Wednesday May 6, 2009
Life of a model
Carishiela Kuijpers’ star has been on the rise since she was named Estee Lauder Model Search Winner 2008.
IT’S hard to imagine Carishiela Kuijpers, or Cay as she is fondly known to family and friends, being nervous.
The glamorous Carishiela Kuijpers. The 21-year-old model is used to the limelight by now. But the winner of the Estee Lauder Model Search 2008 admits that she does get a spot of stage fright before a big show.
“I always get nervous but I don’t allow it to take over because I don’t want it to affect my performance on stage,” she says. Not that anyone’s noticed ...
Ever since she was announced winner of the competition’s under-29 category, Cay has kept busy with fashion runway shows, appeared as ambassador for brands like Puma and Follow Me, donned magazine covers, and joined the Miss Philippines 2009 pageant.
Winning the model search was the turning point of her modelling career.
“After winning, I gained more recognition in the industry, and this has translated into more jobs for me.”
We get up close and personal with the bubbly Cay to find out what else she has in plan and get her thoughts on top model tips.
How has your life changed after winning the Estee Lauder Search winner title?
It has given me more exposure in terms of my modelling career, which helped open more doors for job opportunities. It has also boosted my confidence, which makes me fare better in everything I do.
What prompted you to join the Model Search contest?
I had just graduated from college and, being spontaneous and adventurous, I wanted to try everything. One of them was modelling. I wanted to pursue it at the time, and I thought that the model search would help a lot.
What advice would you give someone starting out in this industry?
Have faith in yourself because you are your own best friend. If you feel that you are the best and you work hard, it will show. People love to see that inner and outer glow. But you can also be your own enemy if you let insecurity take over. You will get nowhere if you lack self-confidence and selfesteem.
Which do you prefer – editorial or runway? Why?
I love both. In editorials, pictures won’t be published till they find your best shot, so it really promotes you as a model. But the runway is where you can strut your stuff and amaze the audience. Both give me the opportunity to bring out the model in me. Typically, models can do a few shows a day. For each show, you are going to have different hairstylists and make -up artists. Your hair and skin can suffer.
How do you keep your hair and skin looking healthy?
I use Estee Lauder products, which really help keep my skin healthy. When I’m not working, I don’t use any mak e-up so that my skin can breathe.
What is the hardest part about being a model ?
Sometimes you have to de al w ith critics and you have to be able to take the criticism if you want to last in the industry. Sometimes you have to work with a crew that isn’t so friendly. They would look at you as if you didn’t deserve the job but you have to think that if you weren’t meant for the job, then you wouldn’t be chos en in the first place. You also have to work long hours but you get used to it.
What does it take to be a top model?
It takes guts to show everyone you have what it takes. It takes confidence to put yourself out there. It takes personality, too, for the clients to love you, and it takes passion for what you’re doing.
What advice would you give to aspiri ng young girls who join model search contests?
Be friendly to everyone because it helps. You don’t want people not liking you when you’re in a competition – it might affect your performance. Believe in yourself and always think you’re the best, without offending the other candidates. Do your best in all aspects of the competition. Impress the ones you have to impress, from the very start.
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