New life in Banbury sees aspiring model revive her career

Julita Stefaniak’s hopes and dreams were thrown off course by the accident in 2019.

But having had the chance to start again, she has now been named as one of the finalists in the Top Model 2022 Model Search Awards and Fashion Event, taking place in London on Saturday, September 17.

The 22-year-old told the Banbury Guardian this week about the nightmare that followed the accident – and how a fresh start with a move to Banbury has turned her life around.

She said: “I started my modelling journey back in 2016 when I was doing it as a hobby as I always loved to be in front of a camera. I never thought that this journey would take me to the point where I would be doing it professionally.

“In 2019 I was living in Wiltshire and I was involved in a no-fault car accident. Following the accident I lost my car as it had been written off, which meant I lost my job, was left injured and with debt from the finance company.

"I got in more debt due to unemployment, I was unable to pay rent on time and got evicted from the house I was renting and was homeless for a few weeks. I was hopeless, unmotivated, uninspired, depressed and on strong medications. Of course at that time I took a break from my modelling.

“In 2021 I got an opportunity to move to Banbury as I have been offered a role as sales manager for a sunbed company based in Stokenchurch, where I am still working full-time.

"Without thinking twice I moved to the area as I thought it would be a great 'fresh' start for me.

"Moving to the area has done a lot for my mental health and allowed me to start a new life – but also gave me motivation to get back to modelling.”

This year has seen her pick up a range of work, helping her to rediscover the confidence she lost after the accident.

There was a further boost when she applied to Top Model and got through the selection process from more than 3,000 applications.

She added: “I am really looking forward to the finals, where we will be on the catwalk dressed by designers. celebrating Top Model's 15th anniversary, with over 40 awards up-for-grabs, all the while helping to raise money for The Top Model Foundation for sick children and children in need.

“My justgiving fundraiser is going to be up until September, and I would love to encourage people to support the foundation. I also play on a guitar and sing, so would love to run a small charity event locally and I would be extremely grateful if any business would like to support me and the charity with venue hire.”

Her fundraising page has just gone live at: www.justgiving.com/julitas2022