Margarita Andreeva’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and passion. Once held back by her struggles with eating disorders, she is now a Dubai-based model and psychologist dedicated to helping others heal from the same challenges she faced. Her story proves that even the toughest setbacks can lead to inspiring new beginnings.
Early Struggles and a Dream on Hold
As a teenager, Margarita had a clear dream she wanted to become a model, inspired by the iconic Victoria’s Secret fashion shows she watched during her school years. Tall and graceful, she envisioned herself walking the runway like the Angels she admired.
However, in her early teens, Margarita developed an eating disorder. Instead of leading to the slim figure she thought was necessary for modelling, it resulted in substantial weight gain. The dream she cherished felt out of reach, and her focus shifted toward understanding her own struggles.
“I couldn’t start a modelling career at that time,” she recalls. “So, I decided to become a psychologist, specialising in eating disorders.”
Turning Pain into Purpose
Margarita’s personal battle with food and body image inspired her academic path. During her Master’s studies, she conducted research on the connection between a person’s psychological functioning, body image, weight, and eating behaviours.
Through therapy not diets or intense workouts she lost more than 20 kilograms. It was a transformation rooted in healing her relationship with food and herself. This personal success became a foundation for her professional mission: to help others achieve a healthier life without self-destructive methods.
A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything
By 2020, Margarita had already been living in Dubai. Friends and acquaintances often told her she should try modelling, but she had no idea how to start.
Then, three years ago, fate intervened. “One day, a man approached me in the street and told me about a fashion show where I could model,” she says. “I had no portfolio, no experience. But I decided to join a modelling school, learn new skills, and create my portfolio.”
That decision marked the beginning of her modelling career in Dubai a dream that had been on pause for years was finally in motion.
Finding Her Place in the Industry
For Margarita, modelling is more than just work; it’s a form of self-expression. “It was always my dream, and I really enjoy being in front of the camera,” she says.
Still, she faces unique challenges in the Gulf region. “Here, European-looking models are less in demand compared to Arabic-looking models,” she explains. “That means fewer jobs from agencies and clients. Social media has become a better way to show yourself.”
Competition is also fierce. Since 2022, many new faces have entered the industry, some willing to work for minimal pay. Despite this, Margarita treats modelling as a “paid hobby” something she does for joy, not just for income.
Lessons from the Runway
When Margarita first started modelling, she would feel disappointed when she wasn’t selected for certain shoots. Over time, she learned an important truth: it’s rarely personal.
“In fashion, beauty is extremely subjective,” she says. “If you’re not chosen, it’s usually because you don’t fit the client’s vision for that project. It doesn’t mean you’re not good enough.”
She also emphasises that looks alone are never enough. “Your energy, charisma, self-confidence, and communication skills matter a lot sometimes even more than your appearance.”
A Mission Beyond Modelling
While the glamour of the runway is exciting, Margarita’s heart is still deeply tied to her work as a psychologist. She and her team are currently developing an online self-help course for women struggling with eating disorders and unhealthy dieting patterns.
The course will guide participants to stop harmful dieting behaviours, improve their connection with their bodies, develop emotional intelligence, and cope with stress. The ultimate goal is to help them lose weight naturally without shame, self-harm, or the pressures of the “be skinny” culture.
“My mission is to spread the knowledge that diets and excessive sports are not the answer to weight loss,” Margarita says. “Eating behaviour is behaviour it needs to be addressed through therapy, self-love, and self-growth.”
A Message for Aspiring Models
Margarita knows that the modelling industry can be a high-risk environment for developing eating disorders, especially among young women chasing unrealistic standards. But she’s optimistic about the changes happening in fashion.
“Standards are slowly shifting toward healthier body images,” she says. “It’s important for aspiring models to understand that their worth isn’t defined by perfection.”
Her biggest piece of advice? “Be less of a perfectionist in any area of life.”
Looking Ahead
Margarita’s journey is a blend of personal healing, professional achievement, and creative expression. She continues to balance her modelling career with her work in psychology, determined to make an impact both on and off the runway.
Her story serves as a reminder that setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities and that dreams deferred aren’t necessarily dreams denied.
Do follow her on Instagram
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