Grace Epolo

How did you get into modeling? Coincidence or itent?

Accidental intention. When everyone was thinking about their future during my graduation phase, of course I did too. Even though it was clear to me that I wanted to study medicine or psychology, I had the urge to do something different first and to let my 12-year school days sink in. At the time, however, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to go abroad or do a voluntary year. My friends and family then gave me the idea of ​​modeling. Without really knowing anything about it, I spontaneously applied to Modelwerk in the middle of the stressful graduation. I really didn’t expect anything and even forgot in the meantime, until I was invited to an interview, where fortunately, Modelwerk immediately decided for me.

What compliment were you most pleased with?

The most important thing to me are compliments that concern my personality. My best friend once said that my way of life inspires her to want to be a better person. We were in 9th grade and yet I sometimes lie in bed and think about it when I had a day doubting myself.

Another compliment that always puts a smile on my face when I think of it, is from a friend. At that time she asked me what the meaning of the name „Grace“ was. When I started explaining to her that my name stands for elegance, she suddenly interrupted me and said “Wow, that really suits you! You are as elegant and graceful as a panther somehow ”. I was so surprised. At that time, I saw myself as rather clumsy, so that at first, I hardly understood why she perceived me that way. I think the nicest compliments are the ones you don’t expect.

What has been your coolest job so far?

My coolest job so far was definitely my Gucci campaign! It was just indescribably nice to work with so many different people from different countries & age groups and to exchange ideas with them. Gucci is known for casting models who are exceptional and who step out of line in the fashion industry. So it was totally normal to be on set with a curvy model, a 60 year old man or a transsexual woman. This is exactly what I want to see in the industry! Fashion that reflects what society really is: diverse, colorful and real!

What’s your favorite place in the world?

My grandparents had a small bungalow in Belgium, when I was around 10 years old. This little bungalow was the definition of „coziness“, it was quite small and very cute with vintage decorations, small lamps and comfortable armchairs. The best thing about this bungalow, however, was the garden, which in my memory was almost the size of a soccer field. I can remember watching my little cousins ​​play soccer while cuddling up with my grandparents around the house, smelling the aroma of the next meal all over the house, and my brother passionately discussing political issues with my grandpa. I have so many great memories of this place, that it is simply my absolute favorite place for me. All the people who were important to me were there and that’s enough for me to be called a favorite place.

What are you spending too much money on?

Definitely food. I always think about how I can “treat” myself and then forget to pay attention to how much I am actually buying and that it is not possible to eat that much. But I just enjoy it so much, that I buy too much every time! My brother is always happy and in the end there is more left for him, than for me.

Do you have any secret talents we should know about?

I am an absolute nerd, who gets by on very little sleep. In my school days, I often studied all night for my exams, but also I wanted to watch my favorite documentaries, so I always did that at the same time. Then I often went to school without even an hour’s sleep, wrote my exams, took the rest of the lessons and eventually also did sports. Nobody noticed, even though it happened quite often!

What are you famous for with  friends and family?

I actually asked my friends and family once and then got really emotional. A very good friend said the following: “You just have such power, and that’s why you really go after the things, that are important to you. For example, in your speech for the Black Lives Matter movement, it was easy to see how important this is to you and how much you put into things that mean something to you! And of course, you shouldn’t forget your humor either!“. My brother also said that I give good advice and always have an open ear, when it comes to important things. Don’t I have great friends and family?

We‘re curious – Who is your role model?

In other people I admire a lot of qualities, such as courage, ambition and assertiveness and that’s why I try to strengthen these qualities in myself, but my mother is the only person I would actually call a role model. She is incredibly strong, empathetic and would do anything for the people, who are important to her without even thinking about it for a second. Whenever I lose myself in my everyday life, I try to remember who I really want to be and my mother simply can´t be missing as an orientation person!