TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF
A: I am an international fashion model, professional photographer and fashion consultant based in London. As a child, I was very interested in anything artistic. I took regular piano lessons and became a fairly accomplished piano player. My love for music got me into dancing when I was 12. I joined a dance group and often choreographed our routines. But my real passion was actually languages. I won a national language competition whilst at school. So my original intention was to create a career as a translator when I grew up.
I became interested in fashion more or less by accident. It began when a friend signed me up for a beauty pageant when I was 16. Being shy, I was at first reluctant but after a lot of support from friends and family, I agreed to do it. I happened to win it and haven’t looked back since. It has really helped me to overcome my shyness. I moved to London when I was 17 to further my career as a model. I have been fortunate enough to hold the beauty pageant titles of Miss England Supranational and Miss GB F1 Grand Prix.
WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A MODELLING CAREER?
A: Modeling has given me so many opportunities to get involved in my passion for fashion. I even get paid to travel to exotic destinations. It has allowed me to experience first hand the varied fashions throughout the world.
I have modeled for a diverse range of international designers at some of the main fashion events such as London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, Dubai Asian Fashion Event, Monte Carlo and many others. It has also given me an incredible contact network within the fashion industry, which will be useful for my career within fashion after I stop modeling.
HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF PROGRESSING IN THIS FIELD?
A: As everyone knows, most models have fairly short careers and I don’t see myself modelling till I am 100.
I will continue to model as long as I enjoy it, but my long term ambition is to carve out a career within the fashion industry. I have already started to work as a presenter, fashion stylist and writing editorials. Although different from being a translator, my language skills have really come in handy. This is something I really would like to pursue.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE YOUR STRONGEST QUALITIES AS A MODEL ARE?
Being just myself has worked pretty well for me. Just because we often work in a fantasy environment, it doesn’t mean that one has to become a different person. I like to have my feet on the ground and treat everyone with respect. Just because I often model amazing fairy tale dresses, people who don’t know me think that I am unapproachable and stuck up. That is so far from the true me. I am so easy going and chilled out, and I believe that has been key to my success as a model. Also, having a degree in photography and work part-time as a professional photographer has really helped me as a model as it has enabled me to understand what the photographer expects of me. I am very comfortable being in front as well as being behind the camera. But nothing beats hard work and professionalism.
WHAT KIND OF JOBS DO YOU USUALLY GET HIRED FOR?
A: I’ve done a bit of everything from walking the runway and shooting high fashion editorials to commercial work and swimsuit ads. Much of the work has involved cocktail dresses, evening gowns and wedding dresses. People say that my look and demeanor is ideal for these fairy tale creations, but you haven’t seen my wild side yet.
TELL US YOUR FEELINGS WHEN YOU HOLD THE TITLE OF MISS ENGLAND SUPRANATIONAL?
A: It was a vindication of my decision to choose modeling as a career. It was an amazing experience to participate in such a global televised event. I met some incredible people and made life long friends from all over the world. It really shows that if one works hard and never gives up, anything is possible. Just because I am a woman, it shouldn’t stop me from achieving my dreams and aspirations. This is a message I would like to share with all women throughout the world.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO MODELLING IN ANY KIND OF CLOTHING?
A: As long as it is aesthetically pleasing, well made and within my boundaries. By modelling for international designers, I have gotten such an incredible exposure to a diverse range of fashion styles from Indian saris and Islamic-complaint attire to haute couture dresses and sportswear. It also shows off my diversity as a model.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL IN THIS FIELD?
A: I don’t really have any specific individual as a role model. I appreciate the hard work and exceptional creativity of notable designers which is needed to be successful in this highly competitive industry. What is important is to stay true to yourself and celebrate that you are unique. By being like everyone else, you just become another face in the crowd.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?
A: To be involved in fashion even after I stop modeling. I’d like to do more work as a presenter, fashion consultant and extend my editorial commissions. Having worked as a model for a while now, I have managed to build up an amazing contact network. So I am really looking forward to what the future has in stall for me.
ANY MESSAGE FOR YOUR FANS?
A: Just to say a big THANK YOU for all your support and encouragement. It really is a special feeling to know that my work is being appreciated by so many people. You make it possible for me to achieve my dreams. And you can always follow my career and interact with me on my social media.
