Meet JOANNA BOROV the Polish-born model with a passion for fashion and art…
Welcome to MAXIM, Joanna. Tell us a bit about your shoot
Last month I had a photo session with Ryan Dwyer. Hair and makeup was done by my favourite artist, Reyna Khalil. The idea was to show a completely different looks in one day – something glamourous, but also something playful and natural. We started with studio and then moved to the beach location in Orange County.
Are there any other funny anecdotes you can share about this shoot?
Actually there is! As we came to shoot on the beach as the whole production team it brought a lot of attention from people on the beach who followed us taking photos with their phones. The last photos we wanted to take in a little cave. The waves looked bad but we did it safely without going to the water. Unfortunately there was a mother and daughter coming back from a walk in the water through the cave. Suddenly the waves become huge and the woman was stuck in the water being hit on the rocks and wasn’t able to get out. Thankfully men that were observing the shoot, and the photographer Ryan himself, went to rescue her. She was ok but the ambulance was called anyway to help with the scratches from the rocks and she said she was grateful to us because this shoot brought so much attention that people were able to see her in a cave that is not visible otherwise.
Have you ever been to New Zealand?
Unfortunately I’ve never been there but it’s one of my biggest dreams! I really love the nature and animals. That’s why I have always dreamt about visiting this part of the world. New Zealand looks like a fairytale to me! I’d love to see the spots with native animals like kiwi bird or little blue penguins! When I looked at the photos from New Zealand the most appealing places to me are Lake Tekapo and Wai-O-Tapu but I’d also want to visit other spots like Abel Tasman, Milford Sound and some islands. I want to plan a few weeks there so I can see and experience everything amazing that NZ has to offer.
When do you feel sexy and why?
I believe that women should feel sexy in their own skin being natural and happy! I can wear sexy lingerie or a beautiful dress and makeup and feel sexy but also feel sexy in the morning wearing an oversized t-shirt and panties. Women are the most sexy when they smile and because the ocean always makes me happy so I’d say the most sexy I feel walking in a bikini and getting vitamin sea. 🙂
What is your best asset?
People always compliment my eyes but I believe that my best asset is a positive energy that I create. I always try to see the good things in life and appreciate what I’ve got, even in the times of hardship, because life is a gift.
Give us a little more background about yourself and your life story so far
I was born in Poland in a traditional and loving family. I have a younger sister who still lives in Poland and despite the distance we’re very close! I have two master degrees one in law and one in arts. I started my modelling career while studying and it got pace after I won Miss Motors Formula 1 and World beauty Queen Poland in 2018. I’ve been travelling a lot for my modelling work and I had a chance to spend a significant amount of time in Asia, South America (I was a judge in a beauty pageant in Argentina), Europe (I walked in Paris Fashion Week and did a lot of work in Monaco) and recently I moved to the USA to chase the American dream!
I recently adopted a dog that was abandoned due to Coronavirus and I enjoy spending time with him. I also do some charity work for animals in my free time.
I’m Pisces, I love outdoor activities like hiking, water sports and horse riding. I’m romantic! I love to watch old movies especially the ones with Audrey Hepburn.
What would people be most surprised to know about you?
Although I won Miss Motors Formula 1 and spend a lot of time watching car races, I don’t drive myself!
How would you describe yourself in five words?
Positive, empathetic, intuitive, worldly, creative,
How long have you been modelling and what would do if you weren’t modelling?
I’ve always been passionate about fashion and art. I actually started modelling while studying fashion management at University of the Arts London. I have my own brand that makes clothes and toys for children from organic materials. That’s when I use my imagination to create. I also worked in interior design and with different art galleries. The arts school taught me that the best creations come from our hearts and passion.
What have you learned about men over the years?
Men like to feel appreciated too! They, just like women, want to hear complements from time to time and even though sometimes they seem to be strong and just fine, they also want someone to understand and support them.
What’s one thing men should always know about women?
All women are different but I think that the common thing would be that all women like to feel safe and taken care of and they love to receive flowers.
What do you look for in a man?
I’m looking for someone who is ambitious and success-driven, but also kind and humble. I hope to find a man with a positive attitude who doesn’t like drama and likes to focus on good things in life rather that complaining. Also I appreciate people who believe in giving back and are involved in some charity actions.
Describe your ideal date
I believe that ideal date has to do more with a person than with the circumstances. You can go to the most fancy or romantic place with someone that you don’t have chemistry with and feel unhappy or you can do simple things with someone that you enjoy the company of so much that you smile all the time and never look at your phone. I’d enjoy an outdoor dinner with my prince charming and after watching the stars while drinking champagne.
What can we get you at the bar?
I like and usually drink champagne or wine but I also like margarita from time to time.
Got a hangover cure
Sleep, cauliflower pizza, activities in the fresh air.
What’s your best hidden talent?
I’m a great cook! I can make delicious and healthy pancakes.
Do you have any phobias?
Yes! I’m really scared of blood. As a child I used to faint while having my blood taken for test. It’s weird because my father is a doctor and my sister is a doctor to be!
Who is your girl crush and why?
I have always admired Claudia Schiffer because of her timeless beauty and being so active and energetic. Also I think that Irina Shayk, Margot Robbie, Doutzen Kroes, Elsa Hosk and Megan William are amazingly beautiful.
What’s the freakiest/weirdest thing someone has sent you via social media?
I’ve received a lot of weird messages but offering to buy socks or panties doesn’t surprise anyone anymore! I got this funny message recently from someone who wishes to be reincarnated as my dog in case he dies for the virus!
What is your motto in life?
Enjoy every day because life is short. Always be kind and grateful because life is a gift.
What’s next for you? Any exciting projects on the horizon you can share with us?
I usually don’t like to talk about my plans before I get the things done – I’m a little bit superstitious (haha), but I can tell you that I recently started working on a brand new project that involves my passion for healthy lifestyle and my cooking talent! 🙂
Finally, where would you like to be in five years?
I just want to be happy. It seems so simple but yet we don’t appreciate it enough. It doesn’t matter where I am going to be or what I am going to do and achieve – I just want to be in a state of happiness. ■
STATUS UPDATE
FULL NAME: Joanna Borov
HOMETOWN: Leszno
BORN: March 15
INSTAGRAM: @joannaborov
SNAPCHAT: @joannaborov
TWITTER: joannaborov
FACEBOOK: Iamjoannaborov
Photographed by Ryan Dwyer
Hair & make-up by Reyna Khalil
For the full article grab the August 2020 issue of MAXIM New Zealand from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
