Editor’s Note: They are leaders. They are inspirational. They are mentors. They are visionaries. They are, quite frankly, badasses. They are our 2022 REEL WOMEN – incredible personalities in Advertising, Entertainment, Media and Production. Women like Erika Stasiuleviciute are making “Herstory.”
Lithuanian-born Erika is a top international model, having graced the pages of many of the world’s top fashion publications, including Vogue, L’Officiel, In Style and Harper’s Bazaar, to name just a few. Represented by Photogenics, the top agency in the United States, Erika is now taking the acting world by storm, being featured in several new film and television projects.
Erika started modeling at 14 years of age, and soon was signed by Elite Model Agency in Milan. Her first booking was the cover of In Style magazine, and very soon after that, she was modeling in Paris, London, New York, Tokyo, and many other fashion hotspots.
In addition to modelling, Erika was selected to host TV Pagalba, Lithuania’s most successful television show, and was cast in several short films. During this time, she also earned a bachelor’s degree in law from Mykolas Romeris University in Lithuania.
She settled in London, where her modeling experience and in-depth knowledge of the fashion business opened up new doors. She was invited to teach courses about the industry at St. Patrick’s International College and eventually became involved in fashion show, event and exhibition production.
Passionate about promoting young talent and artists, her first photography exhibition was covered in more than 24 top publications including British Vogue, enjoyed by more than 800 attendees from around the world. Proceeds from the event were dedicated to cancer research, a cause about which she is very passionate to this day.
Seven years ago, Erika relocated to Los Angeles not only to continue her success in modeling, but also to pursue her dream of becoming an actress.
Let’s meet Erika!
What’s your origin story?
I was born in Lithuania to an amazing, loving family. Got scouted at fourteen to be a model. After graduating high school, I applied to university to study law, packed my legal books, and took off to Milan to start my international modeling career.
For five years, I traveled back and forth for my exams in Lithuania while modeling worldwide. I also wrote articles and starred in the television show TV Help, in the meantime. After obtaining my bachelor’s degree, I decided to focus on modeling. Traveling the world without any restrictions was a dream. I was based in London for a while but realized I wanted to act more than anything in life.
How did you get into acting?
I’ve acted in TV shows and movies since I was sixteen. However, I decided to focus on my modeling career and my degree. After receiving my bachelor’s degree in law, I modeled full-time.
While modeling in London, I got booked for the BBC show Material Girl. A few weeks into filming, I was so hooked on acting that I decided to make a life-changing decision and pursue it as a career.
Who were your mentors?
My mum and my granny. I have always adored them. I love them and respect them so much.
So strong, so independent, so resilient, and so supportive – never shy to work hard and take risks, and yet so loving and caring to me.
While there will be others, what do you consider your biggest achievement to date?
Putting others first. I studied law, just so I could help people. I have spent so many years trying to put myself into other people’s shoes. This is what brought me into acting. I have practiced the craft for so many years, so I decided to finally do it for a living.
What drives you to create?
Acting is my favorite form of art. It’s how I communicate with the world. I’m in love with the entire process.
What shows are doing the best job of portraying strong women on TV?
From the shows I watched in the last few years, I think The Handmaid’s Tale and Peaky Blinders.
REELated: See who else is on the Reel Women List
Coffee, Lunch or Happy Hour. Name a famous woman you would like to attend each function with.
Coffee with Zendaya.
Lunch with Cate Blanchett.
Happy Hour with Mae West.
What is the biggest challenge to women in your industry?
I haven’t noticed any challenges yet. It is very powerful being a woman.
How has having the superpower helped you?
Having compassion for others and putting myself into their shoes has helped me a lot, especially when making important decisions.
What is your kryptonite?
Sugar!
When you’re not creating, what do you do in your off time?
Creatively enjoying my life. I need visual stimulation for my creativity and well-being. I watch films or visit galleries. I like to drive to places for long hikes or go to the ocean. Mini escape trips are also crucial to my well-being.
Predict your future! Where are you in 5 years?
On a movie set, acting, doing what I love doing the most!
#REELWOMEN #WOMENSHISTORYMONTH #Erika Stasiuleviciute