Howdy, partner! Yes, the model, entrepreneur and gorgeous WAG of an NHL world champion reveals all. Giddy up!…
Welcome to MAXIM Australia, Yana, and congrats on your debut cover. How do you feel?
I feel great and very grateful. Thank you for this opportunity – it is a pleasure. The thing is, this is my first men’s magazine cover so far and MAXIM is a legendary brand – it embodies sexuality and passion. Needless to say, I’m very excited.
What did you love most about this photo shoot?
For starters, the location was exceptional – we shot this at a ranch in Malibu, California, and the owner of the ranch is Suze Randall, one of the most famous female photographers of the ’70s and ’80s. Although the horses were nice, they were quite challenging to handle at first but the team was super professional and the vibe was very special.
Well, you look beautiful. What would you say is your best asset?
I’m able to style out absolutely everything and I’m an incurable optimist. Long legs are also very helpful – I mean, helpful in being an optimist. Haha!
When do you feel sexy?
There is no “when” for me. When it comes to sexuality it’s either there, deep inside, or it’s not. My feeling of being sexy doesn’t depend on a setting, occasion or an outfit.
What would people be most surprised to know about you?
Maybe the fact that I really come alive at night time. I mean, I really feel a rush of energy in the evening and it needs to be released.
Tell us a bit more about yourself and your life story so far.
I was born in Siberia, Russia – there’s six months of winter and snow there, so it’s is not a piece of cake to stay a hot girl, even for the hottest ones –haha! I became a model when I was 13 and for several years modelling was the main part of my life. It was hard work but it was a joy as well. I happened to be engaged in many international projects but had to pause my career when my first son, Mark, was born. I wasn’t even thinking about relaunching it and considered participating in photo shoots only as a hobby. Then I met Vladimir, we got married and I moved to the USA. Now we have three kids, a house, a dog and many plans together. And, you know, my modelling career seems to have a fresh start now and I’m receiving many interesting offers!
As the partner of NHL champion Vladimir Tarasenko, who won the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, what are the pros and cons of being a “WAG”?
I absolutely love it! It might be emotionally overwhelming sometimes because, you know, it’s sport – there are highs and lows – and the schedule during the season is usually very tight. But professional athletes always impress me with their strength, endurance and audacity – I like being part of this world.
How did you meet Vladimir?
You’re anticipating a great story, aren’t you? Well, it developed into a great story, eventually, but it started quite ordinary. We’re both from Novosibirsk – the city in the centre of Siberia – and we had several mutual friends. We would go to the same events but were never officially introduced to each other. Until one day I accidentally
put a like on one of his photos on Instagram and… he proposed to me three months later.
Was it love at first sight?
For sure it was! It felt like it was meant to be.
What did he do to win you over?
Vladimir is a very romantic guy. In the very beginning of our story he would have flowers delivered several times a day wherever I was. I mean, we are talking about absolutely random spots in our city. I still have no idea how he managed to organise it. But neither romantic gestures nor his name were the key to winning me over – it was his maturity and responsibility.
How big an ice hockey fan are you?
I am a huge one, now! And, of course, first and foremost I’m a huge fan of my husband. I love everything about the sport except the injuries – ice hockey injuries are the worst.
You’re the owner of Italian beauty centre Aldo Coppola. Tell us more about this gig.
It started from my loyalty to the Aldo Coppola brand. Being a client of this centre I fell in love with its product, concept and approach. So, I was very determined to bring it to Novosibirsk and the centre celebrated its 11th birthday last year. I couldn’t have imagined myself being anything but a model or a businesswoman.
As an entrepreneur and model, you’re also a mum and WAG. Which of these roles do you enjoy the most?
I love the mix. This combination works perfectly for me.
How do you stay looking so fit?
With my daily sports routine and a healthy diet for many years. I consider it as a part of my WAG job – just kidding! I’m very into sport and can’t imagine my life without it.
We hear your sports regime includes pole dancing?
Right. Gym, boxing and other activities are for staying healthy and fit, but pole dancing is always for pleasure. It does make the body more flexible and strong, though.
What have you learned about men over the years?
Even the toughest of them sometimes need a hug.
What’s one thing men should always remember about women?
Oh, that’s an easy question to answer. Women are always right. Haha!
Finally, have you ever been to Australia?
Unfortunately, I’ve never been to Australia, but I’ve always wanted to! And who doesn’t? My sons play tennis – I’m really into this sport – and, of course, the Australian Open is a very significant tennis event which I would really love to see. It’s on this month, so you never know, I might come! T
STATUS UPDATE
NAME: Yana Tarasenko
BORN: January 5
HOME TOWN: Novosibirsk, Russia
CURRENTLY LIVES: St. Louis, Missouri USA
FIVE WORD SELF-DESCRIPTION: “Outspoken, caring, charismatic, fun, loving.”
LIFE MOTTO: “Keep moving forward.”
SNAPCHAT: @yana.tara
TWITTER: @YanaTarasenko91
TIKTOK: @yana.tarasenko91
INSTAGRAM: @tarasenko.yana
Photography by ANNA GUNSELMAN
Interview by SANTI PINTADO
Hair by VICTOR F MENDOZA
Make-up by SONYA RASOVA
Styling by ANNA RUIZ
Produced by VALENTINA GUROVA
For the full article grab the January 2023 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
