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

Then & Now

So what have you been up to since becoming one of our BAZAAR Women Of The Year in 2023?
I’ve been spending a lot more meaningful time at home. I also have been brainstorming on how to find a footing online again—it’s been a big shift and I’m adapting to it. It was such an honour to have been BAZAAR Women of the Year and I still think about the main dinner we had with everyone. It was such an eye-opening sharing session to see that I wasn’t really alone with feeling alone online. Knowing that there are other creators who share the same views as I do allows me to be kinder and softer with myself in terms of the work-life balance. Sitting in a room with those inspirational women was definitely a game-changer for me—and thank you so much BAZAAR for making it happen. Love and life is a great thing to have to create memories. 

Athina & Dance

Last we met, you mentioned that you’ve rediscovered your love for dance, and how you miss it. Will we see you dancing more?
I don’t intend to leave dance, ever. I know that it will always be a part of me; a love story that’ll never die. And I do go for open dance classes or workshops from time to time but I haven’t had the time to create my own movements yet. In all honesty, I do see myself doing more for the dance community so maybe I’ll venture into that soon, who knows! However, there is one very exciting performance coming up, and it was the easiest “yes” when I was asked to do it. So look out for that! [Ed: Watch this space, folks.] 

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Model, In Demand

You came to prominence in modelling through an Alia Bastamam runway show (in 2022). Tell us what led to that moment.

Walking for Alia always felt like a far-fetched dream. Being new in the industry at that point of time, my paths weren’t very clear. Days leading up to the show, I’d practise my walk in my room or through a long walkway in the mall. I was teaching dance in heels so it wasn’t as scary but I knew I wanted to be almost perfect.  

Do you remember how you felt moments leading up to the runway walk?

Nervous but I know for fact that I had enough confidence in myself to walk the walk and show people what I got! The nerves did take over though because I walked down the runway so fast… 

Emotional Highs (And Lows)

When was the last time you were at your happiest?

I’ve been happy and content a lot recently. My birthday just passed as well, so if it’s one specific day, it’s probably that. I had special moments with all my family and friends, it was beautiful. 

…and the last time you were at your lowest? How did you overcome that?

I was at my lowest when I lost both my grandparents, three months apart from each other. I lived with my grandparents my whole life so they were a big part of the Athina Kamarudin you know today. Losing them was something I still, until today, find difficult to grasp with but I’ve also slowly accepted it and have moved on with the grief still intact close to my heart. I miss them every day and I do have heavy days where I sit and reminisce about them, but I know they’ll always look out for me. So on really hard days, I snuggle up on my couch downstairs, order my favourite meal and watch a movie in the living room my grandparents would always spend their time in.