Growing Up As A Model
Growing Up As A Model
Growing up with a mum who loved photography, it was almost a given that either my sister or myself would enjoy being in front of the camera.
My sister didn’t enjoy it at all, but luckily for my mum, she had someone to practice on with me. I initially got scouted when I was 12 years old, but my mum was reluctant to allow me to enter the industry, and rightly so had her reservations. But when I still was showing an interest in modelling at 15, I signed with Storm models in London.
Now being 24 and having been in the fashion industry for almost a decade, I can definitely say that I'm leaving it with my head held high having learned A LOT. I've really had a rollercoaster ride with modelling – I've made small fortunes and felt on top of the world, I've been rejected hundreds of times, dropped by an agency, fought over by agencies, I've met friends for life, I've suffered an eating disorder, I've travelled the world and also learned things about myself I probably would never have known.
“Sometimes, no matter how hard you work at it, how hard you work out, how hard you push yourself, sometimes those hours of hard work will never transpire into results”
Modelling is a weird industry whereby, sometimes, no matter how hard you work at it, how hard you work out, how hard you push yourself, sometimes those hours of hard work will never transpire into results. This is what I struggled with a lot. I have always been good at school and always wanted to achieve the best results I could in no matter what I set my mind too. If that meant being in the library till 2 am, then that’s where I was. If I didn’t get the grade I was hoping for in a specific exam, then I would study and work my hardest to ensure that in my next one I WOULD get the grade that would satisfy me. However, at times in modelling, when my rejections were far outweighing my bookings, no matter how many hours I put in at the gym, improve my skin, work on my pose. How much I tried to show my personality, or how many test shoots I booked, those rejections weren’t going away – you just have to accept that perhaps this season you aren’t the right look and don’t have what the clients are after. The next season this could all change, and yes I went from perhaps not working for months on end, to then being booked every day and making a great income.
“I love that food brings people together and creates a moment”
Letting go of modelling was definitely tough as for a while I viewed it as a door closing, perhaps before I was ready to close it. I guess everyone has a dream when then go into a career of coming out on top, and although I had a lot of success within the industry, I did by no means come out on top. BUT everything I learned has shaped me into the person I am today and definitely taught me not to take things personally, being resilient is a quality I pride myself on and now it has allowed me not to let failure, no matter how big or small, knock you back.
Food has always played a significant role in my life and as a family. Family meals have always been a big thing in our house and cooking together was always encouraged. However, I only started to really experiment with my cooking 2 years ago and found that I had a real passion for it. I love that food brings people together and creates a moment. I love the chemistry behind a recipe and how different ingredients react and compliment each other.
“Don't be afraid to try something new and don't be afraid to close the door on something”
My food is centred around a healthy lifestyle, but never compromises on flavour, which stems from being in the modelling industry for so long. I made the decision to stop modelling and fully pursue my passion for cooking, and it was the best decision I have ever made. Modelling was comfortable, it was what I knew - you could even say it was a habit and was DEFINITELY my comfort zone. You don't want to live in your comfort zone; you want to feel excitement, thrill and uneasiness - because that is what is going to push you. Don't be afraid to try something new and don't be afraid to close the door on something - it just means that another door will open.
