Winning the indulge Bay model last year has meant a whirlwind year for Rebecca Andrews - including modelling jobs, a move to Auckland, and being scouted by a New York agent.
The 19-year-old from Ohauiti was the supreme winner of the second indulge Bay model competition, beating 14 other finalists. When Annemarie Quill caught up with her, she was in Auckland in the middle of having her hair and makeup done for a vintage-themed shoot that day in Albert Park in collaboration with her photographer friend Lucy Becker
"Winning IBM last year really changed my plans for the next few years. Being signed with Monarch Model Management as part of last year's prize really opened up my opportunities in the New Zealand modelling industry.
"I've moved to Auckland where there is much more work. After my win I did a test shoot with Monarch and the photos from it were linked up to my profile on Monarch's web page. I have had a few opportunities to go to castings but most have clashed with classes so I have only made it to a couple, not gaining any work from them but they were great experiences. I was lucky enough to be chosen as one of 10 of Monarch's fresh faces to meet with a model scout from New York who was on the lookout for some new faces for the States."
Since the competition last September, Rebecca Andrews has also done some modelling.
"I was lucky enough late last year to be chosen as one of 10 girls of more than 100 to participate in the Next Face of Newmarket competition. It was an amazing opportunity that I got to share with Kelsey Schaumann (last year's 18-25 age category winner) and we had a blast. The two of us were also chosen in the top 10 of the Dreamgirl Cycle 5 competition in which I made it to the top eight and Kelsey came second, also picking up the People's Choice award. I'm so proud of Kelsey for making it so far. "
Despite having the opportunity to try lots of the latest fashions, Andrews is at home in her own vintage wardrobe.
"I am completely in love with vintage and retro clothing ... but I also get a lot of stuff from thrift stores and consignment stores. A big chunk of my wardrobe is stuff from Glassons and Hallensteins, too. Hallensteins because I have such long arms and women's coats and jackets never really fit me ... and they have great jeans. Some days I will go all out boho chic and other days, like today, I'll wear my vintage black velvet dress with a white lace collar and Doc Martens."
Apart from fashion, Andrews has her focus on her studies, restarting her course at Celia Hay's NZ School of Food and Wine. She had to leave the course last year to return to Tauranga when her mother, Jill, became ill. Tragically, Jill died four weeks before the indulge Bay Model competition. Andrews still plans to follow through with the idea she and her mother had of opening a cafe.
"Opening a cafe/tea shop is still the dream for one day, but I'm thinking of opening it somewhere with a higher student population because, being a student myself, I know that somewhere quirky and kitschy is where I love eating.
"It's all a big adventure and I'd like to take my time, get some travelling done and really explore my possibilities before settling down and committing to my own business."
For now she is focusing on her studies. "I have really been loving my classes, which cover a wide range of culinary techniques as well as some barista training, a wine course as well as a cocktail course, which was great fun. I'll finish class in December and look to continue with culinary school next year."
Andrews has a few words of encouragement for anyone considering entering the competition.
"Entering this comp was one of the best decisions I have made. It opened me up to the world of modelling and I've never looked back. Try not to overdo it on the makeup and dressing up for the interview and [audition] photos too. I turned up with hardly any makeup and my hair all naturally curly, and I won. Just be yourself and let your inner goddess shine. "Is that too cheesy? It sounded cheesy. Most of all, enjoy yourself!"
Registrations for the 2014 indulge Bay Model take places this weekend, August 9 and 10, at the Bay of Plenty Times office, 405 Cameron Rd, Tauranga, from 11 am till 3 pm each day. For more information and to register your interest email events@bayofplentytimes.co.nz