looking back, the business plans and financial projections I had were far from realistic. If it had gone forward, it would have failed quickly.

This is when I started educating myself online, taking entrepreneurial classes to understand how to launch an online business, accounting, and other essentials. At 17, I began modeling, which gave me a valuable understanding of personal branding, self-promotion, and the importance of networking. But when I started, I tried to do everything on my own, feeling too embarrassed to ask for help.

I also faced a lot of criticism, especially because of my age and appearance. Some companies that were led by men didn’t take me seriously, and I had to change my email to “Mr.” or wear glasses in the meeting to be taken more seriously by business partners. The pressure was overwhelming in such a young age, but I couldn’t have made it through without the unwavering support of my twin sister Tiia, who’s been with me every step of the way. She has definitely been a blessing in my life.

If I had the courage to ask for help sooner, particularly in areas like accounting, it would have saved me a lot of struggle. However, all these experiences were vital to my growth. They made me wiser and better equipped to guide others. I still encourage young people to start businesses but always advise them to seek professional help and invest in an accountant early on. This is the first investment any entrepreneur should make.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m an international model, model mentor, and the founder of Vanilla Shanti, a yoga clothing line designed not just for style and comfort, but to empower women. Our brand is built around self-love, self-worth, and self-appreciation, and we’ve created a supportive women’s circle that stands out in today’s virtual world. In an era where feeling heard and seen can be challenging, especially online, our community offers a space for women to truly connect and support each other.

I’m an international model, model mentor, and the founder of Vanilla Shanti, a yoga clothing line designed not just for style and comfort, but to empower women. Our brand is built around self-love, self-worth, and self-appreciation, and we’ve created a supportive women’s circle that stands out in today’s virtual world. In an era where feeling heard and seen can be challenging, especially online, our community offers a space for women to truly connect and support each other.

My journey into this life path was deeply inspired by my mom, who was a model in her youth and is still my greatest inspiration with her hard work and discipline mindset. Besides modeling, she was exceptionally skilled in handcraft and sewing, often designing and creating her own clothes. Her creativity and resourcefulness left a lasting impact on me and sparked my own interest in fashion, especially the creative side that aligns with sustainability. At Vanilla Shanti, we prioritize eco-friendly practices, ensuring that our designs empower women while being kind to the planet.

I started modeling at 17, learning early on the value of personal branding, self-promotion, and building meaningful relationships. My entrepreneurial journey led me to create Vanilla Shanti, where we aim to make every woman feel confident and empowered, both through our products and the strong, supportive community we’ve built.

What sets me apart is my holistic approach—combining modeling, mentorship, and business into a space where women are not only dressed in confidence but also uplifted by each other. I’m proud of the impact we’ve had on women, offering them a place where they feel seen, heard, and supported.

To my potential clients and followers, Vanilla Shanti is more than a clothing line—it’s a community focused on empowerment, connection, sustainability, and personal growth.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to make a meaningful impact on others. Whether through my modeling, mentoring, or the Vanilla Shanti brand, it’s incredibly fulfilling to see how creativity can empower and inspire people. I’ve always had a strong desire to help others and to create something that goes beyond just the visual—something that connects people and fosters growth.

Being able to combine my love for fashion, sustainability, and personal growth into a business that also serves as a supportive community for women is truly special. The creativity involved in designing clothes for Vanilla Shanti—clothes that not only look good but also foster a sense of self-love and appreciation—along with bringing women together to create a space where they can connect, support each other, and thrive, is what makes this journey so rewarding.

The knowledge that I’ve been able to share my story, help others navigate the industry, and provide a platform for women to express themselves both creatively and confidently is what I cherish the most about being an artist.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes, my creative journey is driven by the goal of leaving a positive mark on the fashion industry. I’m passionate about blending creativity with sustainability to make a real difference for both the planet and humanity.

Through Vanilla Shanti, I aim to create a movement that encourages conscious consumerism and promotes values of self-love, empowerment, and environmental responsibility. My mission is to prove that fashion can be both stylish and sustainable, while also fostering a community of women who support each other and thrive together.

I believe that fashion has the power to inspire, and I want to lead by example, showing that we can all make a positive impact on the world by choosing to support brands that stand for something greater than just trends. By combining style, sustainability, and women’s empowerment, I hope to inspire women everywhere to embrace their true selves and know that they have the strength to create change in their own lives and the world around them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vanillashanti.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paula.potry/
• Other: https://www.govermodels.com