A MOUNT Gambier youth is ready to strut her stuff after winning the opportunity to enter the world of modelling.
Mount Gambier High School Year 8 student Tully McShane, 13, has secured a contract with Adelaide and Melbourne based modelling agency Pride Models after an extensive application process held in the Blue Lake city.
Tully heard about the Pride Models Model Search at the Mount Gambier Marketplace from her friends and saw advertisements for the promotion.
“I have always had an interest in fashion and modelling and thought this would be an opportunity that does not come around too often,” she said.
“The company is city-based, so it was great they came to Mount Gambier to give us country kids a go.
“Down here, there is not much opportunity for things like this and I just thought it was something I would love to do.”
Tully was invited to participate in a workshop taught by industry leader Jane Morley that covered runway, how to break in to the industry, what agencies are really looking for and various photograph shoots.
“After completing the entry form online, I was invited to the workshop held the day before the competition at the Mount Gambier Marketplace,” she said.
“I loved the atmosphere involved and I had already met a couple of girls who were at the workshop.
“On the day of the competition I had to submit a photo, talk to the judges, cat walk and be involved in photograph shoots.”
Tully was nervous at the time being up against 15-20 other applicants.
“I was pretty nervous, but I just had to keep a cool head and see what happened,” she said.
“I follow a lot of models, including Kendall Jenner and GiGi Hadid and hope to bring my social media up to their level one day.
“I have previously been involved in dance fashion parades, but this is my first real opportunity in the modelling and fashion industry.”
Tully can not start runway work until she turns 16 and her mother Tracy McShane believes that is a good thing.
“Not cat walking before the age of 16 shows they are taking the role a lot more responsibly than past times,” Tracy said.
“At the full day workshop they really stressed having healthy food with them all day and were reminded throughout the day to have a break and eat.
“They are long days and they have to nourish themselves.”
Tully will be involved in a range of different photography shoots, travelling to Adelaide and Melbourne consistently.
“I would imagine if she does a good job and once she gets her name out there we will have a bit of travelling to do,” Tracy said.
“It is probably quite good that we are in Mount Gambier because we are half way between both Adelaide and Melbourne.
“They seemed pretty positive they will be able to get her booked into some photograph shoots.”
Tully is excited about the prospects of a potential career in modelling.
“All my friends are very excited for me as it is a pretty big opportunity,” she said.
“It is so much more than just standing in the clothes, it is about making it your own.
“I can not wait to start modelling, participate in more workshops and pursue my dream job.”
