Host 1
Welcome to the Two on One podcast. I’m František, and next to me is Honza. On this show, we invite inspiring students and alumni from Newton University.
Host 2
And our guest today is Tomáš Rulík—a guy who wears many hats. He’s a presenter, model, stage manager, entrepreneur, and on top of that, a Newton student proving that courage and discipline can completely change your life. Tom, welcome!
Tomáš
Hey guys. It’s an absolute pleasure to be here with you, and I really appreciate the invite.
Host 1
Tomáš’s story is proof that a tough start in life can lead to incredible achievements. Tom, let’s take it from the very beginning, with the most crucial part: how did being bullied in primary school affect you back then, and how do you feel about it today?
Tomáš
To be completely honest, I feel great today. Looking back, going through that actually helped me build genuine confidence and learn to love myself. It was even the initial spark that pushed me into modeling, which ultimately did wonders for my self-esteem.
Host 1
So taking up modeling was almost like a personal challenge for you?
Tomáš
Exactly. I wanted to prove to myself that I wasn’t ugly, that I was attractive enough, that I could make friends, and that I didn’t look terrible. Back then, I had internalized the idea that I was an outcast and nothing special. Then an opportunity to try modeling came up, and I jumped at it. Soon after, the agency that still represents me today reached out, and my career took off. It gave my self-esteem a massive boost, and I’m super proud of it—and above all, incredibly grateful.
Host 1
If you don't mind going back to the bullying for a second—a lot of students listening might have experienced something similar. What did that look like, and why did they target you?
Tomáš
Well, they mostly made fun of my appearance. Growing up, I had a very prominent, long chin, and in eighth grade, I knocked my front teeth out. So people were drawing a "toothless goat" all over the classroom. It really hurt at the time. I stopped smiling because of my chin, convinced I wasn't normal or good-looking. And the funny paradox today is that this exact chin now helps pay my bills. Learning to accept the way I look was what truly made me happy. If I had to give anyone advice: other people’s opinions don’t mean a thing—it all comes down to what’s inside you. I’m living proof that you just have to love yourself and accept the things you can’t change. You can always work on yourself, but self-love comes first.
Host 2
Let’s move to something brighter. How did that moment go down when you got your first modeling offer, and what made you go for it?
Tomáš
My main motivation was simply proving to myself that I wasn't ugly. I spent a phase reaching out to agencies, but nobody took me on. Then I came across Czech designer Jan Černý, so I just sent him a direct message: "Hey, I’m Tomáš. I’d love to try modeling, I really love your work, but I have zero experience." He got back to me and invited me to a runway casting. I went, booked the show, walked the runway, and right after that, an agency reached out wanting to sign me. It was an unreal moment. It proved so much to me and made me genuinely happy.
Host 1
You mentioned Jan Černý. You wear some of his pieces, right?
Tomáš
Yeah, I really admire Jan and love his design language. I’m actually wearing a pair of his pants right now—super comfortable, highly recommend them.
Host 1
I noticed! You've got a t-shirt and a tank top from him too, as far as I remember.
Tomáš
I have quite a few of his tees, shoes, and that tank top I showed you earlier—had to flex a little.
Host 1
Exactly. How would you describe your relationship with Jan Černý today?
Tomáš
I consider Honza a genuine friend now. I frequently do fittings for him before his shows. Every time I get to walk a runway for him, it feels deeply nostalgic because he was the one who restored my confidence, introduced me to the industry, and opened the door to the path I’m walking today. I’m beyond grateful to him, and we see each other regularly.
Host 1
Modeling isn’t just about glamorous photoshoots. What were your beginnings like regarding mental health, rejection, strict diets, pressure, and constant travel?
Tomáš
At first, I didn't realize the toll it could take on your mental health. That only hit me the first time I flew out to Milan. You're living in a model apartment with other guys, and when you see them heading out to bookings and shoots every single day while you’re stuck on the couch for a week with nothing, it messes with your head. You start questioning yourself all over again: "Am I good-looking enough? Do I have what it takes? What do they have that I don’t?" But that’s complete nonsense. Everyone brings something unique to the table. If a specific client isn’t looking for blue eyes or longer hair that week, you can’t control that. You just have to be patient and wait for the right fit. Modeling isn't just about shooting and filming; it’s mostly about waiting, taking care of yourself, and maintaining your measurements. That part can definitely test your mental fortitude. My biggest advice to anyone starting out is: never compare yourself to other models, because everyone is unique in their own way. As for maintaining shape, it’s not strictly about body weight, which a lot of people assume—it’s about fitting into sample measurements. If I bulked up in the gym and had a 100 cm chest, I wouldn't fit into the shirts and clients in Italy wouldn't book me. Before my first trip to Milan, I had to drop about 2 cm off my chest. To me, keeping your measurements in check is just part of the job; it’s not inherently bad. It can definitely be tough on some people mentally, but at the end of the day, you either want to do the job and accept the industry rules, or you don't. It’s entirely manageable once you shift your mindset.
Host 1
There’s a lot of pressure in modeling, plus all the non-stop travel. What kind of pressure do you feel most?
Tomáš
Honestly, barely any nowadays because I’ve learned to enjoy it 100%. I look at it as simply keeping myself in the best shape possible so that when a booking lands, I’m ready to deliver. The biggest pressure is mainly about punctuality and professionalism with clients. I used to struggle a bit with being on time, especially after working in Milan—where a call time is 9:00 AM, but people drift in at 9:30. I brought that habit back to Czechia, but that definitely doesn't fly here! There’s client pressure, sure, but if you approach it professionally and just enjoy the process, there’s really nothing negative worth dwelling on.
Host 1
Speaking of Milan, did you meet anyone notable while you were there?
Tomáš
Milan was incredible. I actually booked work with Giorgio Armani and ran into Mr. Armani himself in the hallway on my way into the showroom one morning. It was an amazing moment. He was surrounded by a massive entourage of assistants, so I didn't dare ask for a photo—especially since I was working there, which felt unprofessional. But just seeing him in person was huge. Hopefully, I’ll land a campaign with him in the future; that’s definitely one of my major goals in Milan.
Host 1
What about Donatella Versace, did you cross paths with her?
Tomáš
Didn't see her, unfortunately.
Host 1
Travel is a big part of the gig. You mentioned Milan and Madrid—I know you've spent quite a bit of time in Madrid. What about going overseas?
Tomáš
Madrid was such a great story! My booker messaged me on Monday saying a client pre-selected me for an editorial shoot that Thursday and Friday. On Tuesday I got confirmed, packed on Wednesday, and by Thursday morning I was on a flight to Madrid shooting for Esquire. It was one of the coolest experiences—going from zero to sitting on a plane almost overnight, working in Madrid, seeing the sights, doing the shoot, and getting the physical magazine shipped to my house. I have it displayed at home. As for going overseas, South Korea is on my bucket list. I just have to balance it with my studies, since university is still my primary focus. Thankfully, Newton University is super accommodating and respects my career, so I'm confident I can make Korea happen soon. We'll see!
Host 1
That's awesome.
Host 2
You’ve also done hosting work for Esquire.cz and Hej FOMO. How did you get into presenting, and what did it teach you?
Tomáš
It was fantastic. Back in primary school, because of my low self-esteem, I couldn't communicate well, talk on camera, or speak up in social settings. Modeling helped me build confidence, get comfortable around people, and express myself. One day at work, Lukáš Zachara called me up saying they needed a host for an Esquire video series covering Fashion Week. I was stunned and thrilled. He told me I’d be a natural fit because I'm articulate and quick-witted. I said yes immediately. We shot about four videos for Esquire, and through that, Jan Černý recommended me to Hej FOMO to cover backstage reports for his runway show. Esquire opened the door to Hej FOMO, and it grew from there.
Host 1
For our listeners, how would you describe Hej FOMO?
Tomáš
Hej FOMO is... not quite a tabloid, but more of an informative news and lifestyle channel tailored for Gen Z.
Host 2
Kind of like Refresher.
Tomáš
Exactly, very similar to Refresher.
Host 1
You also worked your way up from being a roadie/stagehand to a stage manager, right?
Tomáš
Yeah, it started as a high school gig and evolved into practically a weekend job for me.
Host 1
So you still juggle being a stage manager with everything else?
Tomáš
Yeah, it’s an incredible experience. I was never afraid of getting my hands dirty with manual work. I landed the gig through friends about four years ago, and for the last two years, I’ve been running stages as a stage manager. I coordinate directly with the artists and musicians, and keep the stage schedule running smoothly. Great gig, awesome memories.
Host 1
So people can catch you working festivals almost every weekend?
Tomáš
Pretty much every weekend, yeah.
Host 2
You clearly love entrepreneurship. What drives you to dive into so many completely different fields—from butchery to beekeeping and floral design?
Tomáš
Honestly, I still don’t know what my ultimate lifetime career will be. I do a bit of everything, from modeling to stage managing, and I love trying new industries. Manual labor is deeply therapeutic for me. My buddy Dan Matula and Ivan Šabla asked if I wanted to help with hotel floral installations, and I immediately jumped on it. Now I help them put together Christmas decorations and floral arrangements for luxury hotels. As for the butcher shop—a friend bought one and needed an extra pair of hands. So I’d show up at 2:00 AM, break down meat, pack cuts, and do delivery runs across Prague. And going from a butcher shop at 5:00 AM straight to a high-fashion photoshoot in the afternoon... what wild contrast, right?
Host 2
That’s quite the contrast.
Host 1
A huge contrast!
Tomáš
It really is! Going straight from a meat-packing floor to a high-end fashion set is an insane contrast, but it energizes me and keeps me motivated. I just love throwing myself into new experiences.
Host 1
How did you land gigs doing floral installations for luxury venues like the Four Seasons?
Tomáš
Modeling brought me an amazing network. A lot of models don't just model; they run interesting side ventures. My friend Dan Matula asked if I wanted to help out, so it came directly through another model.
Host 1
Do you do retail floral shops as well, or just hotels?
Tomáš
Just luxury hotel installations.
Host 1
Got it. And with the butcher shop, you were actually breaking down carcass cuts yourself?
Tomáš
Yeah! I’d come in at 2:00 AM, the delivery truck would drop off the sides, and I’d debone, portion cuts, weigh them, and drive deliveries to butcher shops across Prague.
Host 1
Let’s talk about your beekeeping venture. You're building your own artisan honey brand. What’s the story behind that?
Tomáš
It actually started with my mom. She had the idea of getting into beekeeping, and I thought it was brilliant, so I offered to partner up with her. We bought our first hives and manage them together. I love that it’s a tangible, real product. In a world where so many people just dropship cheap junk from overseas, that kind of business feels soulless to me. I wanted to build something where you can see the manual labor, the craft, and the heart poured into it. We keep a boutique apiary, strictly small-batch, produced entirely by my mom and me. It’s a genuine, premium craft honey.
Host 1
A premium artisan product driven by a real story. Will each jar come with a personalized note, or how are you packaging it?
Tomáš
Exactly. Every release will be personal and limited—no mass production of hundreds of thousands of jars, just about 100 jars in spring and 100 in autumn. The brand is named after me: Honey Boy Tom. I'm really excited to see where we can take it.
Host 1
Honza mentioned earlier that premium honey makes a great gift. Are you positioning it as a luxury gift item or a retail product?
Tomáš
That's the exact vision. Whenever you visit someone, people usually bring a bottle of wine, chocolate, or some expensive liquor to look classy. Why not bring a beautifully packaged, artisanal raw honey instead? It’s healthy, high quality, and visually stunning. It’s the perfect modern alternative to a standard bottle of wine.
Host 1
That makes total sense. People are moving away from gifting random bottles of wine and looking for meaningful alternatives.
Tomáš
Pretty soon, you’ll be gifting my honey, František!
Host 1
I definitely will! You travel a lot and soak up inspiration from different cities. As a model and entrepreneur, do you plan to stay based in Czechia, or do you want to move abroad to scale your career?
Tomáš
I really love Czechia. But while I'm young and don't have major family commitments, I want to travel as much as possible. I'm totally open to basing myself in Milan or wherever my career takes off until I'm around thirty-five. But when it comes to settling down long-term, I 100% see my future back home in Czechia. For now, while I have the freedom, I want to push boundaries and explore everything.
Host 1
Until what age can a male model realistically work?
Tomáš
Nowadays, there isn't really a strict age limit. If you take care of yourself, have a great beard, and exude natural charisma, you can work well into your sixties or seventies. Who knows—maybe I’ll end up being the oldest working model in Czechia!
Host 1
Look at someone like Karel Gott or Giorgio Armani—effortlessly charismatic men. What’s the backstage dynamic like among models? Is there toxic rivalry and envy, or do people support each other?
Tomáš
I can only speak from my own perspective: I root for everyone and never hold envy. Backstage at a runway show, you usually see two distinct groups: those obsessively checking the mirror every five seconds touch up their look, and the rest—mostly the guys—who are just there hanging out at the catering table having a laugh. I genuinely wish everyone success. We’re all unique, and everyone’s path in this industry is different.
Host 1
You share a place with your close friend Max, who's also a model, right? That sounds like pure camaraderie.
Tomáš
Yeah, Max! We live together, support each other’s careers, and whenever we get booked for the same runway show, it’s a blast. Working alongside your best friends is the best part of the job.
Host 2
Before we wrap up, could you show the camera that signature runway "model face" we were talking about earlier?
Tomáš
Sure, no problem! Let me get into character.
Host 1
We'll look away so we don't throw you off!
Tomáš
I’d love to see you guys give it a shot afterwards, though!
Host 1
We’d just scare the audience.
Tomáš
Alright, looking right into that lens... Chin slightly lowered, jaw set, relaxed features—no over-exaggerated expressions.
Host 2
Totally composed, perfectly relaxed.
Host 1
It’s well known you hate heavy makeup.
Tomáš
I genuinely despise wearing heavy makeup.
Host 1
Every model has to wear it on set, though. How do you deal with that?
Tomáš
I have to wear it, but I always ask for a very light, natural touch. My skin is naturally clear anyway. I often tell artists I’m allergic to heavy products just so they keep it minimal—hopefully the makeup artists in Prague aren’t watching this right now, or my secret is out!
Host 1
You’re currently studying at Newton University while juggling multiple careers. How do you balance full-time studies with your work?
Tomáš
What I appreciate most about Newton is how seamlessly it accommodates real-world work. The faculty understands that we aren't just students sitting in lectures; we have outside careers, side hustles, and businesses we’re actively launching. Choosing Newton University was easily one of my best decisions. I never feel held back, and I can travel for modeling whenever opportunities arise. Obviously, I still have to study and pass my exams, but the flexibility is unmatched.
Host 1
The school genuinely backs you up.
Tomáš
Incredibly so. And being invited onto this podcast by you, František, is another example of that support. I’d recommend Newton to anyone who wants a quality education without having to put their professional ambitions on hold.
Host 2
What would you say to someone who is hesitating to take a leap because of self-doubt?
Tomáš
Look, if I could work the 2:00 AM shift in a butcher shop and do high-fashion shoots the very same afternoon, anyone can make things work. The excuse that "there isn't enough time" is the worst cop-out. If something matters to you, you make the time. If you’re scared of breaking out of your comfort zone, ask yourself: where will that leave you in five years? Seize every opportunity that comes your way. Even if you only stick with it for a month, every single experience teaches you something valuable.
Host 1
Never shy away from a challenge.
Tomáš
Exactly.
Host 1
It’s always better to say "I tried" than live with "what if."
Tomáš
100%. Regret is far worse than failure.
Host 2
Do you have a parting motto to leave us with?
Tomáš
Find your own philosophy of life, and live it happily on your own terms.
Host 1
Short, sharp, and meaningful. Tom, our time is up. Thank you so much for joining us, opening up, and sharing such an inspiring story.
Tomáš
Thanks a ton for having me, guys. It was a pleasure sharing a bit of my journey, and I wish you all the best.
Host 2
Thanks, Tom! Best of luck with the apiary, modeling, your studies, and all your future ventures.
Tomáš
Thank you!
Host 1
A big thank you to Newton University and Newton TV for making this podcast possible.
Host 2
Make sure to follow and subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok. We’ll see you next time on Two on One. Bye!
