What really happens before the cameras flash and the red carpet photos go live? In this episode of Soul Sparks, guest host Saima sits down with model, fashion personality, and entrepreneur Elena Mizernaya to explore the unseen reality behind fashion events, Vogue gatherings, and New York Fashion Week.

This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt intimidated by high-pressure rooms or wondered what success actually looks like behind the scenes. Elena shares honest insights about preparation, pressure, confidence, staying grounded, and why purpose matters more than appearances.

About the Guest:

Elena Mizernaya is a fashion personality, model, host, and founder of Meta Lux Jewelry. She has attended Vogue events, New York Fashion Week, and international fashion gatherings, sharing insights into the human side of the industry.

Episode Chapters:

• 00:00 – The reality behind glamorous fashion events
• 04:12 – What Vogue and Fashion Week spaces actually feel like
• 09:08 – Business, creativity, and purpose in fashion
• 14:20 – Behind-the-scenes pressure before runway moments
• 20:11 – Staying grounded in high-pressure environments
• 25:40 – Confidence, rejection, and handling difficult moments
• 31:02 – Building Meta Lux Jewelry and future vision

Key Takeaways:

• Glamour often hides intense preparation and pressure
• Comfort and self-care directly impact confidence
• Not every room will feel welcoming — and that’s okay
• Purpose-driven networking creates more meaningful connections
• Taking the best from every situation builds resilience

How to Connect With the Guest:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chinchillalux/
• Brand: http://www.mettlux.com/
• YouTube & TikTok: Elena Mizernaya

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00:00:08 Saima: The photos, the gowns, the flashbulbs, the captions. That way everything looks effortless. But the thing about a red carpet is, by the time you reach it, you have already lived through about six hours. Nobody paused. Today we're stepping behind that velvet rope not to pull back the magic, but to see what actually holds it up.

00:00:28 Saima: Welcome to Soul Sparks, the show where one honest conversation can shift the way you see your day. I'm Saima, and today I am joined by Elena Mizuno, a fashion personality model host and the founder of Meta Luxe Jewelry, a brand built around accessible luxury and elevated everyday style. Elena has spent time inside Vogue events, New York Fashion Week and red carpets that most of us only see through a screen. So we are going to talk about what those rooms actually feel like, what gets edited out and what stays with you long after the lights go down. So Elena, welcome to Salzburg.

00:01:08 Elena Mizernaya: Thank you so much for inviting me. Thanks so much for having me.

00:01:13 Saima: So let's start with, you know, there's this idea that Fashion Week and Vogue events are pure glamour. Like everyone arrives polished and floats through the night. Now I'm curious, like, what's the biggest misconception people have about those rooms? You know what those rooms are really like?

00:01:33 Elena Mizernaya: Those rooms are very different, I would say. First of all, each event is different. So New York City Fashion Week is totally different ball game. If you go to walk also has different types of event. They do have a gala dinner, for example, events with uh, the next day. Uh, it could be, um, um, conference with, uh, cocktail reception. So that's also totally different. And they do have different events where you just go and you just chat with people, you know, hang out and everything. So it just depends on what type of event you're going to, where you're invited or where you choose to go.

00:02:09 Speaker 4: Mhm mhm mhm, mhm. I see.

00:02:13 Saima: Uh, that really makes sense. And that's interesting. I like that, you know, you're breaking that one big image people have into like something much more layered. And it's not just one kind of room or one kind of energy. Each space has its own mood, right? Its own pace and its own people. And I think from the outside, people imagine it all as one seamless, glamorous experience. But what you're are describing is like much more dynamic, almost like, you know, moving through a completely different worlds in one night. And it makes it feel a lot more real and a lot more human. Right?

00:02:48 Elena Mizernaya: Absolutely. Um, it's, again, it depends on type of event. And honestly, I would say it depends on you how you feel, because that's the type of events where you can show any side of you, if you want to go and bring a huge gown and impress everybody, you definitely can do that. That's the place actually to do it. But another thing, I met a lot of business women businessmen on the conferences on that event where they, you know, just have this classic, um, you know, outfit, whatever is required. So I would say for like any event like that, right. But it's absolutely an incredible experience. So you can meet anyone in there, you can meet somewhere close to your soul, you know, someone who's, you know, dressed the same like you. You know, it's just, I love that mix. I love that mix one hundred percent.

00:03:35 Speaker 4: Mhm. Mhm.

00:03:36 Saima: So like when you walk into those different rooms, what are you personally paying attention to first, like the energy or the people or something else that most people might not notice?

00:03:48 Elena Mizernaya: Well, okay, I have an example. I recently was in this very big event. It was like one of the, I believe top ones. It was in Dubai. It was absolutely incredible reception. We had a very big gala dinner. Um, it was first we met for the cocktail reception before you go and it was fantastic place. I believe it was one of the most expensive hotels in Dubai. They invited everybody you could meet. All the fashion designers, mani designer, um, the owner, like who is, uh, creative director, I believe. Uh, he was there, um, uh, all these like big brand names. So you just, you just name it. It was absolutely amazing. And then the next day, they had more Conservative conference where we've just been speaking and talking. We've been listening, but they, um, they had speakers who actually was talking about, you know, their experience in, uh, fashion where they see fashion is going. So it's a little bit different. They kind of combine, um, a stuff which is more like educational and, you know, like a serious with the fun. And I think it's genius because it's, you know, you kind of do your thing, what you have to do, uh, you talk business and you know, you're getting this information, you're meeting people and at the same time, you, you know, you go and enjoy and absolutely, you know, gala dinner was amazing. Yes. This is where you show, you know, if you want to bring that incredible outfit, uh, you know, you just go and do it. Definitely. They had, um, cameraman's and so was posted in Vogue and everything. Yeah. I still see those articles actually since that event. So yeah, that's the where if you want to get involved, I guess you go to those events and they take a picture of you. The easiest way to get to, to, to Vogue.

00:05:37 Saima: That's a great contrast, like going from high and even with designers and big brands, you know, to kind of to a conference setting where conversations actually unfold. It shows there are, there's, you know, different layers to the same world. One more visual and social and other more, you know, thoughtful and grounded, I feel and being in those spaces, you're not just observing fashion, you're observing how people show up depending on the setting. And that shift in environment probably changes the whole tone of interaction, and it makes it feel less like a single glamorous scene, I would say, and more like a mix of experiences happening, you know, around the same industry now. Right? Let's stay with that for a moment. Like underneath the gowns and the guest list, what's actually driving how people behave in those spaces, because something has to be, you know, powering the energy in the room. And it's really just outfits.

00:06:33 Elena Mizernaya: Know what I believe with my last. Again, past experience and a few actual experiences with them. Um, I saw a lot of people very passionate about what they do really, truly, uh, a lot of people who is not even about the gowns. I mean, they are of course, because it's part of it, but they were, you know, a business suit and they just love the fashion. They love to, you know, to create legacy. They love to make a change for other people. And I saw a lot of people just, um, a business owners, uh, ladies who is, you know, trying to bring their brand or their business on a totally different level. This why they attended it. So I think it's place for everyone. It's not only for those who is, you know, about the gowns and everything, but also about business minded people who wants to, you know, take their themselves and their business to let the world know about them. And this is the right place actually to bring it to. Yes.

00:07:32 Saima: That really makes sense. And that's actually really interesting because it shifts the focus completely. Like from the outside, it can look like it's all about appearance, but what you're describing is a room full of people who are actually driven by purpose, by, you know, what they're building. And that makes you mentioned passion and business feels very real. It's not just creativity for the sake of it. There's intention behind it. Like people wanting to create impact, you know, grow something meaningful, right?

00:08:04 Elena Mizernaya: Right. Absolutely. Yes, exactly. That's you. You said you name it. Exactly. Create something meaningful, something what going to, um, you know, has their name on it. Something going to might actually change the things in life, you know, for other people. Absolutely. Yeah.

00:08:21 Speaker 4: Mhm. Mhm.

00:08:22 Saima: Yes. It almost makes the energy in those places feel more alive, not just polished but purposeful, I would say. So, uh, like when you're around, you know, that kind of energy people who are both creative and business minded at the same time. What have you personally taken away from it? Like, has it changed how you approach your own work or vision?

00:08:44 Elena Mizernaya: You know what? It was really impressed by the last event they had. They had, um, not, um, it's not as a gala dinner, which was in Dubai, of course, different level, but it was very, uh, nice and, you know, uh, sweet on its own. It was in New York City. What they did, they used this, um, used luxury, you know, like an old, um, old luxury Louis Vuitton bags, you know, old or something, whatever it is used. And they give it a new life. So they get that trend they're using. Um, you know, they're using like a beautiful pieces, you know, some somebody of us, a lot of people actually do have it right. And they, um, make it fashionable again. So they have this beak sail kind of thing. They had this. I think it's three floors. Three floors. Yeah. They rented the they took took over the um like a building three floors in Manhattan where they brought all these beautiful goods they designed very beautiful. They brought a lot of also people, I believe Doja Cat, she was there. She was actually one of the hosts in that as well. And everybody who is coming, you know, to see. So to see the place, what they have, um, they, it was like an exposition, kind of like a museum like style thing, but at the same time you could purchase the item. And I think it's amazing because first of all, we don't forget our traditions because a lot of pieces, you know, designer ones, um, they are, you know, has a value of a lot of people, you know, okay, my mom wear that or this and that. And that's what they did. They, um, I believe they collaborated with eBay and they, um, they give this life again. So they make this old pieces, fashionable and stylish again. And nothing's wrong. You know, like what it used to be. You know, people look. Oh, it's not the latest, you know, piece of Louis Vuitton that is not, you know, as stylish as you could be. But then now you can buy even a used piece or used handbag or whatever your mom where, you know, she had like a small, you know, and then it's very, you know, and it's fashionable again. And, and I think it's pretty cool. I think it's really nice. Plus I think it's like a recycle, you know, recyclable too. Like you don't waste that, you know what I mean?

00:11:00 Speaker 4: Mhm, mhm. Yes.

00:11:01 Saima: I completely get your point, Elena. And, uh, that's really meaningful. You know, the way you're describing it, it's not just about creating something new, but bringing something back. Like I said, making traditional pieces feel, you know, stylish again. And I love that you noticed that because it's easy to get caught up in trends and forget where things actually come from. And what you're pointing to is more intentional, like honoring what already exists and giving new life.

00:11:28 Elena Mizernaya: Right? Absolutely. Yes. This is the best description. Yes, absolutely.

00:11:33 Saima: And, you know, like you said, that collaboration aspect to like working with platforms and reusing older pieces, it shows that, you know, there's creativity not just in design, but in how fashion is evolving. It feels like a blend of past and present, which makes it a lot more meaningful than just something, you know, that looks good for the moment. Now, like as we enter this, I want to bring this down to something specific. Like, can you walk me through a moment from a red carpet or a fashion week night that looked one way in the photos but felt completely different while you were actually living it?

00:12:11 Elena Mizernaya: So step by step. Well, when when you walk in and and. Okay. Yeah, I can do that. Absolutely. Let's, for example, do, um, the fashion week, New York fashion week, right. So when you walk in and you come in and you're right much earlier, you should be there like one hour, two hours, you know, in advance. So you going upstairs? Um, you are looking for your outfit. It's really hard to find your outfit. Trust me. A lot of ladies, a lot of models. Everybody's busy. A designer doesn't have time for you. You gotta be able to, you know, get and navigate it and get your dress ready. Once you get in the dress, um, you probably will be most likely online online to get the makeup done or, uh, freshen up. I usually come with mine because I know my own style. Plus I, um, I do trust people, you know, with, uh, with cleanliness, but I'd rather use my, you know, my own stuff. Mhm. Just just to be careful. It's not just, uh, you know, again, I believe everybody trusts everybody, but sometimes when you're busy, you might forget whatever. So I don't like that. And I'm trying to do my own stuff. And I like the way I do my my makeup. So I usually feel like almost any event, very, very rarely. I think I've done it maybe outside just a few times and it saves you a lot of time too. Plus, sometimes if you go to event or modeling show, you might not get a chance to actually have to do the makeup so that that. So you have to be ready. You have to be ready literally for anything. So you go, you, um, you know, once it's done, they will brief you, um, a brief show you, you know, like what, how is walk is going to be where, where you stop. We usually have like a cross thing where we stop and then the photographers over there. So you have to, when you walk, you stop at that, you know, sign. They take a picture of you, then you go back and everything. So that's like all briefly. And then, um, before the show, they try to bring you outside. So you do like, um, you know, a little bit, um, entertaining the guests. It depends on the design again, design and some design. They don't like it. They just, you know, we just go and do the show and stuff. But usually models, they might do a few shows a day. So the last one I've done for the New York Fashion Week I've done is two. It was two o'clock and six six p m it's very. Time flies. You don't have time to eat. You don't have. You can't bring food behind because they worry for your clothes. You know, to get ruined. You cannot bring drinks behind. It's a lot of sacrifice. Like you can't really go out anywhere because, you know, and it's very, very messy. But but at the same time, when you get in pictures, you know, it's kind of like it's fun. So you can relax a little bit after when you just walk the, for example, the fashion show, you literally staying hungry for like all day and then for the, for the rest, you know, after, after the show, you got to do all this, you know, pictures with people and you got to be there present or you're going to be in a lot of things. And after that, you only can go. So yeah, it's very it's tough. I would say very stressful.

00:15:11 Speaker 4: Mhm.

00:15:12 Saima: That really paints the full picture because from the outside, people just see, you know, the look, the photos, the work. But what you're describing is everything that happens behind the scenes, the searching, the waiting, the coordination. It's actually a lot more intense than it looks. And I like that you mentioned using, you know, your own things to that sense of being careful and staying prepared. It shows, you know, there's a level of awareness and responsibility even in those fast moving moments. And it almost takes the glamour and adds a layer of reality to it. Like there's a whole process. People don't see that, you know, that makes it all come together. So now, you know, for someone stepping into high pressure room for the first time, whether that's a fashion event or, you know, any space that feels bigger than them, what's one thing you have learned that helps you stay grounded, even when everything around you is moving fast?

00:16:08 Elena Mizernaya: Another very important thing when you go to this modeling things, you can't really bring a lot of, um, like I would not recommend bring your personal expensive stuff. You have to leave it all behind at home. Don't bring anything because when you walk, show you have to seek out all the jewelry unless they giving you the jewelry to wear, for example. So don't bring that, don't bring it. And just for your own safety, I think it's everywhere in the world. So. So don't bring expensive bag, don't bring expensive stuff. Just get something very modest. Go do your thing. And after, after you're done, you know, you, you get your makeup, whatever you brought and stuff and everything, then then you just, um, you know, go back home and wear whatever you want. So I would not recommend because we'd be upset if you lost something, which is you really love, you know. That's another advice I would give. Actually, I had to edit it.

00:17:01 Saima: Yes, yes. And that's, you know, actually such a practical answer. It says a lot like, you know, in a space where everything looks so high and, and polished, you're choosing to stay simple and grounded. And it also shifts the focus from trying to impress to just being present and comfortable in the moment.

00:17:19 Elena Mizernaya: Well, human, it's all the same. It just looks glamorous because of pictures. And you know, they're taking the best moments sometimes not even that actually. Sometimes they can take a picture and out of you the best looking, but still it's still going to look, you know, nice and sweet. But you have to think it's just like in real life, the same, you know?

00:17:38 Saima: Absolutely. Yes. You know, I think that's something people don't expect. They assume grounding is something internal or complex, but sometimes it's as simple as making choices, you know, that keep us at ease. And it shows a kind of quiet confidence I feel. Not getting carried away by the environment. So, uh, do you feel like, you know, like that mindset, keeping things simple and not overcomplicating things has changed how you show up in those spaces over time.

00:18:08 Elena Mizernaya: Well, all this, whatever mentioned it is part of it. Because if you come and you don't worry about your personal stuff, it makes your life much more easier. Um, if you, uh, you know, go again. Well, again, it depends for who you know. You know, like for me, for example, my health is very important. So I would definitely be very stressful over something someone put in me on my face. And then, you know, I, I would worry about sickness. So I preventing it before going there. And I already, I don't worry about those. So I do things wherever I can possibly do before I go there. And then you just try and enjoy the moment. That's it. You're just trying to relax a little bit. And again, uh, me, I'm personally I don't like to stay hungry. I eat very healthy. I just have this, um, you know, the system in place. So before I go to the show, I just eat and I know it's going to be enough for me. Whatever, for five, five hours. I don't want to be, uh, you know, stressed, you know, under stress, stressful, not nice. You know, it's some, most of the people when they're hungry, they're not really nice. And you have to be because you go and meeting people and ask to the show, you definitely want to step out over there and start taking pictures. You look good and you don't want to get out of there. Another thing. Shoes. Shoes is the number one thing in any, um, modeling. If you have very own shoes or bad shoes which is hurting you, you will have terrible walk. You will not be comfortable. So all these things, which is very like, uh, practical things, that's number one, to remove any stress and stay good under depression. So if you have, if you have good, comfortable shoes, you know, you walk them, never walk in the shoes which you just purchased. That's like definitely not smart because you don't know that thing might just fall off your shoe. You, you know, your foot or anything can happen. You definitely want to try it before a few times. And if you know that one hundred percent, it's all good. You just go because you might have another problem. Um, you have a shoes, dumb, your makeup, everything is done. You don't worry about your stuff. Your dress might not be your right size like last time, which I had. That's we. And the thing is that they got my measurements and everything. So it was supposedly my size, but that thing wasn't. And you might be worrying while walking that this thing not fall off you or going up exposing you everywhere. I, I literally had that. So it's ruining your walk because you worry. And plus, if you would have shoes on top of that, your makeup on top of that, that's a really tough day. I would say that, you know.

00:20:36 Speaker 4: Yes.

00:20:37 Saima: That's your real side of it. Elena. And honestly, people don't talk about that enough. From the outside, it all looks so effortless. But what you're describing is very practical, taking care of your health and, you know, making sure that you're comfortable, even something as simple as shoes making a huge difference. And yeah, you know, like you said, you have faced it to the dress not fitting right and things not going as planned. It brings a lot of honesty into an industry that often looks perfect from the outside. And I feel it almost shows that showing up well isn't just about appearance, it's about how you take care of yourself in those moments. Now, like, honestly, not every event lands well. Some nights are off. Some moments are awkward and some rooms don't open up the way you hoped. So when that happens, how do you handle the letdown? You know, without it shaking your confidence going into the next one.

00:21:31 Elena Mizernaya: First of all, what I've learned, um, since I came to America, um, because I used to get very upset over things, which is not going the way I was expecting it to go. What I've learned this is called life. And that happens anywhere, no matter where you're at, you can be modeling, you can be in finance, you can be a lawyer. Things might not go the way you want it. You just have to be able to actually have to learn how to be able to handle it properly. Don't get upset and just take the best out of any situation. I think this is like a skill which every single person should have. Take the best of any situation. I don't know, you walk in because your car broke down. You just I don't know. You shoot the video if you can, um, just go, uh, you know, cracking the jokes with. If you lose a friend, then you. I shall not be, you know, all kinds of stuff, stuff like that. Right? So if you learn how to just take the best out of any situation, and if you see something, for example, okay, you walk in, in the, in the room where you it's a very hot room. I'll tell you on the way. High rooms are very cold. They will not open their arms and expect you. You know, a hug. You're all thanks to. Finally you hear, no, they will not. So I know a lot of people was in. You know, for like some of us it's really hard, you know, to get in this room. And when you get in and you're expecting something. So don't expect anything. Just go. Just be yourself if you're not getting this warmth. I mean, some people are cold itself, so there is nothing you can do about it. It's not because you it's not just something. Oh, Or maybe they had a bad day before, you know? So it's just anything it could be any reason. Never ever, you know, think that it's you. It's all because of you. Absolutely not. You just take the best you, you know, you try with these people, you see, you know, like you, um, getting along. Why not? Some people, they don't. Some people take time. You go in them, you see them on the other event, you know, and maybe you hit it off that time. So it's all about this. You just have to remember where you came there for. You get experience, you enjoy yourself. Um, you get content. Content is everything right now nowadays. And anywhere you go, you can get content anywhere you can walk on the street, you can get content. So just take the best out of it. Just be smart, be proactive, come up with anything and always have fun. Don't just like, you know, yeah, don't always have fun and think about yourself because people are not gonna think about you. That's one hundred percent. So you know.

00:23:55 Speaker 4: Mhm. Mhm.

00:23:57 Saima: Yes. That makes sense. One hundred percent. And that's a really, you know, grounded way of looking at it actually almost like you're, uh, taking it out of just the modeling world and bringing it back to life in general. And what you're saying is it's not about avoiding those off moments because you know, they're going to happen anyway. It's about how you respond to them. And I really like that perspective of taking the best out of any situation. It keeps us moving forward, you know, without letting one experience define the next. And it feels so steady, not reactive, like just aware. So, Elena, before we close, where's the best place for listeners to follow your world and to find meta luxe jewelry?

00:24:38 Elena Mizernaya: Well, you definitely should check it out. My website, which is, uh, was published yesterday, but I'm just waiting this to be indexed. So. But you still look it up. It's meta luxe jewelry dot com. Also, you can find us on IG Instagram. It's also meta likes jewelry or it's also named meta like straight. That's the company name. So but you I have both on the on, on the page and also, of course, check it out. My personal page on, um, on Instagram, Chinchilla Lux. That's my main page. I'm also working right now on building my YouTube, TikTok, my, my first and last name, Elena Anaya. So you can definitely find more. And by the way, you can find, um, videos, uh, and the pictures from the walk events and everything. I keep uploading. There's only a little bit right now because I just working on the videos and once the rest is done, a lot of a lot more is going to be there. You definitely can see enjoying, uh, for a little bit seeing the, uh, walk events. It's beautiful, especially from Dubai one, the last one, it was incredible. Yeah.

00:25:41 Speaker 4: Mhm.

00:25:41 Saima: That's surely going to be beneficial for all our listeners out there, Elena and listeners. So sparks is always about the small ship that stays with you. So here's the one to take from today. The most beautiful rooms in the world are still just rooms. What makes them mean something is who you are when you walk in. Thanks for listening.