Shooting 3 Pointers with Zuza
Happy New Year, you guys! It's finally 2021 and I'm starting fresh with publishing a post about an amazing woman, Zuza. Our photo shoot was the only one I did for the blog in the previous year which should remain unnamed. Last year was crazy for all of us, it was also one of the toughest in my personal life. However, I am grateful for staying healthy and safe. Over the course of last year, I had been observing crazy events rolling out not only in The U.S., but also Poland, my home country. I tend to avoid politics on my blog, but let me just say that I'm publishing this post in tribute to Polish women who again (!) have to fight for their basic rights. You strong, resilient queens are awesome!
I'd like to stay hopeful and positive in 2021. Therefore, let me focus on Zuza as she represents all that I love most about Polish women. She is smart, kind, and brave. In addition to the package, she is also insanely gorgeous. Zuza is likable right off the bat. She emits strong, feminine energy without losing warmth in it. I really like talking to her cuz it's always interesting. Even though she is a sweetheart, she has standards. Even when we disagree about some topics we disagree beautifully, which is a rare these days. Zuza is open to consider new points of view, but also remembers where she comes from. If she doesn't want to buy your shit, she simply won't :) and I really respect that about her.
I always try to a avoid talking about a woman's physical beauty before focusing on her personality and accomplishments. However, sometimes all of those elements are strongly connected. When I see Zuza and her beautiful body, I also see a determined athlete. I always admire women who put a lot of hard work and sacrifices to be the best versions of themselves. I'm not sure if Zuza is aware of it, but she emits a lot of self-confidence that is earned, not given. With all of that she remains fun and chilled. Years spent on a basketball team made her a great team player for other women. She's a kind of girlfriend, every woman would love to have!
When Zuza told me she would be leaving NYC for good, I was devastated. I felt like we didn't have enough time together. I couldn't let her leave before capturing her great energy with my camera. That's why the photo shoot with her was the only one I did for the blog last year, social distancing style. Zuza loves to play with fashion. When we brainstormed about the shoot, I couldn't be more excited. We decided to mix some tomboy styles with very sexy and feminine elements. That's, literally, my favorite thing to do with clothes. The final touch of the look was the NYC background. The city that is famous for unobvious mixtures that just work so well!
AsW: When did you make yourself most proud?
ZUZA: It's seemingly a simple question, but I have to skim through my life. I'm generally an ambitious person, but I tend to procrastinate. I think I'm the most proud when I actually get motivated to start something whether I feel ready or not. There was this one particularly important project. It would be crucial for me and husband and would shape our future. We wanted to start a business and I needed to complete a business plan. I had all the tools I needed, the know-how, the skills, my degree in economy. However, it took me some time to start. When I actually did, I put myself on a tight schedule. You name a New York coffee shop, I most probably have been there with my laptop, working on my dream. It was the first time I actually used all the knowledge got in college, not to get a grade, but in real life. I was very proud when I finished, because I didn't have to meet any deadlines or other peoples' expectations. It was a challenge against myself and I did it!
AsW: What do you most appreciate other women for? Can you give an example of a person embodying those traits?
ZUZA: I think, for me, a person who represents the quintessence of femininity, caring, sexiness, and independence is my grandma. I have a really strong, emotional connection with her. She's spent her live by my grandpa's side. One could think that, since he used to hold directorial positions at work, he is in charge. One could not be more wrong. She is the one who glues the family together and makes it all work. Generally speaking, women can seem to be more delicate and sensitive, easy to break. However, if we set our eyes on a goal and we know there is something worth fighting for, we can move mountains. Self-confidence is something I really appreciate in women. Being aware of who you are, your accomplishments, your attractiveness is so powerful. Self-confidence should not be mistaken with arrogance, it's simply awareness of your worth. I really admire women who are like that.
AsW: How, as women, can we support each other better?
ZUZA: In my opinion, team work is the way to go! That is what I've learned playing on a basketball team. You may not personally like all the girls on your team, but you learn to put your differences aside and focus on your common goal. That being said, I think in life situations it can take time for women to get real with one another. I feel like when I meet new women, there's always something in common. We tend to tell each other fairytales about our lives. We talk about our great-paying jobs, perfect partners or cats, babies who sleep through the night. I think, the real female friendship starts when we stop telling one another perfect stories about our lives. Where you cut the bs and become real is the place to start the team work.
Dear Zuza,
Thank you so much for a great photo shoot that started three hours late cuz we couldn't stop talking ;) I had so much fun and professional satisfaction while working with you. It was such an exciting and productive day! You are gorgeous in and out. I hope the shots we created will become a memory of the best in NYC for you. Also, thank you for tons of support you gave for my blog. It means a world. I wish you all best in your endeavors, wherever you go from now.
With love,
Anja
Unexpected, my favorite..
