New Era

It seems long overdue, but all things happen in due time. The beginning of something, always starts at the end of something else, and in light of not wanting to sound like a cliche-inspired blogger, I'll end the wise cracks right there...

When one decides to take on their dreams and vision head-on, the path to their destiny miraculously appears in front of you, or is this just a one-time occurance that happened to me? Thing about the path you're meant to walk is, it won't be a straight, clear, pot-hole free journey, but one filled with obstacles that are 'designed' purely for YOU to take on. When you look at the end goal, which in itself isn't 'The End', but the life of ease and comfort you may desire, the path before you can be discouraging at first glance.

                                                  ('99 Autumn/Winter campaign for Julian)

Much like the 1st shot I ever took as a model, in 1999,there's an untainted naivety that is so easily reflected in my eyes; that reminds me of every new level or season in life I've faced. No clue as to how difficult the challenges that lay ahead would be, in fact, I couldn't have cared less about that, all I could think of as I stood in front of the cameraman is; "Wowee! You're ACTUALLY doing this, what were you thinking dude! Hope they don't see that I have no idea what I'm doing!"

At some point during the shoot, I was getting some direction from the designer and photographer, until eventually, I had a flow of my own going. This was a weird and strangely natural feeling, as if I'd done this all my life, which I obviously hadn't, and adding to this were the comments made by the crew, that I was a naturally beautiful. For me, those words were alien to me, because most of my life, I thought I was a below average looking human being, so I thought these folks were pulling my leg or blind in one eye.

The initial reluctance I'd had in joining the 'stables', mostly because this word used to freak me out a little, but in time I had accepted that in a sense, one is born and bred to be a professional model. Much like the race horses that from birth, are destined for the big races. Personally, I've realized that most 'success' stories in this biz happen to the reluctant participants, and the course in which it takes place, happens naturally.

Truth is, one can't really be trained to become a professional model, most of the skill will come from a place within, a hub where the 'natural' talent resides, but hey, don't get it twisted, we aren't all born 'smizing', that comes with experience...

Well, this is the beginning of a new era, in my life's journey, and what I believe is a new era of business of fashion. Africa is my heritage, South Africa is where I reside, the world is my oyster, it's time I take time to enjoy it...welcome to the ride, if you're keen on it, I can only promise you an authentic experience of ME, and that who you thought I might be, is nowhere near who I am....

Peace, love and strawberry cheesecake y'all!!

'Cause MamaBear Cares :-*