The quest for Dominica’s Super Model

The quest is on for Dominica’s first Super Model.

That choice will be made at a Fashion Extravaganza on May3, 2013, to be hosted  by Dominica’s Next Super Model Inc. (DNSM).

The DNSM and its upcoming event were simultaneously launched during Fort Young’s ‘Happy Hour’ on Friday.

Founder and CEO of DNSM, Ruth Augustine,  who labels her organization as non-profit, says they’re looking for  models in Dominica who will become “Brand Ambassadors, who can fit into different modeling endorsements.”

The former Miss Dominica Pageant contestant describes the organization as the first of its kind on the island. ” Our major objective is to effectively train, sensitize and educate young people between the ages 16-30 with the necessary tools to enter, survive, work diligently and ultimately be successful in the modeling industry, both regionally and internationally.” states Augustine.

She says coupled with her organization’s mission to be the premier training facility for potential modeling talent, is the aim of “fostering a comfortable learning environment which includes practical educational activities with a faith based foundation.” She adds, “we aim to train persons to be disciplined, hardworking and successful individuals in the relevant industries where they desire to achieve their goals and realize their dreams.”

The goals of DNSM Inc. extend beyond Dominica’s borders to “promote collaboration among Caribbean states in the creative arts such as modeling, fashion and beauty” as well as partnering with the government and other cooperative bodies “to create vocational awareness, employment, youth development and economic growth which will decrease idleness and crime.”

So who will be the Face of D.N.S.M Inc. 2013? Twelve top models will compete for the title on May 3, 2013 in four  segments: Introduction, Creative Art Performance, Swimwear and Red Carpet/High Fashion.

Here’s a look at the bios of the models who will participating in  Dominica’s Next Super Model Inc’s  first Fashion Extravaganza.

Name: Gholda James
Age: 18
Height: 6ft
Pointe Michel/Dominica

“You are what you believe yourself to be.” Paulo Coelho. I am model Gholda J.

Gholda James is an aspiring model based in the Commonwealth of Dominica, and has done both runway and model shoots.

She has a pleasing personality, is full of confidence and a determined young lady. She is interested in doing runway, fashion print, and swimwear. She focuses now on showcasing her skills as a model to the regional and international world.

She hopes to have a positive impact on other young ladies not only in Dominica, but worldwide and remind them that “It’s not where you’re from, or where you are, but where you’re going.”

I am twenty year old Fancille Lavinier from the pristine village of Pichelin. I was born in Montin, Tetemorne on the 25th May, 1992, where I spent the first two years of my life. I then migrated to Guadeloupe and lived with my God parents for the next four years of my childhood. At six, I came to Dominica to live with my parents in the village which I now call home.

I am a graduate of the Pierre Charles Secondary School where I was afforded the opportunity to be engaged in groups such as the choir, the creative dance group and the Cadet Corps. I am also a member of the Pichelin Cultural Group, where I enjoy a variety of dances such as flirtation and quadrille.

Currently, I am enrolled as a Literature and History major at the Dominica State College in an endeavor to become an Attorney-at-Law. In my leisure time, I enjoy expressing myself through creative designs, poetry, music, dancing, singing and exploring nature, among other interests of mine.

Kersha Breezie
Age: 20
Height: 5.7
Mero Village/Dominica

Self-driven, consistent, competitive and amiable are just a few words to describe who she is.

20-year old Kersha Breezie hails from the petite, welcoming and vibrant village of Mero.

Although Ms. Breezie has a great interest in dancing ,her real passion lies in modeling.

Over the past two years, Kersha has participated in fashion shows/competitions and is still striving as she intends to pursue a career in the fashion industry.

In addition to her pursuit, Kersha intends to inspire persons who came from humble backgrounds giving them the drive to do/be anything they set their mind to with the help of God. She would also like for them to feel comfortable about themselves, embrace their bodies and love the skin that they are in as it is her belief that “a beauty of a woman is not in the facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.”

Born on august 19th 1992, I am 20-year old Earlisha Yinka Brumant from the cultural village of Paix Bouche. Creativity, determination and a hardworking attitude are major aspects of my personality which certainly helps in attaining my goals.

The preservation of our relatively untouched nature isle has always been a concern to me, thus leading me to take part in many beautification and clean-up campaigns in my community.

I believe life is just a big adventure and as with any adventure sometimes there are new challenges on the way. I like to take up the new challenges, and overcoming those gives me the zeal and impetus to continue onwards to excellence. Fundamentally, I believe that one should strive towards individual betterment, no matter how impossible it may seem.

My education started in my birth village at the Paix Bouche primary school, followed by the Portsmouth Secondary School (P.S.S) and continued at the Dominica state college. Being a sports enthusiast I immersed myself in all sorts of sporting activities upon entering high school. Cricket, high jump, netball, and long distance running were among my extracurricular activities. I had a special interest in basketball which influenced me to join the Northern Stars Basketball team. I was also the house captain of P.S.S sports team for one term.

Miss Nicole Morson multitalented 21 yrs of age has been driven by a passion for modeling and the camera from the tender age of 5. She has decided to make modeling a career choice and one of her many goals in life.

Self-motivated, Nicole is determined to make it into a leading modeling agency, and to reaching the highest echelons of the industry.

She sings, dances, participates in community activities and hosts a youth program where she deals with youth and the issues affecting the youth these are some of the things she does in her spare time.

Talia Celestine aged 18 of Vieille Case/Dominica.

From childhood I have always had a passion for stage and performing, which developed my love for modeling.

I am presently a student at The Dominica State College where I study Administrative Office Assistance. I choose to study A.O.A because I still believe that an individual needs to have an education, while following their dreams.

I enjoy dancing, being part of social groups, exercising and reading novels, but nothing more than modeling or performing to an audience. I have the passion, looks, walk, personality, ability and attitude to be the BEST model Dominica will ever lay eyes on!

Known as Waitukubuli or Tall Girl is Miss Lynah “Lena” JoeAnna Bontiff, 21 years old from the sunny and scenic village of Calibishie. She is a sport enthusiast who loves playing basketball and volleyball. She is also a past student of Odessa College, Texas.

She is the first of five children which explains her extra love for them all. Lena is a member of almost all community developmental groups including the village council. She is seen as a respectful and ambitious individual as well. Tall Girl loves volunteering and is always willing to. She has this great personality and is always bubbly. She also takes pride in all her doings.

Lena chose to be part of Dominica’s Next Super Model because representing Dominica is nothing new and has always been a desire as she is patriotic and wants her country to be better known.

Her dreams of making it big are not about her, but Dominica, and opening doors for others talented as her. Waitukubuli is confident and self-motivated. Having confidence and being self-motivated are personal traits needed in order to be successful. She is self-disciplined, committed and loves working with others.

Lastly, her great interest in business/marketing is just another reason why she is best suited for this great experience, a great leap towards success. She will do whatever it takes because she wants to be the best role model for her younger siblings.

I am Shaina Simon, 19 years old of Goodwill. My parents are Joanne Wilkins and Hubert Simon. I am a very sociable person to be around; some say I am funny and others find my personality bubbly.

Modeling has always been a dream of mine and something I always wanted to do while having fun with it, now this is my opportunity.

I love so many different things by naming a few would be dancing Latin along with other regional dances and belly dancing , reading, music from all over, playing the piano, food, fashion, drawing, painting and surrounding myself in nature.

I have travelled throughout the Caribbean and learned a lot while meeting some wonderful people. I have an open mind to new cultures and adventures, modeling being one of them.

I am currently employed at clear harbor after completing an associate’s degree in Sociology at the Dominica State College where I danced Latin. I will further my education in Law at the University of The West Indies; this is my next goal set for the immediate future. I proudly attended the Wesley High school, graduating with the Most Disciplined Student of the year award and am currently a board member of their alumni. Last summer, I completed a certificate in Interior Decorating which is a passion of mine and this year I will be able to say I accomplished being a model as the face of Dominica Next Super Model Inc.

20 year old model #6 LaToya Langlais is from St. Joseph.

LaToya Langlais was born on 16th December 1992 daughter of Tracy John-jules & Henry Langlais in the community of St. Joseph. She attended the Salisbury primary school, home of her father & continued her education at the Isaiah Thomas secondary school. She then moved to Tortola with her mother & there she realized her passion for modeling & photography. Latoya modeled for a famous photography company in Tortola named “team fotoshop “.

Latoya would like one day to be a professional model & later on study in the field of law. In her leisure time she enjoys surfing the net, socializing & doing photo-shoots, which is her favorite past time.

She describes herself as an outgoing & warm hearted person with a joyous & enthusiastic personality!

Multi-talented, beautiful and ambitious are a few words to describe 23 year old Reshema James from the exotic town of Portsmouth.

With an aim to excel at life, she juggles being a secretary at the Portsmouth Constituency Office, while pursuing her secretarial studies at night through the Business Training Center and is also enrolled at QC Academy online as a full time student in their Master International Makeup Professional Course.

Being a nature lover, she enjoys hiking and taking advantage of Dominica’s natural beauty. She also enjoys reading, planning, designing, traveling and meeting new people.

Reshema is known for her friendly disposition, dignified persona and keen sense of humor. She dreams to one day be a successful free lance make-up artist, model and entrepreneur hoping to inspire young women to follow their dreams and aspirations.

From an early age, Reshema has always shown an interest in all things fashion, and been urged to model due to recognition of her natural talent. With the confidence and drive to create a name in the fashion industry, she has decided to put her modeling talent to the test. With a natural sway to her hips and love for the runway, she aims to raise the standards of modeling in Dominica. Through this competition, with a strong belief of inner beauty, she hopes to portray that the image of pure beauty is a reflection of inner self and urges young women to let that be their voice.

Stevia Christopher is from the quiet, under populated country side village of Pond Casse home of Dominica’s famous Emerald Pool and nested near its sister village of “Belles” located in the heart of Dominica.

She is 5’4 in height. She became interested in the modeling/fashion industry at sixteen when she joined LIME and became a LIME Girl/model in the year 2007.

Right now, at the age of twenty two, Stevia plans on going to University where she will study Human Resource Management. She also wants to go further into the fashion industry and broaden her knowledge in that field. Stevia sees the fashion industry in Dominica getting more serious at present. She noted that there are more models, photographers, make-up artists, designers all of whom come together to make the fashion industry what it has become.

Stevia sees this venture as a step in the right direction and is ecstatic to be a part of this event.

Name: Veda Phillip
Age: 22
Roseau/Dominica.

, 22 yrs. of age from goodwill ,I currently reside at fortune/Newtown…My mums name is Eleanora Darroux my father’s name is Albert Phillip(deceased).

I attended the SDA primary school and Wesley high school.

I’m a Rastafarian. I enjoy modeling, fashion designing, drawing, writing and singing, and dancing. My favorite designer is Deola Sagoe from Africa, my Favorite model is Tyra Banks.my favorite colors are yellow, pink, purple and black.

Currently, I work for myself as a fashion designer.