Jason Harris
Paige Tonkin is a motivated, bubbly, and caring model/actress who has always been fascinated by watching beautiful models and actors on television and has dreamed of making a name for herself one day.
It was at the age of 14 when her dream was kick-started, and she was scouted and taken to Las Vegas for a talent and runway show. This fantastic experience made Paige fall in love with the industry and made her even more determined to succeed.
Paige was StarCentral Magazine’s CoverGirl winner in 2022 and is currently the reigning Miss Oceania Regency International 2023. When she isn’t working the camera or the runway, you will find her coaching Aerial Silks, Aerial Lyra, and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics at the local gym.
StarCentral Magazine recently caught up with Paige and here’s what went down:
How did you get into the modelling industry?
I was 14 years old when I was introduced to the modelling industry. I actually found an audition online for acting, so I showed my parents and asked them if I could go and audition. After having a read, they agreed to take me, so we submitted all the forms. I learned the monologue they sent me, and off we went.
We didn’t realize that the company was a U.S. Talent Scouting Agency, and that the two scouts were well-known actors and models. I was initially there to audition for acting, but they both encouraged me to audition as a model. So I did, and I made it through and was off to Las Vegas to take part in IPOP, where I learned so much, met a lot of industry professionals, made a heap of friends, and completely fell in love with the industry.
What do you like most about being a model?
I honestly love everything about being a model, from modelling beautiful designer creations to the adrenaline and excitement of the runway and all the fun and amazing locations of photoshoots. But if I had to choose one, it would have to be the fantastic people I get to meet and work with. I get to make new friends every time I go to work.
Downside to being a model?
There are not many downsides to being a model, but I would have to say I am not the biggest fan of having to get into the water on a cold winter’s morning or the super early 4 am starts every now and then, as I do like my beauty sleep. In saying that, once I am up and going, I am pumped for the day, and nothing can stop me.
What has been the most memorable experience of being in the modelling industry so far?
Wow, this is really a tough one, as I have gotten to be a part of so many incredible experiences, and I cherish every one of them. I honestly don’t think I can narrow it down to just one, so here are a few that definitely stand out – modelling at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, modelling at the Multicultural Fashion Festival and Global Elite Fashion Festival, modelling at The Versace Penthouse, being awarded the Global Elite Model of the Year and the GEQ Teen Queen of the Year and being named the GEQ Cover Model at the recent Australian Golden Sash Awards and the Global Elite International Awards. And, of course, winning StarCentral Magazine’s Cover Model Quest 2022 and winning the title of Miss Teen Australia Regency International 2022 at the National Australian Miss Pageant and traveling to Las Vegas with Team Australia to represent my beautiful country.
Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?
Again, this one is tough, as I have been lucky enough to meet so many amazing and interesting people worldwide. I have had the privilege to meet and work with many amazing photographers, videographers, actors, stylists, HMU Artists, models, and designers. But to name a few, I would have to say the incredible designers Oogi Flower, Lisa Swinbanks, Fai Penny, Tommy Ge, Tammi Parvez, Dee Mukherjee, and Trendy B are all amazing and were all so lovely. I feel so honoured to have been chosen to wear their beautiful creations. Then there is the incredible Bridget Foster (who starred in CSI Miami) and Mark Carroll (Abercrombie & Fitch Model), who encouraged me and scouted me for Las Vegas when I was 14. And lastly, I cannot forget the amazing Sue Turner from Global Elite Media Group and Mike Ilagan from StarCentral Magazine, who have shown me so much support and encouragement.
What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the modelling industry?
The most valuable lesson I have learned from the industry and something that I live by every day is that confidence is key. You can achieve anything and get to wherever you want to be, if you hold your head high and believe in yourself. DREAM, BELIEVE, ACHIEVE.
The other most valuable lesson I have learned is to always know who you are working with, as your safety and integrity always need to come first.
Is your family supportive of you being a model?
My family is definitely my biggest support system, and I would not be where I am today without them. My Mum is always right by my side. She has been there to drive me here, there, and everywhere, helping me with my hair and helping me pack for a modelling job when I need a hand, and always ensuring I have everything I could possibly need. My Dad is always standing there with a coffee in hand when I am up for a big day of shooting, ready to help carry everything to the car, and he even comes along to shoots when he is not working. And, of course, my sister, who is always lending me half her wardrobe, makeup, and more (laughs). My family is beyond supportive. They are always at every event I am modeling and cheering me on from the side. I am seriously the luckiest girl in the world to have such a supportive family.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
One of the best pieces of advice I have been given since I was a young child was always to treat others the way you wish to be treated. This is something that I will carry with me throughout my life. It costs nothing to be respectful, kind, and compassionate.
What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.
I have always had big plans to make acting and modelling my full-time career and one day be cast in a big-budget feature film and walk on catwalks worldwide. So now that I have completed my HSC, I am even more determined than ever to kick my dreams into high gear.
Photographed by: Tony Palliser of Studio 49
Akmal Omid is an experienced model and actor based in Sydney, Australia, with over eight years of experience in acting and modeling.
Akmal has worked on several fashion and lifestyle campaigns, including high-profile brands such as Nestle, HB perfume, AZIZI Bank, and Telstra. He has also worked as a runway model for Rocky Gathercole’s fashion show, Polo De’ Marco Magazine, and Love on the lawn Bridal runway.
StarCentral Magazine recently caught up with Akmal to discuss his journey in the modelling industry, and here’s what went down:
How did you get into the modeling industry?
I was shopping for clothes one day when someone approached me and asked if I was interested in modelling. I did a perfume ad with him, which went really well. From there, I started doing other test shoots and building my portfolio more and more until I was able to grow and eventually work with many big brands.
What do you like the most about being a model?
I’m very interested in fashion, so being around it and included in magazines and photoshoots is really fun. I’m often the first to wear nice shoes, clothes, and accessories and be invited to fancy events. I also like the interesting people you meet, many of which are famous and internationally recognized.
Downside of being a model?
As with anything, sacrifices need to be made if you want to be successful. Constantly maintaining the look through diet, exercise, haircuts, and so on can be a pain sometimes. Also, the irregular working hours can make it hard, as well as knowing that eventually, my career will end and not last forever.
What has been the most memorable experience of being in modeling industry so far?
The best experience I’ve had so far was walking for Rocky Gathercole, the Avant Garde show in Sydney. That was the first time I had walked in a real high fashion show like that with supermodels. I felt like I belonged there. I have yet to walk for my favorite high fashion brands, but having the opportunity to walk among supermodels was still a massive accomplishment for me.
Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?
One of the advantages of being a model is meeting lots of interesting people, such as photographers, models, and fashion designers. If I name them all, there will be a whole page of names, but one of the most interesting and inspiring was Rocky Gathercole, the Avant Garde fashion designer.
What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned?
The importance of self-belief and not doubting yourself. It is the most important underlying factor in everything that you do. If you doubt and don’t believe in yourself, it will ruin your chances of success.
Is your family supportive of you being a model?
They were unsure in the beginning, but once they saw my potential and that I was doing well, they started to believe in me more, and now they are very supportive and encourage me to do more of it.
If you could go back in time machine to the time when you were just getting started what would you do differently?
Everything happens for a reason, so I would do everything the same, and if I had done something differently, I wouldn’t be where I am now.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” Someone I met through modelling gave me that advice. It’s a work strategy. It means that we have to be better than we were previously and learn from our mistakes, be in the moment and do what you can now, and always strive to be better in the future.
What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it?
Growing personally and living a happy and healthy life, as well as starting my own clothing brand, which will allow me to travel the world and be financially free.
Jason Harris
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