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Not a lot is known about Natasha Stroeva before her rise to stardom. But we read through her interviews and put the pieces together so you can get to know this Yakut beauty for yourself!
Name: Natasha Stroeva (Наталья “Наташа” Строева)
Birth Date: Unknown Date in 1999
Birth Place: Yakutsk, Sakha Republic (Yakutia)
Height: 183 cm (6 feet)
Measurements: 80-60-90 (cm) / 31-24-35 (in)
Education: Russian National Research Medical University (as a Medical Student)
Pageant Titles: Miss Yakutia 2018; Second Vice-Miss Russia 2018; Miss World Russia 2018
We couldn’t believe our eyes when we first laid our eyes on Natasha Stroeva (Наталья “Наташа” Строева). Her looks show she’s a grade A+ oriental beauty but her roots – and her upbringing – are 100% Russian-Yakuts from Yakutia. And she just happens to be Russia’s best bet for Miss World 2018!
View this post on InstagramДа пребудет с нами сила и покой 🙏🏻 . #миссроссия #миссроссия2018 #missrussia #missrussia2018
Yakutia? What/Where is that?
Without diving much into its history and geography: Yakutia is a region located in the Easternmost region of Russia. It was region originally inhabited by ethnic Yakuts (Саха) until Russian migrants from the then Russian Empire came to settle with the local Yakuts in the region. When Russia became a federal form of government, Yakutia became the Sakha Republic.
Yakutia’s proximity to more more oriental countries like China, Japan, and the two Koreas should explain why their looks are closer to these countries than your typical Slavic-Russian.
What is Natasha’s family background?
Natasha Stroeva was orphaned at an early age. She has no recollection of her mother as she passed away when she was just a year-old. Her father, and her brother, were the ones left to take care of her. Natasha’s father, however, was ill with cancer and passed away when she was just 12 years-old. She and her brother were taken in by their father’s relatives.
She noted that she looked distinct from the rest of her father’s side as they looked more Russian than Yakut. Fortunately, Natasha was – and still is – fully supported by her entire family in her blossoming career.
Being left orphaned at a young age taught Natasha to be independent. She first wanted to take her university studies in the Russian National Medical Research University. But felt that she was not ready to leave Yakutsk. She recalled her documents from Moscow and applied in the North-Eastern Federal University located in the city of Yakutsk.
How did Natasha start with pageants?
In an interview conducted by News YKT, Natasha shared she learned to fend and rely on herself because of her experience. Natasha Stroeva started modelling at the age of 14; eventually juggling her work as a model and as a medical student. She never specified how she was discovered, but we can safely speculate she must’ve already been a looker being recruited at such a young age.
In 2017, her agency manager told her Miss Yakutia 2018 was accepting applications. Her manager suggested she join the competition, but Natasha was hesitant at first. Even if she was an avid follower of Russian beauty pageants, she never imagined herself being part of one. She eventually agreed upon receiving overwhelming support from her family and agency. Natasha was 18 years old when she entered.
Natasha Stroeva as Miss Yakutia 2018
Natasha trained for Miss Yakutia 2018 with the support of friends, family and her agency. She said it was strange for her to receive this much help since she was used to getting things herself.
When the competition came, Natasha thought she would have little-to-no chance of getting the attention of judges. However, her attitude, beauty, and experience as a model at a young age gave her an advantage on the pageant stage. It was noted by observers that her catwalk emphasized her strength a potential contender for bigger beauty pageants – immediately setting her apart from the rest of the competition. Natasha initially thought she misheard when her name was called out as Miss Yakutia 2018.
Natasha Stroeva in the Miss Russia 2018 Pageant
The title holder of Miss Yakutia would naturally be the representative of the Republic of Sakha to the Miss Russia pageant. Natasha was first reluctant to pursue further into the competition as she said that she already had found it nerve-racking joining Miss Yakutia. She changed her mind when she recalled how staying in her comfort zone will not get her anywhere in life.
When her name was called as one of the final 3, she (again) wasn’t sure if she misheard the announcer. Natasha Stroeva was crowned Second-Vice Miss Russia 2018 with Violetta Tyurkina (Belgorod) as Vice-Miss Russia and Yulia Polyachikihina (Sverdlovsk Oblast) taking the title of Miss Russia 2018.
Natasha received a full scholarship to any university in Russia as part of her pageant prize. Having always wanted to finish her medical course, she applied once again to the Russian National Research Medical University. Natasha said she would always be happy to come home to Yakutsk when the time comes.
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An Early Legacy as Miss Russia World 2018
Natasha Stroeva is the first Yakut in 12 years to represent Yakutia in the Top 3 of Miss Russia. She’s made it clear what values she’ll be espousing: Beauty, Intelligence, and National Pride.
Natasha Stroeva will be the first Yakut to be in Miss World and she’s also the 2nd Second-Vice Miss Russia to be chosen to represent Russia in the Miss World pageant – after Anastasia Kostenko (Second Vice-Miss Russia 2014 – Miss Russia World 2014). This became a hot topic with pageant forums as Vice-Miss Russia was the usual pick for Miss World. Nevertheless, Natasha Stroeva was well received by netizens who closely watch beauty pageants from around the world.
Natasha Stroeva’s Personal Life
She has a boyfriend who is about 2-3 years older than her. They met during her university days in Yakutsk. There is no information as to whether they’re still together after she moved to Moscow.
Natasha dreams of being a cosmetic-dermatologist once she’s done with her medical studies.
This beauty sure has put Yakutia on the map! We’re looking forward to seeing her on the upcoming Miss World 2018 in Sanya, China this December 9.
Check out Natasha Stroeva’s Instagram and send her our love: