Why I Began Modelling: A Journey of Grief and Discovery
My journey into modelling began under circumstances that were as unexpected as they were transformative. On May 16th, a day forever etched in my heart, I faced one of the toughest moments of my life in the ICU unit, where my beloved mother, Olivia, was bravely battling COVID-19 amidst other health complications.
Being the eldest, I shouldered the responsibility of making heart-wrenching decisions, a role that tested my strength like never before. In a poignant moment of farewell, adorned in her favorite clothes and surrounded by the melodies she cherished, I sang "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong as she peacefully passed away in my arms in Bendigo, Australia.
That day, a part of me shattered, leaving me in a state of profound grief and confusion.
In the weeks that followed, life took an ironic twist. Opportunities in modelling, which my mother had cautiously shielded me from, citing that my appearance wasn't the most intriguing aspect of me, began to surface.
This was a path I had never explored, having devoted myself to singing, piano, and painting – talents that truly resonated with me. However, amidst the turmoil, I made a bold decision to embark on a modelling career, a path that has since offered me a sense of freedom and the chance to embrace new challenges.
Despite my father's absence and my sister's distancing, I've found strength in solitude and gratitude for the opportunities that have come my way. My journey in modelling is just the beginning of a broader aspiration to delve into acting, a dream I've nurtured since childhood. Currently, I'm proudly represented by JustKhoo, an incredible agency that supports my vision.
The world of modelling isn't for the faint-hearted; it demands resilience, a lesson I learned early on through my experiences in singing competitions. Being an abstract artist, another passion inherited from my artistic mother, I've learned that not everyone will appreciate your art, but if you believe in your talent, you must persevere.
Perhaps modelling started as a distraction from the pain of losing my mother, but it has grown into something meaningful. I believe, somewhere, somehow, she's looking down on me with pride.
Below is a an old video of me singing hoppy birthday to her at around 10. Soon I will be updating this section with a video.
If you are in pain right now, I truly hope my story, or well 'journey' gives you some sense of peace
x