Katica Rakuljic is an international model and beauty pageant title holder. She in the modeling world began at the age of seventeen, 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.
She took part in the Miss Universe Croatia competition and ended up as First runner up. She represented Sweden in Supermodel of the World in 2009 and ended up again as first runner up among 52 countries and nations. The Croatian-born model defines herself as very adventurous, positive and determined. Originally from the city of Split in Croatia, Katica grew up in Gothenburg Sweden and has lived in many cities around the world since she started modeling. She holds a set of impressive beauty titles such as Miss International Croatia 2017 and first runner-up for Miss Universe Croatia.
Titles won by Katica Rakuljic
*Top model of the world 2006: Top 15, Miss Photogenic 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
Women Fitness President Ms. Namita Nayyar catches up with exceptionally talented Katica Rakuljic supermodel, Miss International Croatia 2017 here she talks about her workout, diet, beauty secrets and her success story.
Namita Nayyar:
You were born in Split, Croatia but later moved to Gothenburg, Sweden. You at the age of seventeen years was spotted by an agency at home but due to school and a young age, you waited to pursue your modeling career. You took part in the Miss Universe Croatia competition and was first runner-up. This later propelled your career to the height where you have been at the top of the world of modeling. Tell us more about your professional journey of exceptional hard work, tenacity, and endurance.
Katica Rakuljic:
I have always had big dreams and was a dreamer since l was very young, living in my own little world. I use to imagine being on stage as l wanted to be an artist back then. I think that that mindset and magic inside has never left and l simply didn’t stop dreaming and working hard. Later when l got the chance to do my first model contract in China, there was no hesitation, and the rest is history. I think you have to be very determined on what it is that you want and most importantly believe in yourself, don’t listen to nobody else. Believe it’s possible and put your head down and work simply. I always had so much patience and extreme discipline and l think that’s why l has done all the things l been able to do and experience. With the help and belief in God, everything is possible.
Namita Nayyar:
You represented Sweden in Supermodel of the World in 2009 and stood first runner-up among 52 countries. Tell us more about this spectacular achievement of yours.
Katica Rakuljic:
Yes l have a few big pageants under my belt, one of them was Supermodel of the World where l did represent Sweden and ended up as 1 runner up, where china took home the winning crown. I was in china prior to this at my very first contest in 2006 and was familiar with the country and culture somehow, and after that well l lived in china a few months modeling. It was a special experience on both those contest as pageants are very big in china. Back then we did a tour, touring the whole country, was greeted by media and red carpets and it was just an amazing experience to have.
Namita Nayyar:
You are the world-leading beauty pageant competitor, social media personality, model, and brand ambassador. How do you manage such a remarkable multi-dimensional lifestyle?
Katica Rakuljic:
Well l always was a hard worker and sometimes l joke and say l’am a workaholic haha. I really enjoy all the hats l have been wearing and wear today, and l try to prioritize those things that fufill me the most.
Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you may wish to share?
Katica Rakuljic:
Being a model and growing up with that, it’s been very mentally hard, it’s a tough business and if you don’t follow measures and stay within those, you are gone. So l always put a lot of pressure on myself, was in the gym for hours every day and made sure l always stayed in top shape. Even if it was not always healthy l came to grow into a healthier lifestyle then strictly the modeling one.
I run through the woods every morning, l love my runs and can’t live without them. I also eat very anti-inflammatory and made an effort to do so, it’s really changed my skin, hair and mood to be even better. Good Food is truly medicine so l highly recommends that. Other than that l also do yoga and lift weights to train my back and shoulders, which is very important for me.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you train your abs? One secret to your toned body.
Katica Rakuljic:
Surprisingly enough, l has not really put much focus on my abs, but when l does it comes in periods. And during those after my work out l do 100 sit-ups witch has really helped to shape my abs even more.
Namita Nayyar:
Do you take a special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Katica Rakuljic:
Yes so as mentioned, l try to eat very anti-inflammatory. If you look that up it means clean food, lots of vegetables, whole grains, fish etc. so unprocessed foods with no sugar. Believe me, stick it out it will change your life!
Full Interview is Continued on Next Page
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2023 Women Fitness
Namita Nayyar:
Five foods you absolutely love and five you keep to a minimum.
Katica Rakuljic:
So l was born by the sea, l’m a sea child and 5 foods would be clams, lobster, crawfish, pasta and mushroom soup. Foods l keep to a minimum would be definitely lamb as l don’t like that, l’am not a big meat eater overall. Other than that l really avoid super unhealthy foods such a burgers or pizza.
Namita Nayyar:
You have glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Share with us your hair care and skincare routine.
Katica Rakuljic:
Again l really have to say its all most and foremost thanks to my diet and don’t forget your sunscreen, very important! But also because of exercise, drinking lots of water as l do and making sure l get my sleep in at least 8 hours.
Namita Nayyar:
Five skincare myths.
Katica Rakuljic:
That you need treatments for clear good skin, not true you only need clean food. A spray tan protects your skin from sunburn- not true only sunscreen can do that. You need an expensive skincare routine to make your skin look good- False you need good food, night cream and sunscreen on always. There is no need for sunscreen in the fall or winter- false, you Always need sunscreen, the rays of the sun are damaging your skin even when its cold out. You should wash your face as often as you can- false it’s enough to wash the face twice a day, since if you do it too much you can stripe off natural oils and cause irritation
Namita Nayyar:
Five athletic leisure brands you love to wear.
Katica Rakuljic:
Actually l’am not a brand kind of girl, l really just buys what l think looks good on me no matter the brands really. But recently l has been wearing Nike and SOC a lot if you look at my work out gear.
Namita Nayyar:
Five travel destinations on your wish list.
Katica Rakuljic:
The Maldives, Australia, Transylvania (I am a castle and horror freak), Bahamas and Hawaii.
Namita Nayyar:
You have won many beauty pageant competitions namely, Top Model of the World 2006: Top 15, Miss Photogenic 2007, Supermodel of the World 2009: 1st runner up, Ford Model: Finalist 2009, Top Model of the World Cosmo pageant 2009: 1st runner up, Miss Gothenburg for Miss Universe Sweden 2010, 1st runner up in Miss Universe Dalmacija for Miss Universe Croatia 2011 and Miss Universe Croatia: 1st runner up. Tell us which beauty pageant competition has been most memorable and tell us more about it.
Katica Rakuljic:
That is so hard; China was an experience on its own. It was really crazy with so much hype from the media and the public. As a mentioned we did a tour and changed hotels probably ever other night, had huge welcome ceremonies with hundreds of people waiting on the streets and parades, red carpets it was really a amazing experience. I also met my good friend the Natalia Guimarees that later came to win Miss Universe Brazil and is now a big TV personality there, we stayed friend until this day and l’m happy l created friends and memories.
Other than that definitely Miss Universe Croatia as it’s the biggest beauty pageant in the world and in the Country that was airing live. It was a lot of hype and media attention during and after that when l was crowned 1st runner up. We also did a tour in Croatia there too, with lots of experiences. I also made some nice friendships there as well and learned a lot.
Namita Nayyar:
During the Covid pandemic tell us more about your routine to remain fit in these challenging times.
Katica Rakuljic:
Actually believe it or not lam somehow an introvert and l love my alone time, so it was perfect for me and it didn’t change a thing. In fact my work outs got even better as l could plan them better since l was working from home. I loved it.
Namita Nayyar:
You have done bold photo-shoots for a number of fashion brands and on your Instagram handle @katica.rakuljic. How you are so body confident and advice to your compatriots?
Katica Rakuljic:
Well l think confidence in who you are and in your body, comes with time and experience. Believe me l have heard things that people would consider shocking or very rude, but in the modeling industry if you can’t take criticism you won’t last. I learn to not take negative comments about my body to heart, and only listen to the good ones since at the end of the day that’s only people’s opinion. I always felt and knew l had the perfect body and if someone had something bad to say about it, it’s not my business to judge them, it’s only their opinion and they are entitled to one.
You have to learn to never need any validation, good or bad, the only validation that ever matters is always your own. As far as shoots l think l’am actually very conservative, l don’t like to shoot let’s say half naked pictures or implied nude pictures. If it’s for a big campaign and a job l do my job but if it’s not within my limits or who l’am, l decline it. I have been offered to shoot for playboy several times actually and l kindly declined those offers as it’s simply not my image. My advice is, be confident in who you are always, both in body and mind and do only what you can stand for fully, never be afraid of saying no. In fact is confident saying no.
Namita Nayyar:
Your idea of a perfect date?
Katica Rakuljic:
I would say it would definitely include great conversations , a nice dinner and lots of laughs as lam a person that jokes a lot. A definitely without saying a gentleman of course with confidence and good manners.
Namita Nayyar:
What do you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.net and the message for its visitors?
Katica Rakuljic:
I would like to say that l love what you do, and l love the platform as health is a big part of my life and who lam. Keep encouraging women to be their best self in all ways possible. Both in mental and physical health because it’s key. Keep up your amazing work!
Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding social media model girls, who all are your fans and shall like to know from you about their climb to the ladder of success in the field of modeling?
Katica Rakuljic:
I would say, if l can tell you one thing and one thing only, my biggest advice is to always, always and l mean always believe in yourself. You can do it, you can achieve whatever it is that you want, that desire you have in your heart, know it’s possible. Keep pushing even when you don’t feel like you can, believe in yourself even when you don’t.
Do the hard work, it will pay off, and don’t listen to nobody’s opinion but your own. That’s the only one that ever matters. Last but not least be kind, spread kindness to people, l believe it’s one of the most important things you can do in this world. You never know, it may just change some one’s life. Much Love
Namita Nayyar:
You have an impressive Instagram following of 23k followers. A message for your ardent admirers.
Katica Rakuljic:
I would definitely tell them the same as i said before and as l mention a lot on my socials, believe in yourself. Keep pushing always and be kind to people. I get a lot of kind messages of how people started to work out or started a business because of my influence, and l had no clue about this. But when l get messages like these that are what it’s all about, l am very grateful if l can have a positive impact on someone else. Remember with a strong belief in yourself and with god all things are possible.
Social Media Presence
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katica.rakuljic/
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2023 Women Fitness