Arwen Kask
Arwen Kask, 34, is a part-time model currently training to become a nurse. She is also a trained yoga teacher with a background in PR management. Arwen moved to the Stockholm suburb of Saltsjöbaden three years ago after deciding to apply to nursing school.
“I’m not really an anxious person, but I remember being quite nervous about moving here because most people who live here grew up here. I thought it would take ages to build connections, but then I met Filippa from Minimal Showroom in our mum group, and we became best friends pretty quickly after that.”
During the spring of 2020, Minimal Showroom had a pop-up at Vår Gård in Saltsjöbaden, where Arwen volunteered to help out. That’s how she also came into contact with Josefine.
Arwen is wearing the Julian Waffle Jacket from Aniela Parys and the Sierra Pants from by Signe.
Photo and text by: Cassandra Huczkowski
When did your modeling career start?
-I’ve been modeling since I was 18. I went to France on a language exchange trip when I was 15 and was recognized by a woman from a modeling agency in Milan. Since I was only 15 at the time, we had to have a meeting with my father over the phone, and I also had to turn 16 before I could take any modeling jobs. They also told me I needed to lose weight, which was horrible considering how skinny I already was. When I turned 16, I went to Milan for a month, and it was honestly the worst time of my life. I just wanted to be with my friends and eat McDonald’s, and I wasn’t really ready for a modeling career.
However, Arwen did enjoy being in the spotlight, which is why she applied to a Swedish reality show called Robinson. She got an audition but unfortunately never heard back, until three months later when the same woman who had interviewed her called.
- She had kept my papers and wanted me to come to Stockholm to audition for Top Model Sweden. I thought it was a great opportunity to be seen, so I just went for it and somehow made it through. After my appearance on that show, I started modeling for real and felt that I was more mature and ready for it by then.
How come you decided to apply for nursing school?
-I had never really given much thought to what I wanted to do in life; everything just kind of happened and rolled into place. After being on maternity leave for three years, I didn’t feel like returning to the PR agency where I had been working. I couldn’t picture myself staying there as I got older, and I wanted to try something new.
I felt that relying solely on my modeling career after having kids was too risky. I wanted the assurance of independence and to work in a field that felt meaningful. It was actually my mother-in-law who suggested, ‘Maybe you could become a nurse?’ - I didn’t know much about nursing and didn’t think I’d be able to get in with my grades. But I became curious and started researching what I needed to apply.
At the time, I was living in LA, but my husband and I decided to move back to Sweden. I applied to take a test in Stockholm that could boost my chances of getting into the school I wanted. Apparently, I did well because I passed the test, applied to the school, and got in. Everything happened quite quickly from considering it to actually being accepted, and it wasn’t a well-thought-out plan. However, when I received my acceptance letter, I just knew I had made the right choice.
By Jesper Waldesten. Photo: Cassandra Huczkowski
“A big interest of mine is collecting four-leaf clovers. I actually created an artwork featuring them, with over 150 clovers incorporated into it. However, it looks a bit dark, so I plan to redo it since it’s meant to be a cheerful painting.
I have an idea to donate the finished piece to a care facility. I never made any wishes on the clovers, so I thought it would be nice to give those wishes to the people at the hospital instead.”
What are your other passions?
– I absolutely love meeting new people and starting new friendships; I think that’s one of my biggest passions in life. I’m also very family-oriented and have two kids, so they are obviously a major passion of mine. Beyond that, I enjoy working out and moving my body. Although I’m not fond of cooking, I do love eating, and my favorite dish is probably a burrata and tomato salad. I also have a soft spot for pancakes!
WHAT ARE YOUR PROUDEST MOMENTS IN LIFE?
– I work as an assistant nurse at a nearby hospital, and whenever someone thanks me for the help I’ve given them, it makes me feel really proud. I also feel immensely proud each time I pass an exam.
WHAT DOES SUSTAIANABILITY MEAN TO YOU?
– To me, sustainability means a lot of things. I rarely buy clothes, and when I do, it’s something that I really, really want, and I wear it until it falls apart—and even a bit longer. I believe everyone should consider sustainability more, including myself. The other day, I went into a clothing store to buy some clothes for my kids, and it was shocking how cheap some things were. It really makes you wonder, “Who’s making these clothes, and how much are they getting paid?” It’s quite disturbing when you think about it.
Arwen wearing Marina Bodysuit and Cardigan Dress by ORES. Photo: Cassandra Huczkowski
An absolute “must-have” in your wardrobe?
– A pair of Dr. Martens and maybe a leather jacket.
WHICH OF OUR BRANDS INTERESTS YOU THE MOST?
– I adore the Julian Waffle Jacket from Aniela Parys, as well as all the wonderful lingerie. I also love all the designs from Signe, especially the shirts.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAD AN ENTIRE DAY TO YOURSELF?
– That rarely happens, but if I had an entire day to myself, I’d sleep and just lie in bed watching Grey’s Anatomy all day. Or I’d spend some quality time with a friend I haven’t seen in a while—maybe go for a walk with a cup of coffee or have lunch with some wine. That would be nice.
WHICH SONG MAKES YOU DANCE?
– Hmm, good question. I’m not much of a dancer, but I’d definitely have a little cozy dance to “Cold Little Heart” by Michael Kiwanuka. It was actually my most-played song in 2020!
WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW?
– Right now, I’m reading Jag kan ha fel by Björn Lindeblad and also Introduction to Global Health, which is my course literature at the moment. I recently finished Karin Smirnoff’s trilogy about Jana Kippo, and I really loved it.
WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING RIGHT NOW?
– I’m watching Grey’s Anatomy, Masterchef Sweden, and a Swedish series called Tunna blå linjen, which is amazing. Some of the best series I’ve seen are Black Mirror and Stranger Things. When it comes to films, I’m a sucker for chick-flicks and any of the animated short films from Pixar!
What are you listening to right now?
– I’m a fan of Swedish music. Right now, I’m listening a lot to Steget and Moonica Mac.
“Pretty much every woman inspires me in one way or another, especially mothers. I’m just fascinated by women overall, and I find it very inspiring to be a woman. I don’t think you need to have accomplished something special to be inspiring; I can look at my three-year-old daughter and feel inspired.”
Arwen wearing Knit Top and Knit Shorts by Signe. Photo: Cassandra Huczkowski.