Local teen model needs sponsors

LOCAL grade 10 pupil at Hoërskool Birchleigh and Figures teen model, Angelique Myburgh (15), not only stands out at school but also has a great passion for pursuing her dream of studying in New York.

Young Angelique is busy with a fund-raiser to help her pursue her dreams by competing in the International Model and Talent Association (IMTA) convention from July 24-28 in New York.

The IMTA creates the opportunity for young models, actors and singers to be recognised by some of the great names in the entertainment industry.

“There will be more than 300 agents and scouts that will hand out scholarships and contracts to the models. We are struggling with the funds seeing as the Rand is so weak and we ask any kind of donations from the community to make my daughter’s dream come true to study in New York,” said Angelique’s mother, Mariette Myburgh.

The total amount to be part of the competition is R90 000 and Angelique and her parents have saved R7 000 so far by selling biltong at modelling competitions.

“I would love to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York because they have a wide variety of art courses such as filmography, media programs as well as design that I can get my degree in while I model,” says Angelique.

Angelique is not only passionate about becoming a famous photographic model but also wants to open her own model agency one day and give others the opportunity that she has at her age.

“I know that it will be hard work, but it will be worth it, this is my absolute passion. I have been a ramp model since the age of 10 and I’ve gained so much confidence in the past few years through Figures, I know I will make a success out of this,” says Angelique.

One of Angelique’s biggest role models is Tyra Banks from America’s Next Top Model. “I watched that show religiously together with my mom, and I would be so inspired by Tyra’s confidence even though people told her that she wouldn’t make it, she showed them that she could, and I also want to show everyone that I can. I believe I can,” says Angelique.

Angelique wants to portray in her modelling that, you don’t have to worry about being pretty or tall or even a model, you just need to believe in yourself and work hard towards your dreams.

“Nothing in life is free, I will always work hard towards my dreams, and that is why we are asking for support from the community, any small donations will help or even any jobs that you have for us. We will work for the money by helping sell things or doing any odd jobs,” says Angelique.

For more information or donations contact Mariette on 074-723-8216.