Like mother, like daughter
Vibrant and young model wins herself a trip on the MSC Boat cruise to the Portuguese Island.
ALL eyes were on Yvonke-Marie Willemse at the Figures National Model of the Year competition at the Roodepoort Theatre in December.
The beautiful four-year-old stood out from her peers and claimed first place.
“This was the second year that Yvonke-Marie was competing in the competition. The previous year she made top ten and the second time she won it and we are proud of her,” said Yvonke-Marie’s mother, Veronica.
“She competed in the two to six years age group.”
Yvonke-Marie was the youngest winner in her age group.
“There are three divisions; commercial, skill and fashion,” said Veronica.
“Yvonke-Marie won the commercial division and in the other divisions, the winners were both six-year-olds. This is really impressive and adding to her win, she made it to the top ten Figures Face of The Year.”
Yvonke-Marie told EXPRESS she is thrilled with her recent achievement and said: “Winning this competition made me very happy and excited. It is a good feeling to win model of the year.”
Yvonke-Marie followed in her mother’s footsteps when she won.
“I won the National Teachers’ Model of The Year in 2014,” said Veronica. “It took me seven years to win but Yvonke-Marie won it in two years.
“Over the years, I realised how difficult it is for the little ones to win this competition, and it goes to show that my princess gave it her all.”
As part of the prize, the vibrant Birchleigh resident won herself an all-expenses-paid cruise on the MSC to the Portuguese Island from March 19 to 23.
Veronica said Yvonke-Marie would also be competing on the cruise.
“She will compete at the International Modelling and Talent Association (IMTA) Convention, which will be held during the cruise where they will compete to win a trip to compete in IMTA New York. This is a great opportunity as international scouts will also be on the boat.
“Her dad and I are trying to raise funds in order to accompany her on the cruise as we can’t let her go on her own as she is underage.
Veronica expressed their gratitude towards Yvonke-Marie’s trainer and owner of Figures Models Kempton Park, Mona Swanepoel.
