Model: Tione Hawkins, 18, from Mill Bank near Kempsey, NSW
How old were you when you first started modelling? Nine when I entered my first model competition and 12 when I entered the Girlfriend Model Search.
How did you get into modelling? I entered the Girlfriend Model Search in 98 and that is when I met Chic who started managing me.
What do your parents think about your modeling work? Are they encouraging? They have always encouraged it because it allows me to earn good money and it has taught me about managing my own business. They do get a lot of pleasure seeing me in the magazines.
What is the best thing about modelling? Travelling to beautiful locations, meeting cool people and playing dress ups.
What do you dislike about your modelling work? Doing lots of castings and not getting one job out of them.
Do you think modeling has made you more or less self-conscious about your looks? Probably less self conscious because there are so many beautiful girls out there and you just have to accept that you are different.
What do you see in your future both for modelling and any other other career aspirations? At this stage my plan is to go to New York and back to Germany where I went last year. I had a really good experience there. Down the track I want to do a mechanics course.
What did you want to be when you were a child? I have always wanted to be a model and that is one of the reasons why I started entering competitions at nine.
Models get to try loads of different makeup, what are your favourites? I love the Clarins foundation and concealer. My skin is quite sensitive and the Clarins range seems to work best for me. For professional shoots I quite like the Mac products. At the moment I am using a baby bottom rash cream for my lips, it is from Germany and works really well.
Have you got any tips for terrific skin? Don’t have too much chocolate or fast food.
What is your personal style like when you get to choose your own look? I like to be different, as long as it fits well and is comfortable I am happy.
What fashion labels do you like? I don’t buy labels as such, I buy all my clothes from op and vintage clothing stores.
Which modeling assignment have you enjoyed the most, and why? A couple of weeks ago I went on a job to Hayman Island. It was a swimwear shoot for a label called Kini. The crew was great and the location very exotic and beautiful.
What is your advice to any girls thinking about getting into modelling? Be prepared for rejection, stay positive and be yourself but always have fun and travel. Most importantly, stay true to yourself and don’t change.
