I missed quite a lot of school because I was working from the age of 11.

The big contracts go to the girls who are healthy - they need to have a sparkle in their eyes and you can't fake that if you're unhealthy.

When I was a teenager, I remember I wanted to put so much makeup on - it was just a natural thing over there. Why they do it, I guess, is because historically, there were twice as many women as there were men after the World War II.

My appearance gave me access to a particular kind of world and I'm really grateful for it.

We all have our own purpose in life and I feel very strongly that I have a bigger purpose than giving to just my immediate family and friends.

Before I left Russia in 1999, I was living in a very poor factory town with my family and friends, and nothing was ever going to change.

As a child I really didn't like men at all, in fact.