Raquel Speak (12) steals hearts with every sway on the ramp
SOPHIATOWN – The little star that shines brighter than the rest, hopes to see the world through her pageantry.
Raquel Speak, a beauty pageant dilettante, won two trophies at the recent Red Carpet modelling competition, which fittingly had a Hollywood theme to it.
The 12-year-old model counts her preschool teacher, Juanita Damons, as her source of inspiration.
The Sophiatown resident reckons that Damons is the one who saw the potential in her stage presence, which then encouraged her to take part in competitions.
“It is all thanks to my teacher, she saw it in me before anyone else did,” said Speak.
The driving force behind her taking part in the pageants are her supportive and endearing family members, to whom she credits her 16 title wins.
“When she steps up on the stage she becomes someone different. Not only is she beautiful, she also has the confidence one needs,” said her mother, Sandra.
The Figures Models beauty, encourages young girls and boys to take part in such activities to build their confidence and keep themselves busy.
“I would encourage my peers to join me because it gives them something productive to do with their time, instead of sitting in the house watching TV,” said Speak.
Speak attends school at Laerskool Generaal Christiaan de Wet. She works hard at maintaining her good grades, and making sure she never falls behind in her studies as she prepares for high school next year.
“She is a dictionary baby,” said Sandra.
A standout performer, Speak’s talents go far beyond the catwalk. She has a passion for piano and music.
She hopes to win a pageant competition at her agency at the end of the year. This would see her go to New York for two weeks, to compete in the International Modelling and Talent Association, and visit other agencies to get a first-hand experience of the industry.
Details: Figures Models 011 432 4387.
