Sun & Stripes

While enjoying my time under the white hot African sun I had the opportunity to shoot a few tests. Here is one look from my shoot with photographer Joseph Ou from Cape Town, South Africa.

Photography by: Joseph Ou

Styling by: Jackie Chantler

Hair & Makeup by: Tess Brown

   

Model Citizen

A day off in Cape Town .

I arrived to Cape Town on the 9^th January and was met by a generous driver named Brian, we exchanged a few words about all aspects of Cape Town, the rich and the struggling, the developed and undeveloped and I told him of how I wanted to see and be involved in it all. Brian (who m I am almost adamant was sent to be by the grace of god) runs and outreach program named Jorvan Outreach, which was set up to help those with disadvantaged backgrounds and everyday living. I knew instantly that I wanted in.

Within a week I was travelling to the Black Township of Khayelitsha, I was immediately greeted with smiles from small faces and, as I stepped out of the car at Mamma Rose’s community kitchen the children flooded in dozen by dozen. It was only by spending an hour with the children did I realize how grateful they are for nothing more than interaction. They did not ask for anything but their eyes asked for fun, so we raced, we played a few games and since that moment I cannot stop thinking about them, or Mamma Rose and her accomplice who run a non profit community kitchen, the joy in their eyes from helping the community was a multiplication of millions compared to the joy in mine who only spent an hour there.

It goes to show how helping someone who can never repay you truly gives you a true meaning of living.

I also visited three other projects that day with Brian, including a high school where I got to speak to the teenagers and hopefully induced them with as much empowerment as possible. We also stopped by at Philippi’s Children Centre, where all the children were having naptime, I loved what all the people involved in these projects where doing, but I was deeply moved by the community kitchen in Khayelitsha, I couldn’t help feeling like being there for a short amount of time was almost like observing a species, so I have agreed with Brian I will go back and commit more time there on my day off castings and work.

If you feel like you would like to get involved I almost encourage you speak to Jorvan Outreach – jorvanoutreach@telkomsa.net

Kirsty – Topco Models

Kirsty Parsons is a stunning model from Wales and a model citizen. Diving into volunteering in a new country, Kirsty is the type of person who touches the spirit of everyone she comes in contact with. I had the joy of being her roomie for my first month here is Cape Town. She wrote this in hopes to encourage other models visiting Cape Town to dive in and help. 

A Day At The Races

 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate at Kenilworth Race Course is one of the most exciting and exclusive events of the year. This high-stakes and high-fashion event is in its 152nd year. The dress code is always strictly blue and white.

The crowd is young, fun and ready to have a good time. People dress to impress for the best dressed contest. The event lasts from 11am to 11pm. Once the races finish there is a dance party in the central tent. With the champagne flowing the party just doesn't stop.

I had an amazing time at the races! I even did a little betting. I bet R50 on LoveStruck and won! I only won R250 but it was still a win. I recouped the money spent on drinks. Who doesn't love that...

The photos below were taken by the awesome Joseph Ou

Rep Me Right

Making the choice to leave my mother agency wasn't a difficult choice but where to place me was a bit harder. After the disaster that was mainland China I wanted to go someplace more... Me. Nina, being the genius that she is, knew I would love Cape Town. Placement with my agency here was all Nina's work, whereas in China where she did the leg work and then I went and interviewed agencies. Nina shopped me around and decided to place me with 3D Model Management, a hip boutique agency here is Cape Town, SA. Most agencies here have models joining them for Season; the busy work season that is summer.

Check me out on 3D Model Management's main board

My Portfolio/Page

On The Move

Over the past few months I've been thinking about my carrier as an actress and model. While in China, for my day job as a buyer for City Liquidators, I visited agencies in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing. Each city had a different clientele and feel. The agencies offered some great and some pretty crappy opportunities for work. In the end I decided that the quality of life wasn't worth it to work in mainland China. (I'll be posting some of my China adventures soon) Once home from China I met with my amazing agents at Option Model and Media to work up a plan. I wanted to increase my client list, resume, and eventually get awesome representation in Los Angeles. This isn't impossible but would take much longer working in the Portland market. Don't get me wrong, I love Portland. I love everything about it. The people, my family, my small business, the food and the creative culture. The sad reality is that there simply isn't enough work for me or my look. I'm not yet old enough for the young mom look and I'm not exactly the outdoorsy type. I do book work in town and I'm thankful for those jobs.  This is my passion and I want to be working all the time. I decided to go where the work is. I wanted to follow my dream and be working, auditioning, and stretching my acting muscles everyday. Simply being in class and auditioning a few times a weeks was no longer enough. So I packed up my apartment, moved my stuff into my parents garage, and left town.

I'm solo in a city, country and continent I've never been to but have always dreamed of visiting. I don't know a soul here and I'm terrified, but it's the best damn feeling in the world to jump into the deep end and start following your dreams. I'm embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. Wish me luck!

Photo from Visit South Africa