Model, influencer, content creator, dancer. Athina Kamarudin takes stock of her creative journey and opens up about where she hopes to take herself next.

Entering Adulthood

BAZAAR Malaysia turns 21 this year. We are coming of age. Do you recall what you were like at 21?

At 21 I was still in dance school! I was a hungry creative trying to venture into the world of performing arts and was dancing day and night. All this while taking small little steps in the modelling world too. I’d like to say, at 21, I was inspired. Inspired to learn, to try, to fail and to do. I lived alone in another country (Singapore) and it was stressful sometimes figuring out your sense of self. I was learning to be a receptive adult that was once a very angry little girl who wanted the most for herself and everyone else. But now I just want what’s best for me! 21 was a sweet age though.

Royal Oak Mini Frosted Gold Quartz watch in 18-carat pink gold, AUDEMARS PIGUET. Dress, ALIA BASTAMAM.

Personal Evolution

You just turned 26 recently. How have you evolved as a person compared to when you were 21? 

Oh, I’ve most definitely evolved. Growing up, I’ve always known how empathetic of a person I was therefore my existence solely catered to everyone around me. But at 26, you learn that when you keep the peace for everyone else, your own becomes at risk. So now, I’ve become a person who has learned how to keep healthy boundaries and bonds enough to hold my own peace at heart. A big jump from a 21-year-old who was a yes-man and then later cry about it in her room. 

What’s one important thing you’ve learned these past five years that you will carry with you forever?

One most important lesson that stuck with me is that change is inevitable no matter how hard you try to hold on. You have to be uncomfortable, you have to want to learn and reflect, you have to cry a couple of tears and then pick yourself back up. Change isn’t scary, it actually is a wondrous thing like when flowers bloom after the rain.