We delve into the beautiful mind of a pageant queen-cum-medical aesthetician graduate, with the gorgeous former Miss World Europe…
Welcome to MAXIM, Maria, and congrats on your first cover. How do you feel?
Thank you so much for having me. It is a big honour to be on a MAXIM cover and I am very excited about this project.
What do you love most about your cover photo shoot?
I love this shoot so much – everything happened very last minute and we only had one day to prepare! But the photographer, Stefan Imielski, and I had such a fun time because we improvised – it was a lot of fun with a great result.
Well, you look absolutely gorgeous. When do you feel sexy?
Thank you. I do feel sexy when I wear beautiful underwear or swimwear on the beach. Also, it’s important for women to be sexy for the man they’re with. And it makes me feel good when I’m being sexy for a man. Depends on the guy, of course!
What is your best asset?
I would say my lips. Both of my parents have big lips so I’m very proud of having these natural lips.
You’ve been modelling since you were 14 after being discovered via social media.
Yes, when I was younger I loved taking pictures of myself. I had many beautiful photos on one of the first social media platforms at the time and an agency saw me and invited to their office. After we did a professional photo shoot, I then started to do a few castings, small fashion shows and more shoots until I graduated from high school at 18, flew to Milan and started to work as a professional model.
Nice work. And since then you’ve gone onto do fashion shows in London, Paris and Milan, to name a few. What’s the biggest misconception about catwalk models?
I would say that people think it is an easy job and that models don’t eat. Not true! It’s actually one of the hardest jobs, in my opinion, and some models eat so much it would shock a few people.
You are a former Miss Lithuania who was crowned Miss Europe World in 2017 – how has this impacted your career since winning it?
Life really did change instantly. I received so much attention overnight and I did not know how to handle all of it. However, I have received a lot of work since then, met a lot of nice people in different countries, done many interviews, photo shoots, charities…
Describe what it’s like backstage at one of these competitions. Does it get feisty between the contestants?
In the beginning all girls are very nice to each other but the closer we got to the final day tensions were raised. Behind the scenes on the final day was very stressful for all of us – girls were mean to one another and jealous. Some girls after the final didn’t even say congratulations to me and weren’t exactly happy for me. Having said that, some of the girls still remain good friends with, too.
When you’re not competing or modelling what can we find you doing?
I have a degree as a medical aesthetician, which I studied for in London – it’s where I live now. This is my passion and big love for beauty, health and aesthetics.
What would people be most surprised to know about you?
In general, I think I am full of surprises. I’m very much into spirituality and self-improvement. I meditate every day, I love psychology books, art, astrology, movies, cooking, learning about anti-aging nutrition… Most people think I’m very superficial, which I am completely not.
What’s the first thing you will do once all travel restrictions are lifted?
Well, I travelled throughout Europe during the pandemic, but not for work. After most of the restrictions were lifted I spent some time in the south of France and had a holiday.
Nice. Have you ever been to Australia?
I have never been to Australia but would love to go there one day.
Besides “G’day, mate!”, kangaroos and koalas, what else do you know about Australia?
I watched a reality show about housewives from Melbourne and saw that it’s a very beautiful city and full of glamour and elite people. Before this, I just always thought Australia was mostly beach and surfing.
What’s the first thing you’d do if you were the opposite sex for a day?
I am extremely happy that I am a woman. I would not be happy to be a man, not even for a day. The only benefits for men is that they don’t need to wear make-up!
Where do men go wrong with women?
Men mostly show attention to a woman only in the beginning of a relationship. There are always two sides to a relationship.
What’s one thing men should always know about women?
How to please her, of course.
What’s the best way for a man to please you?
I like when a man knows what he wants. Being consistent with me and not giving up is the best way to my heart. These days many people are giving up so easily and, with social media, dating life has become so fast. Also, a man’s intelligence is the most attractive thing to me.
Would you ever date one of your social media followers?
No, never. I have received so many invitations on social media but I just don’t trust it. You just never know what exactly is behind that account!
What’s the freakiest thing someone has sent you on one of your social media platforms?
One woman asked me if I date women and then sent me a nude photo of herself. There are also many weird guys who send me messages, but I try not to open them.
What are your hobbies outside of your normal job?
I love reading, especially philosophy and nutrition books and I like taking care of myself, inside and out. I also love cinema and movies
What’s next for you?
For the moment I have no big projects planned. There’s been a lot of changes in personal life recently, so I would like to have more peace, travel and just enjoy life. ■
Status Update
NAME: Maria Slusnyte
BORN: October 19
HOMETOWN: Kaunas, Lithuania
CURRENTLY LIVES: London, England
FIVE-WORD SELF DESCRIPTION: “Kind, honest, intelligent, ambitious and loyal.”
PHOBIAS: “Spiders and bugs!”
LIFE MOTTO: “‘We only regret the chances we didn’t take.’ So, no regrets – try to take all chances that life brings you!”
INSTAGRAM: @maria_slusnyte
Photographed by STEFAN IMIELSKI (IG: @IMIELSKI)
Interview by SANTI PINTADO (IG: @SPINTADO)
Hair & Make-Up by REBECCA KUGLER (IG: @REBECCA_KUGLER_MAKEUP)
Produced By VALENTINA GUROVA (IG: @VALENTINAGUROVA)
For the full article grab the October 2021 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
