Sonja Lebedew

Sometimes I can't believe how lucky I am. The sun rises over the ocean every morning, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, and I get to witness this from my beautiful house overlooking the sea. I'm 24 years old, and I've been living in Bali for two years now, and it's been a dream come true. My days are filled with creating content for Instagram and TikTok, sharing snippets of my life, and promoting products here and there.

Sure, I know I benefit from "pretty privilege." My followers are undoubtedly drawn to my looks, something I can't take credit for—I've just been genetically lucky. But it frustrates me when people assume that's all there is to it. There's a lot of hard work behind the scenes. I'm disciplined and ambitious, qualities that have brought me to where I am today.

Being from Russia, I'm acutely aware of the stark contrast between my life and the lives of many people back home. Russia's political climate is harsh, and countless people suffer under an autocratic regime. With the platform and means I have, I feel a strong urge to give back. I support families of political prisoners in Russia, and I donate to Balinese families in dire need. It’s the least I can do, given my privileged position.

Yet, living in this bubble of privilege and addressing political issues can be conflicting. My Instagram feed, filled with sponsored posts and idyllic scenes, sometimes clashes with the serious messages I want to convey. Lately, this conflict has intensified, making me question how best to use my influence.

Despite the challenges, I am grateful for this life. It's a balancing act, navigating between a world of aesthetic perfection and the gritty reality that many face. But every day, as I watch the sun dip below the horizon, I remind myself why I do what I do. My journey is about more than just pretty pictures—it's about using my platform for good, no matter how complicated it gets.