Katica Rakuljic – Miss Universe Croatia 1st Runner Up

Katica Rakuljic was born in Split, Croatia. She moved to Sweden at the age of 3 months and was raised in the city of Gotheburg.

Katica is an international model and beauty pageant title holder.

The interest in the modelling world began at the age of 17, when she was spotted by an agency at home. Due to school and a young age, she waited to pursue her career until later on and has been placed with agencies worldwide.

Katica took part in the Miss Universe Croatia competition and ended up as 1 runner-up. She represented Sweden in Supermodel of the World in 2009 and ended up again as 1 runner up among 52 countries and nations, to mention some.

Other titles:

*Top model of the world 2006: Top 15, Miss Fotogenetic 2007

*Supermodel of the world 2009: 1st runner up

*Ford model: Finalist 2009

*Top model of the world Cosmo pageant 2009: 1 runner up

*Miss Gothenburg for Miss Universe Sweden 2010

*1st runner up in Miss Universe Dalmacija for Miss Universe Croatia 2011

*Miss Universe Croatia: 1 runner up

– What motivated you to participate in beauty pageants?

Well,since I was a little girl I have been watching beauty peagents on tv, and following Miss Universe .Since then it has always been my dream to be on that stage representing something much more than beauty. I always saw pageant girls as role models for other girls. Being not only beautiful and intelligent, but hard working and setting an example for other young women to believe in themselves and be powerful and motivated to whatever their goals in life may be. That’s what a beauty queen is all about and I relate to that completely.

So I thought if those girls can do it, I can do it too.

– Did your family always agree with your plan of becoming a beauty queen?

My family means the world to me. They have always been very supportive and very proud of me, no matter what path I choose in life. I don’t think anything can replace that and I am very thankful for that. Since I was born in Croatia and my roots are from there , they were very happy that I was representing my country in international peagents.

And like any parents, ofcourse, they just love to BRAG about me. Haha

– In which way is the experience that you got by participating in pageants that is useful for your career as a model?

In many ways. First of all, how to become a stronger you. How to talk to the media, how to behave, how to represent yourself in the public eye. Which is very impimportant whatewer carrer you may choose.

In both modelling a profession and pagpageantou need to know how to act, how to carry yourself and deal proprofessionallyth people, becbecause is a TOUGH industry. And your confidence must be on top all the time.

When I represented Sweden at supSupermodel the world in 2009 ,an, andded up at a 2 place among 54 countries it gave me so much in return. Just by being approved from such impimportant people,d being able to go that far, gives you confidence and is a proof of your hard work. It motivates me to go that extra mile, just becbecausecan.

It shows that hard work will pay off in any area. You just need to belive in yourself and then others will.

– You have participated in Miss Universe Sweden and Miss Universe Croatia, winning the title as 1st runner up. Which Miss Universe do you remember the most, and why?

I have a few misses well kept in mind for different reasons. In 2007 my friend, Miss Brazil, Natalia Guimaraes, was the first runner up in Miss Universe and I remember following her with excitement, when she and Riyo Mori stood as finalists at the end and Riyo was crowned Miss Universe.

Then Dayana Menendoza,e is a girl that will always be remembered strongly,because of her amazing eyes and the way she was «glowing» all the time.Of course we can’t forget last year’s winner, absolutely stunning Ximena Navarrete. I will remember her because of her beauty and amazing energy. I don’t think I ever saw her without a smile and a positive attitude in every situation. It is professional.

– Which was your first job as a model?

I can’t really remember my first job, but I do remember my first professional photoshoot as a model. I was very exited as well as nervous that day. I was abouth 17 years old ,and it was in my home town in Sweden. I actually remember getting my eyebrows plucked for the first time and the make up artist was impressed with me for not even making a move , even though it was hurting so bad ! haha.

– Have you ever had the need to lose weight to get a job?

I never needed to lose weight to get a certain job, because I always make sure that I am in shape. I feel very bad if I am not in shape and don’t look my best. However, I did have agencies telling me to lose weight, or a few kg. The ideal measurement for a model is 90-60-90 (36-24-26) So they always want to stay as close to that as possible, even if it’s about 1 cm. That can be hard sometimes.

– What do you think about using photoshop? In what way would you be against? and in which way would you support it?

That is a very debated question. Personally, Photoshop is being used not only on models but on products and any kind of items, to make it look their best, in matters of lightning, colour etc. What some people would consider perfect, unconsciously. Its purpose is to make us as consumers, to buy the product, or whatever it is that the brand wants to sell.

Its purpose was not to make young people feel bad about themselves.

To be healthy skinny, maintain a healthy lifestyle and take care of your body is what should really be the message to young people. In many ways we see photoshop showing models with perfect health, and skinny bodies, just looking great. If that is ideal, I am for it. It’s all about how people choose to see things. Why not see it in a positive way instead ?

On the other hand, to the point where I don’t support overdone photoshop is when I see very young girls , let’s say 12 or 13 years old, being photoshopped to try to make them look older and sexy. That is not, in fact, how we want a child to look. At that point, just let children be children.

– It is known that some famous models have recently appeared in photoshoots with no retouches, and no photoshop. May we show these kinds of photos of you in our interview, to show to our readers how you look without Photoshop?

Yes of course! I love natural beauty and in fact like my everyday pictures even more when I am all made up for a shoot.

– All your fans remember you were 1st runner up in Miss Universe Croatia, finalist in Miss Universe Sweden, you have worked as a model in USA, Europe, and now you got a modelling contract in Mexico. Is Mexico a good market for European models? why?

That is correct. I do believe that it is a very good market for models from abroad, since its rich in the commercials and film area as well as shootings. A few years ago , most models here came from Colombia , and neighbouring countries, all having the same features and looks.

European models have a different look and are from a different market. That look is in demand in Mexico and in this market. If you are from Europe you can notice pretty quickly, that you will be liked by the client easily. Then of course it’s all up to you. If you know what you want and you are taking your career seriously, you will go far no matter where you come from.

– Televisa has been famous worldwide because of the Mexican tv series, and because of being the main broadcasting company in Spanish language. In Mexico we have seen that you have worked in things related to Televisa; can you tell us a little bit more about it?

Yes, indeed. I was working in Televisa which has a lot of international magazines and series. I did a shooting for «Women’s Health», which is a worldwide famous magazine.

It’s all about women, fitness and health. fits me perfectly. I shoot the summer spread for Women’s Health, which will come out in July this summer. So make sure to look for it!

The people I worked with at Televisa were just amazing people and gave me so much praise. That made me so happy. They already asked me for another shot and it was like a dream come true for me. I am very honoured and hope to be working with them again soon.