Westdene’s very own Janette Swart is a Top Model Worldwide 2014 finalist and will soon make her way to London to compete for the title.
The 20-year old has had her fair share of hardship, which she channelled into becoming a walking masterpiece.
“I was sexually abused as a child, which forced me to mature at a very young age. I was bullied at school and over social networks, but it forced me to just turn my head away from that and smile,” she shared.
“I didn’t grow up having everything, but this has made me appreciate everything in life, and I thank my mom for raising me that way. I’ve learned to appreciate everything in life and to always be kind to the person next to me, you never know what they might be going through.”
Despite all the challenges, Swart’s budding career has been decorated with life-changing opportunities that have elevated her a step closer to her success.
She was the face of online directory and social media services company BusinezSpotter, which placed her photo on their business cards.
Swart also reached gold level in the FHM Girlfriends modelling competition and booked a fashion show with Studio 05 House of Fashion.
With her eye fixated on her long-term goal of establishing a modelling agency for under-privileged children with real talent, Swart realises that it’s the short term goals that will eventually lead her there.
“My short-term goals are firstly to bring back the ultimate title from London Top Model Worldwide and secondly, to win this year’s Elite Model Look and get signed by none other than Elite. I want to be a role model to young children, like myself, who have gone through a lot, no matter what their dreams are, to show them they can overcome anything they put their minds to.”
She names supermodel Tyra Banks as one of the people who inspire her the most in her journey, simply because Banks didn’t let her circumstances perturb her.
The ambitious lass would appreciated sponsorship that will help her live her Top Model Worldwide dream on 5 April.
Details: janetteb581@gmail.com, www.topmodelworldwide.com