WATCH: Sparkling Glen Marais girl (9) wins face of the year title
The reason she started modelling might be different than you think.
In a few years’ time, the Miss South Africa organisation will need to look no further than Glen Marais to find the county’s most beautiful woman.
Willow View Academy learner Esinako Galada might only be nine years old, but she already possesses the grace and devotion worthy of a crown. It is, therefore, no surprise that she walked away with the Figures Face of the Year title earlier this year at a competition in Roodepoort.
Ninety contestants from across South Africa competed in this category for seven to nine-year-olds.
Despite the cheque for R10 000 Esinako received, her prize for winning the title, she appears to be humble. She walks effortlessly with gold high heels but her jean shorts and T-shirt hint at the child she truly is.
“Don’t forget to sparkle,” is written on her shirt.
And Esinako is sparkling. She answers questions effortlessly while making eye contact and sitting with poise. Perhaps, she was born to be a model.
“We actually encouraged her to do modelling because she didn’t have much confidence,” Esinako’s mother Cecilia shares. “Since she’s joined, there has been a lot of improvement. The shyness is gone.”
Esinako first heard about modelling when the Figures modelling agency visited her school. Since then, she hasn’t looked back. A glass cupboard in the Galada family’s spacious home is filled with modelling trophies and medals.
“I like modelling because it helped me gain confidence, and to stand up to bullies. And you get to win prizes,” Esinako teases.
She is not quite sure what to do with her big prize of R10 000 yet.
“I was thinking of saving it until I’m older,” the mature girl tells Express. “It’s much, much, much more than my pocket money.”
Esinako might be beautiful and graceful, but she is also kind, well-mannered and soft-spoken.
“Thank you, Mom,” she says, as her mother hands her a glass of juice. Family pictures next to their white dining room table show a close-knit family. Esinako has an older brother Hlumelo (14) and a younger brother Thalethu (7). These two are just as talented as their sister, as their many sport trophies show.
“I’m very proud of her that she won the competition,” Hlumelo tells Express. Little brother Thalethla is also very proud and says he enjoys playing with his big sister when she’s not practising her modelling.
Esinako makes time for her family by finishing her homework as soon as possible after school. According to this Grade Four learner, natural sciences and technology are her favourite subjects.
Just like one of her role models, Rolene Strauss, Esinako dreams of becoming a doctor and Miss South Africa.
“I will continue until I win Miss Universe, but I won’t forget about Kempton Express when I do.”
