The 26-year-old model, actress and TV personality, Irina Dmitrakova, is one of those rare people who never stops working. She graduated from music school in piano playing, completed a typing course, did a course in hairdressing and obtained a diploma from the University of Culture. Then she worked as a teacher of physical culture, hairdressing and typing. In 1997 she received the prize, "Ovation," for the best model of the year and the following year a diamond necklace for the best model in The Week of Russian Fashion. Dmitrakova is now the director of children's art studio Art Style, manager of PR agency Society News, TV host and producer, art director of the Prestige model agency and the Studio Club. Indeed, it was at this club where I met her, where during the last-minute preparations for an art happening by avant-garde designer Andrei Bartenev, she talked about her experiences in conquering the summits of show business.

Irina, to what extent is it realistic to make a career in show business today?

The main thing is not to miss a chance! There's nothing worse than crucifying yourself for the rest of your life just because of the one chance you missed. I got into show business in seven giant strides: numerous fashion shows and lots of film shooting.

What about the stereotype of a model who gets into show business from the casting couch? Is it true that you achieved your aims because you met the right people?

Obviously, such a stereotype exists, but it doesn't concern me. I've never had a rich sugar-daddy who did the asking for me. I built my own career myself. And, really, I come from a poor family. I've always just worked and worked. It seemed to me that if I slept an extra two hours, then I would miss something interesting.

Looking at your work record, one gets the impression that you have a great ability to count money. Is that true?

I certainly know how to count money. I know how it is earned and I know how it is spent. I love fast driving, cars and Yorkshire terriers. Three years ago I bought Romi, who accompanies me everywhere and sleeps in a little bag. I also love expensive things. They can be few, but expensive all the same. Nevertheless, I often give my things away to the poor, and I help young girls who are just starting out on the road to modeling. I try to be for them both a friend and an assistant. A lot of the mannequins call me Mama Ira!

Does it seem to you that you are your own boss? Do you like being in charge? And who is the boss when you're filming — the photographer or you?

The photographer, of course.

I always find a common language with everyone while I'm filming — with both the photographers and the stylists. They get what they want, and I play the part they ask for. Of course,

I can suggest something, but I never say this is awful or this doesn't suit me. I completely trust these people; they are the professionals.

You work practically 24 hours a day. What about your personal life? Do you really not have any free time?

Not really. Take today. I arrived in Moscow at 10 a.m. and was hardly home before setting off again with a suitcase. But in spite of working hard from morning to night, which demands a colossal amount of spiritual and physical energy, my personal life suits me the way it is. I try to spare some time, even if it's not very much, for my mother, my sister and my young man. I even manage to get to the theater once a week, and to the cinema and to keep up with new things. I love going bowling! It simultaneously helps to get rid of stress as well as training me in self-control. I simply have to carefully work out my timetable.

You are very popular in Moscow's modeling circles, but Moscow is not Paris. Have you ever had offers to work in the West? Why have you thrown Paris overboard?

What do you mean? I've worked in Paris, Italy and been the face of a French firm. In fact, I didn't have a very pleasant time in the West. The first time I arrived in Paris, I was 20. When I went to the agency, they said: "If you were 16, we would happily have taken you on. But you are 20. It's already too old for us." Then I realized that in Russia I could do much better. And why not?

The West is overflowing with Russian girls, but in Moscow — I can be a personality, even if it's only on a village scale.

Aren't you afraid of old age? Don't you often think about the time when wrinkles will begin to appear on your face?

The most important thing is to be young in spirit. Nobody wants to be old. I love life very much and I want

to live a long time. I make every effort to ensure that I stay young at heart. And as far as my appearance

is concerned, that will depend on genetics and on how much I look after my skin. Perhaps, I will have to have plastic surgery. Whatever will be, will be ...

Are you independent in your relations with men? Is it easy to work with them?

It's difficult. Sometimes

I come across envy, jealousy and hurt feelings on their part. But I've not once heard about myself: "Who does she think she is?" The majority of men see me as a valued colleague. They advise me and we make decisions together. I like that a lot. I value chivalry and cleverness and a sense of humor in men. I don't think physical strength is an indication of masculine values.

What was the best advice that you have followed? And what would you advise LifeStyle readers?

I always listen carefully to advice, but it's difficult to recall any particular one right at the moment. It might sound a bit emotional, but I would like people, in spite of everything, to remain people, to hold out a helping hand, and to respect one another. I wish that there was harmony in everything. I wish that every day could be a day of goodness, joy and love. Clouds are clouds, but a little ray of sunlight has to shine through. If the day starts with a smile, then the rest of the day will go well.