In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Pearson, who has spent nearly 25 years in the modelling industry. Together, we explore what it truly means to grow up in a world obsessed with image, beauty, and perfection. We share honest reflections on the burnout, the pressure, and the hidden costs that come with being constantly in the spotlight. From Rebecca’s early days to her decision to speak out through her blog Modeltypeface, we dig into the realities most models don’t talk about openly. Our conversation reveals how the industry has—or hasn’t—changed, and what it takes to reclaim your identity beyond the camera. Now a facialist, Rebecca shares how she found grounding after stepping away from modelling full-time. If you’ve ever wondered what life behind the runway really looks like, or how to find authenticity in an image-driven world, this episode offers raw truths, personal lessons, and hopeful insights. Tune in to hear a candid, inspiring conversation about beauty, mental health, and finding your own path.

Modelling Exposed: Our Untold Truths and Journey Forward with Rebecca Pearson

In this heartwarming episode of Connected with Iva, I sit down with Tamta Mosulishvili, the founder of the poetic and emotionally rich brand Quintet London [https://www.quintetlondon.com/]. Our conversation unfolds like the story behind her brand—deeply personal, beautifully crafted, and grounded in meaning.

We reflect on serendipity—how it brought us together and how it continues to shape the friendships and possibilities in our lives. Tamta shares the message behind Quintet, how each gift is more than an object—it's a vessel for storytelling, evoking emotion, and creating meaningful connections.

Together, we explore:

 * The power of creating possibility and expanding your mindset
 * Choosing friendships with intention and resonance
 * How Tamta weaves soul and story into design
 * Why emotionally intelligent branding leaves a lasting impact

If you're drawn to beauty with meaning, intentional living, and the magic of chance encounters, this episode is for you.

What If One Serendipitous Moment Changed Everything? Tamta Mosulishvili on Storytelling, Friendship & Quintet London

What if the fear you feel isn't a stop sign, but the doorway to your purpose?

In this solo episode, I get honest about my own journey with loneliness and that unsettling feeling of not knowing what I’m here for. I talk about how fear almost kept me from stepping into the work that lights me up — and how I learned that clarity doesn’t come before action. It comes because of it.

If you’ve ever waited to feel “ready,” or thought everyone else knows what they’re doing but you — I made this one for you. We’ll talk about what purpose really is (and isn’t), why fear often masks potential, and how starting messy, scared, and unsure is actually the most powerful thing you can do.

Let’s stop waiting for perfect. Let’s just start.

Afraid to Begin? That’s Exactly When You Should

In this expansive episode of Connected with Iva, I sit down with the multi-talented Noemi Gunea to explore the layered theme of identity, especially through our shared Eastern European roots. We dive into what it means to unlearn inherited cultural conditioning, how to gamify life to reconnect with joy, and why putting your desires on a pedestal can distance you from your power.

Together, we reflect on the energetics of manifestation, navigating the tension between scarcity and safety, and how most of us live stretched across time — carrying old wounds, chasing future dreams, and forgetting the quiet strength of the present.

We ask:
– Can your pain become a portal to deeper self-connection?
– Can your future self guide you, while you help your past self feel safe?
– What truly makes you you?

This episode is for anyone redefining who they are, reclaiming where they come from, and reimagining where they’re going.

Not This Anymore: Choosing Identity on Your Terms with Noemi Gunea

In this episode, I catch up with the wonderful Melise (@melise_w) for a real, relaxed conversation that goes deeper than the surface. From the highs and heartbreaks of the modelling world to quiet shifts in how we relate, date, and create — nothing’s off-limits. We explore boundaries, life in front of a camera, and how AI is changing the way we express and protect ourselves online.

It’s part catch-up, part therapy, and completely unfiltered.

Between Boundaries, Beauty & Becoming with Melise Williams

What does it mean to live like no moment is secondary? Model and founder Ella Eiveren shares her journey through modelling, entrepreneurship, and self-trust—with practical wisdom on building something real while staying deeply present.

No Moment Is Secondary: Ella Eiveren on Modelling, Movement, and Making it Count

Today I'm joined by Aziza Ransome, host of Psychology Of The Heart, for a heart-centered talk on breaking loops, realigning with your truth, and why “let’s be excellent” beats chasing perfection—every time.

From Loops to Alignment: Let’s Be Excellent with Aziza Ransome

Clothes can spark connection—and in this episode with Harriet, founder of Saywood, we explore the serendipity of style. From slow fashion to sustainability, we talk about how what we wear shapes conversations, inspires community, and reflects conscious living. We also chat about social media, shared ambition, and why success is sweeter when it’s collective.

Don’t miss Saywood’s limited-time pop-up events:
📍 50 Cross Street, Islington: 4–29 June
📍 The Hair Shop, Hitchin: 14 June
📍 Avantelier, Notting Hill: 2–13 July

Tune in for stories, inspiration, and the magic of fashion that means something.

Wearing Meaning: Serendipity, Social Media & Slow Fashion with Harriet from Saywood

Janice has crafted a fascinating career journey - from working as a model to becoming a communications consultant focusing on venture capital funds in Berlin. In this episode, we explore reinvention, learning from failures (or the lessons that help us grow), and trusting your instincts. She reveals what modelling really teaches you (hint: it's not just about photos) and how those skills translate to the business world. We also discuss industry pressures, AI's growing role, and how to define success on your own terms.

Redefining Success: Identity, Career Pivots & the Reality of Modelling with Janice Sommer

In this episode I chat with Em-J Smith, who I met on a film set a year ago, about healing, authenticity, dating, and the messy joy of human connection. Recorded in our pyjamas (because why not?), we explore:

People-pleasing - How to undo it, even if it costs us relationships.

Dating's perfection myth - Why apps feel fake and real life flirting is oddly hard.

Trauma and resilience - Smiling as armor, and why feeling down is human. 

Authenticity starvation - Craving real talk in a world of small talk.

Social media vs. self worth - Rejecting the 'always-camera-ready' lie.

No fluff - a raw conversation on saying 'no', trusting your path, and finding joy in the imperfect. Listen for a dose of realness!

Why Not Be Happy? Healing People Pleasing, Real Talk and Connection with Em-J Smith

Dive into real talks about connection, healing, and finding purpose. Each episode, Iva chats with inspiring guests who share honest stories that spark growth and remind you you’re not alone. If you want a podcast that feels like a heartfelt conversation with a friend, you’re in the right place.

Iva Litova

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