Miss Teen Donegal is hoping to bring the crown and sash home to Donegal after the final of Miss British Isles in the UK later this month.
18-year-old Milford woman Natalie Slater is competing in the Miss Teen category, where young women aged between 14 and 18 will take part in three rounds including a swimwear, cocktail wear and evening wear.
The winner of each category will win a cool £1,500 and a full modelling contract, with the overall winner scooping £3,000.
Speaking to Donegal Woman, Natalie says that it would be incredible to win as signing a modeling contract has always been a dream of hers.
“It’s such a brilliant feeling to be selected as a finalist for this contest. I’m really excited for it and it’s taking place in a few weeks.
“Modelling is definitely something I’ve always had an interest in. I’ve done different types of modelling in the past too, and walked for the Galway Fashion Network’s Design Show. I grew up watching a lot of the “Next Top Model” series so I guess my inspiration kind of took off from there! It’s always been a dream of mine.
“Signing a modelling contract would be a really big opportunity for me. Especially this one as it has so many agency connections all over the United Kingdom and the people who run the contest are really quite lovely. They are connected to the UK Directory of Models so they have agency connections all over the UK.”
Natalie
Natalie has taken part in competitions like this before, being a finalist in Top Model Ireland during the last cycle, and representing her home county as Miss Teen Donegal in the Ireland Pageants.
“The Top Model Ireland Competition was my first introduction to modelling. It was an amazing experience that really gave me the opportunity to be trained by industry professionals such as model coach Audrey O’Neil and a past winner of UK Top Model Kate O’Sullivan.”
Amongst Natalie’s idols are Yves Saint Laurent front-woman Staz Lindes, and Cork model Clara McSweeney.
“Models that inspire me would be Staz Lindes because I think that she loves modelling as a job, takes her career professionally, and she’s really into taking care of her health and well-being. I also find Clara McSweeney really inspiring as she is an Irish model who is currently working in New York.
Natalie explains that a superb combination of personality, beauty, and brains is key to winning the coveted crown.
“I have no set strategy for wowing the judges. I think I just want to be prepared for the competition and have all of my outfits ready for each round of the contest and just go from there. I think they’ll be judging finalists based on their walk and overall potential as a Miss British Isles winner for this contest.
“The contest is registered with the UK Directory of Models so it gives you a lot of connections over the UK to modelling agencies and the winner is entitled to a years worth of photography, appearances and a contract. It would be a real opportunity to win it because of everything that’s included in the competition.”
Natalie also expressed gratitude to her sponsors, friends and family for the support.
Watch this space!
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