A CITY shopping trip may prove to be the start of something big for Kerang teenager Emily McDonald.
The 14-year-old was shopping in Melbourne with her mum when she came across the Girlfriend Magazine Model Search try-outs.
Emily decided to join the queue and entered the competition at the last minute.
Joining the line of more than 700 other girls, all glammed-up with make-up and high heels, Emily said she felt a little out place.
“With so many girls all dressed up it felt quite intimidating,” she said.
“I thought I would have needed to have my hair and make-up done like everyone else, but I didn’t.
“Mum encouraged me to enter.
“Though I was a bit shy, I was also excited.”
With her down to earth personality and amazing complexion, Emily made it through the next round, being named as a state finalist.
The nationwide competition received 780 entrants from Victoria and Emily said she was thrilled to be one of only eight finalists.
“I can’t believe that a pair of white jeans, a stripy top and my awesome red boots was all it took,” she said.
Girlfriend Model Search competition judge and Girlfriend magazine editor Sarah Tarca said Emily’s personality was “what Girlfriend is about”.
“Emily really has something special,” she said.
“Her look is really unique, she has the most amazing complexion, plus she’s a really down-to-earth girl.”
Emily said she was in “shock” when she found out she was a finalist.
“It’s unreal,” she said.
“Now I feel simply excited and am humbled by the choice made by the judges.”
Emily said she had dreams of working in marine biology. But, with what could be a life-changing opportunity and a career ahead of her, Emily said she was also excited to give modelling a go.
As well as having an eye for fashion, she is a keen netballer, gemstone collector and artist.
Emily said she had always enjoyed keeping up to date with the latest fashion.
“Since I’ve been young I’ve really enjoyed fashion and watching my Mum using eye make-up,” she said.
“My grandmother would always let me try her clothes, make-up, pieces of material and sarongs [which] I’d turn into dresses [in a] stylish design.
“I couldn’t wait to get high-heels.”
