Life & Work with Paula Pötry of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Pötry

Paula, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m Paula Pötry, a Finnish entrepreneur, model, and author, and my journey in the fashion industry has been one of passion and purpose. From a young age, I was captivated by modeling, but I quickly realized how competitive and challenging the industry can be. Determined to carve my own path, I immersed myself in learning about professionalism, discipline, and the mental resilience required to succeed. This drive led me to write 20 Principles of How to Be a Professional Model, which just recently launched on Apple Books. It’s a guide aimed at helping aspiring models navigate their careers and build a strong personal brand while emphasizing the importance of mental well-being.

After years of traveling for work, I’m excited to finally settle down in Los Angeles with my spouse. We’re thrilled about moving up to the mountains, where I always feel grounded and at peace. I can truly call it my dream home—somewhere I’ve always wanted to live. Nowadays, peace, safety, quietness, and nature are priceless, and I feel blessed to be able to call a place like that home.

One of the most thrilling milestones in my career was participating in the highest-altitude fashion show in the world, held at 5,500 meters near Mount Everest. This Guinness World Record achievement wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a bold statement about the intersection of fashion and environmental awareness. I had a chance to break the record twice, but on the second occasion, I was mentoring high-profile models to reach the summit and make history together. Walking in this extraordinary show, dressed in eco-friendly designs, allowed me to raise awareness about sustainability in an industry often criticized for its wastefulness. It was an exhilarating experience that reinforced my belief in using fashion as a platform for good.

Alongside my modeling pursuits, I founded Vanilla Shanti, a Scandinavian sustainable clothing brand that embodies my vision of merging comfort with ethical fashion. I wanted to create yoga wear that resonates with environmentally conscious consumers. What sets Vanilla Shanti apart is my commitment to giving back: 3% of all sales are dedicated to supporting mental health initiatives. I believe that mental well-being and environmental responsibility are deeply interconnected, and this ethos drives everything we do at Vanilla Shanti.

Throughout my journey, I’ve held onto a belief that life has no limitations except those we impose on ourselves. This mindset fuels my desire to challenge conventions and explore new frontiers. Whether I’m mentoring aspiring models or developing my sustainable brand, I aim to inspire others to pursue their passions with purpose.

In reflecting on my career, I see a blend of adventure and advocacy, where every achievement aligns with my commitment to sustainability and mental health. I hope that my story encourages others to dream big and recognize that with determination and purpose, the sky is truly the limit.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
While my journey has been rewarding, it certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many in the fashion industry, I faced significant challenges that tested my resolve. One of the biggest struggles was breaking into the competitive modeling world. There were countless auditions where I faced rejection, which often felt disheartening. Each “no” made me question my path, but I learned that resilience is key. I took those setbacks as opportunities for growth, focusing on honing my skills and building my confidence. This is one of the important topics to discuss when I mentor models and how to avoid rejection by working on your specific model profile and focusing on your niche.

Additionally, the pressure to conform to industry standards can be overwhelming. As I embraced my mission of promoting sustainable fashion, I encountered skepticism from some who viewed it as a niche market. It was challenging to convince others of the importance of sustainability in an industry often driven by fast fashion and trends. However, I stayed true to my values and gradually saw a shift in perspective. Today, sustainability is gaining traction, and I’m proud to have played a role in that conversation.

Another significant hurdle was managing the balance between my modeling career and the demands of running a business. Launching Vanilla Shanti required a steep learning curve in entrepreneurship. I faced financial uncertainties and the pressures of building a brand from the ground up. There were moments of doubt, particularly when trying to align my vision with the practicalities of running a business. But with each challenge, I learned valuable lessons about leadership, time management, and the importance of community support.

Moreover, my commitment to mental health advocacy brought its own set of challenges. While I passionately believe in the need for mental well-being in both fashion and everyday life, discussing these issues openly in an industry that often prioritizes appearance over health was difficult. I’ve had to navigate stigma and resistance, but sharing my experiences and connecting with others has been incredibly rewarding.

Ultimately, these struggles have shaped who I am today. They’ve fueled my passion and deepened my commitment to creating a positive impact. Each challenge has taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of staying true to one’s values. I’ve come to realize that the bumps in the road are not just obstacles—they are integral parts of the journey that lead to growth and transformation.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In my work as a model, entrepreneur, and author, I specialize in blending fashion with purpose, focusing on sustainability and mental health advocacy. As the founder of Vanilla Shanti, my sustainable clothing brand, I create timeless and high-quality loungewear from ethically sourced materials.

I also mentor aspiring models, sharing insights from my experiences to help them navigate the competitive industry. This mentorship is an extension of my belief that success is not just about personal achievement but about uplifting others in the community.

What sets me apart is my holistic approach to fashion, integrating mental health initiatives into my business model. A vital lesson I’ve learned is the importance of recognizing unique strengths. As a creative person, I excel in design and storytelling, but I also value outsourcing to experts in finance and strategy. This allows me to focus on what I do best while empowering others to shine.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Absolutely! I especially love diving into podcasts that focus on self-esteem, mindfulness, and psychology—they really help me stay grounded and inspired. Alongside my profession, I’m passionate about psychology and longevity, so I’m always looking for insights into living a fulfilling life. I also enjoy reading books about minimalism and slow living; they resonate with my values of simplicity and intentional living. These resources not only help me at work but also in my personal life, reminding me to focus on what truly matters. It’s all about finding that balance and enjoying the journey!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vanillashanti.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paula.potry
• Other: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id6736345583