Local model and coach Charné van Eeden inspires the next generation

After more than 17 years in modelling and pageantry, Charné van Eeden has experienced both the highs and disappointments that come with competing – experiences that have shaped the coach and mentor she is today.

Van Eeden, who opened SA All-Star Models Kempton Park in 2023, said her own journey inspired her to create a space where young models could develop skills while also building confidence and learning to deal with the pressures of competition.

“I saw a need for a space where models could receive proper training while also developing confidence, self-worth and important life skills. I wanted models to have a place where they could learn, make mistakes and grow without constantly feeling the need to compare themselves to others,” she said.

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Her approach to coaching extends beyond teaching ramp technique, posture and stage presence. Van Eeden also focuses on interview skills, confidence, presentation, discipline, resilience and good sportsmanship.

“When it comes to preparing my models, it differs according to each model and competition. We work on ramp technique, posture, stage presence, confidence, interview skills, introductions and overall presentation.

“I also prepare them mentally. I teach my models to focus on what they can control – their preparation, attitude and performance – rather than only focusing on the final result. Good sportsmanship and supporting one another are also very important to me,” she said.

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Van Eeden said her own experiences of winning and losing have helped her understand the importance of preparing models for both outcomes.

“Those experiences influenced the type of coach I wanted to become. I wanted to use what I have learnt through my own journey to guide and mentor other models, not only in becoming better competitors, but also in handling the different experiences that come with the industry,” she said.

She also believes that remaining a student herself is an important part of becoming a better coach.

“Even though I now own and coach my own modelling school, I still actively train with my own coach, Deon Krause, founder of SA All-Star Model Academy. Continuing to learn and develop myself allows me to keep growing as both a model and a coach and to bring that knowledge back to my own models,” Van Eeden said.

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Her own competitive career has brought several achievements, including being crowned Miss Universal South Africa 2025.

At the competition, she also received awards including Best Interview, Best Ramp Model, Best Dressed Evening Wear, Photogenic, Social Media Influencer, Overall Charity Ambassador and Best of the Best Highest Overall Score.

More recently, she competed at International Miss South Africa 2026, where she received 1st Runner-Up in Fitness, 1st Runner-Up in Runway and the Community Award in the Miss category.

For Van Eeden, however, success is not measured only by titles and crowns.

“As a model, one of the biggest challenges has been learning how to deal with disappointment. You can prepare extremely hard and still not receive the result you hoped for, so learning not to allow a result to determine your worth is important,” she said.

She said becoming a coach has brought a different kind of reward, particularly seeing those she mentors grow in confidence and achieve their goals.

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Van Eeden also places importance on giving back. Charity and community involvement form part of the lessons she hopes to instil in the young models she coaches.

Most recently, 16 of her models donated 266 cupcakes to Cupcakes of Hope, breaking their previous record.

Van Eeden said she wants those she coaches to understand that their achievements should extend beyond competition results.

The values she hopes to pass on include confidence, kindness, respect, discipline, humility, good sportsmanship and a willingness to give back.

Looking ahead, Van Eeden said she still has ambitions for her own modelling career while continuing to develop as a coach and mentor.

“I don’t believe my journey is finished yet. There are still goals I would like to pursue and opportunities I would like to explore, while continuing to grow as a coach and mentor,” she said.