Maria, the head of a prestigious Eastern European studio grants us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of a large studio. She started as a model but was quickly able to build on the experience she gained and leverage her knowledge to become a community leader in an ever-changing industry. She discusses the day-to-day challenges of models, their potential career opportunities, and compares the lives of performers working independently and with a studio. In her experience, once you establish a stable financial situation for yourself, your personal goals become much more accessible, and help can sometimes arrive from the most unexpected places. She believes that the stigma surrounding the industry is only natural, and it’s up to the platforms to change public perception.