Karyna Perahudava (A.S. ’22, B.I.S. ’24)
Since graduating from Georgia State, Karyna Perahudava (A.S. ’22, B.I.S. ’24) has converted her degree in media entrepreneurship into a meaningful career in the world of modeling. From walking for big-name brands on runways across the country to teaching classes and handling admissions for a local modeling school, Karyna has hit her stride professionally. Here, she shares how Georgia State helped make it happen.
Interview by Zohra Basmadjian
Can you share a bit about yourself?
I was born and raised in Belarus and moved to Georgia when I was 17. I am quadrilingual; I speak English, Russian, Belarusian and Ukrainian.
I started off at Georgia State’s Perimeter College, earning an associate degree in business administration. I then transferred to the Atlanta Campus to pursue a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Media Entrepreneurship, and graduated summa cum laude in 2024.
I’m involved in my church, where I counsel and mentor teenage girls. I also lead a Bible study group called Bows and Bible, but modeling is my main line of work.
What career path(s) have you taken since graduating?
I work for the Bella Modeling School, at its Atlanta location, as an admissions representative. It’s a school for people to learn the essential skills of modeling, acting and confidence-building. In my modeling career, I work with different boutiques and prom and bridal brands to showcase their collections.
What’s a typical workday at Bella like?
I deal primarily with the school’s admissions process. I handle the leads when people apply on the website, process online applications, give school tours and enroll talent. I also help in the office with planning for events and classes.
Why did you choose GSU?
I had a lot of friends who were going to GSU when I was looking at colleges to transition to for my bachelor’s degree. I was close to the downtown campus — studying at Perimeter College’s Alpharetta Campus for my associate degree — so it was convenient. I heard a lot of great reviews about the professors, culture and diversity, and I thought it would be amazing to be a part of the community.
What drew you to media entrepreneurship?
I wanted a major that would combine creativity and business, and I thought media entrepreneurship was perfect for that.
What impressed you most during your time at GSU?
I liked how big it was, and that I got to network with so many people. I loved the culture and diversity and, overall, how friendly and professional everyone was. I also appreciated that there were so many majors and classes to select from.
How did GSU help prepare you to reach your career goals?
My courses were big on teaching me how to communicate in business — crafting emails, making elevator pitches, marketing myself and speaking confidently. In my job, I speak to people a lot, so those skills I learned in my classes taught me effective sales strategies and how to connect with people. I also learned the importance of networking, which is a big part of modeling, and how to do it professionally.
What are some of your biggest accomplishments?
I’ve modeled for ASHLEY lauren, a brand that sells prom and bridal dresses, and for Fila and Nike.
I’m proud of how established my family and I have become in America since we are new here. Each of us has a job we love.
I’ve also been given the chance to mentor girls through the Bows and Bible group, something I’ve carried in my heart for a long time.
On top of that, I’ve had the chance to travel to different states for fashion trade shows and marketing.
What advice would you give students in GSU’s fall 2025 first-year class?
Make the best of your time in college and treasure it because once you graduate you won’t have this time back. Always invest in yourself and your future. Be intentional with the time and the people that you surround yourself with.
Connect with the professors. You can learn so much more from them than just academics.
And don’t be scared to ask questions and get to know people.
