PUHI — Organizers of searches for cover models quickly tell you that modeling is much more than just putting a pretty face forward. Therese Jasper, the 1989 Mrs. Hawai’i, promoter of countless pageants for young Kaua’i girls, and owner of
PUHI — Organizers of searches for cover models quickly tell you that modeling
is much more than just putting a pretty face forward.
Therese Jasper, the
1989 Mrs. Hawai’i, promoter of countless pageants for young Kaua’i girls, and
owner of Sophisticated You Kaua’i at Anchor Cove in Nawiliwili, has tales of
countless contestants whose pageant experience has helped them bloom inside and
outside.
Contestants have literally “come out of their shells,” and learned
important life skills such as excelling at interviews, polishing their personal
communication skills, learning to fill out the myriad of paperwork forms that
are a huge part of growing up, and being comfortable with who they are inside
and out, she said.
“Self-esteem is so important in young children, so
they’ll become good, productive adults,” Jasper said.
Competing for jobs
is essentially the same thing as competing in contests, adds Barbara Bennett,
of This Week Kaua’i magazine, sponsor of a search for a cover model who will
grace the front page of at least one issue of This Week Kaua’i magazine next
year.
The event is set for Saturday, Oct. 28, beginning at 10 a.m. at Kukui
Grove center stage, open to women, men and children ages 11 and up. No
experience is necessary.
Those interested should bring photos of themselves
to Kukui Grove, where a noon entry deadline will be strictly enforced. The
winner will be named This Week Kaua’i Model of the Year, and given prizes as
well as a professional photo shoot.
Sophisticated You, Hawaiian Island
Models, Headturner Studios, and Morgan Marie Photography are the sponsors of
the contest. Milli Andrade will emcee the contest, which will also feature a
fashion show with clothing from Deja Vu, Deja Vu Kids, Kai Kane and Tropical
Heat.
Contest forms are available at the This Week Kaua’i office on Rice
Street in Lihu’e, across from Dani’s Restaurant; Sophisticated You in Anchor
Cove, Nawiliwili; and Hawaiian Island Models on ‘Oihana Street in Lihu’e
Industrial Area Phase 1.
Yuki Mossman, owner of Hawaiian Island Models,
figures contest participation, especially for the winner, could easily launch a
professional modeling career.
When This Week Kaua’i held a similar contest
a few years ago, it attracted nearly 70 contestants. The re-launching of the
contest this year is hoped to make the model search an annual
event.
Contestants must be photogenic, though poise, ability to
communicate, and a good-looking contest application (and maybe
résumé) are important, too, Bennett said.
The winner, really,
becomes a celebrity, adorning the cover of a magazine with a circulation of
39,000 on this island, with 215 pick-up locations on Kaua’i as well as 100
O’ahu locations, Bennett said.
Mossman and Desiree Duclayan, owner of
Headturner Studios, have both recently opened up their own, separate
self-improvement beauty schools and modeling agencies on the island, sharing
Kekaha photographer Marie Alma Acosta of Morgan Marie Photography, and working
together in what internationally is something of a cutthroat, competitive
business.
Their vision is to expose Kaua’i residents to the world of
modeling, beauty and self-improvement, which they are offering through fashion
and retail modeling, lunch-time fashion shows known in the industry as “tearoom
modeling,” and other avenues.
For more information on the contest, contact
Headturner Studios, 1-800-796-1901, Hawaiian Island Models, 635-9555,
Sophisticated You, 245-3800, or This Week Kaua’i magazine, 245-2340.
