KNYSNA NEWS - What started out as a way to fix her posture turned out to be the launch of local teenager Candice Brink’s modelling career.
Feeling awkward because she was too tall, Brink was introduced to modelling agency Ace Models Knysna/Plettenberg Bay in April this year.
By June, the 14-year-old and her mother Tracey Mills attended a modelling conference in Bloemfontein with Ace Models owner Charmaine Kruger, which led to Candice being featured in the September issue of the glamorous Marie Claire magazine.
For Candice to get a full-page spread in the magazine's feature Fresh Faces 2017 was beyond her wildest dreams.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think it would be my face on a magazine page. My mom and I thought that attending the conference would be fun and a good experience and we had no expectations whatsoever.”
Since her appearance in Marie Claire, Candice has been officially signed up with Ice Models Cape Town.
Does she feel under pressure since this publicity?
“No, Ice Models will only schedule more shoots for me around my school commitments as they know that I want to focus on getting a tertiary education and not have modelling as my only career.”
Candice Brink (right) with her mother Tracey Mills at the Knysna-Plett Herald offices.
Reflecting on her journey, the 1.83m tall model says, “I couldn’t stop smiling during my portfolio shoot as it's hard to be so serious when you're having so much fun.
"When I saw my photos in the magazine, I could not believe that that was me.”
Her mother Tracey has been her support system throughout her life, she says, and if it wasn’t for her she would never have had the guts to go ahead with this new-found venture of hers.
Candice adds that since this experience her confidence has grown.
Since her appearance in the September issue of Marie Claire magazine, Candice Brink has been officially signed up with Ice Models Cape Town.
Her beaming mother elaborates. “I am so excited for her. I know that with her positive outlook on life and her commitment to her studies there are so many opportunities out there for her, and now modelling can open doors for her that she never even imagined.”
Tracey says that with her responsibilities of running her own business and supporting her three children, this opportunity has allowed them to spend some precious time together.
The young model is currently doing Grade 8 at Knysna Montessori School.
To aspiring models out there, Candice has this advice: "If you’re passionate about modelling anything is possible. Let your inner beauty shine and reach for the stars.”
ARTICLE & PHOTOS: NWABISA PONDOYI, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
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