Caraleyn puts her best foot forward

When one hears the term ‘beauty comes from within’ Caraleyn Antoinette Claassens will come to mind.

Born and raised in Newcastle, this 22-year-old beauty queen is determined to succeed in the photographic modelling industry as she realised a modelling career was to be her goal in life.

She said while growing up she was lucky enough to have enjoyed a simple, carefree and yet fun farm life.

After school however, Caraleyn moved to Durban to study an aviation course, but then decided to pursue her dream as a model.

“When you are tall and slender, you don’t really know where to fit in. So I started modeling around six years ago, as I felt it was the perfect place to gain confidence as well as guidance as a young girl.”

“And now, it has become something I am rather passionate about,” she explained.

“At first, the move to Durban was a bit overwhelming, but the job I was in at the time required me to travel a lot and I soon learned my way around the city.”

When asked whether she would ever consider moving back to Newcastle, she simply said although she missed home, she had started a new chapter in her life.

“I have done some really amazing photo shoots for some major companies, and I have also just signed up with one of the best modeling agencies in Durban, called Ice Model Management.”

Caraleyn considered herself a very passionate and driven person.

“I am a go-getter. I believe you should work hard if you want things to happen. I do not believe in sitting back and hoping good things will come my way.”

She admitted modelling could take up quite a lot of her time as she would often be busy with a photo shoot at around 4.30 am and then at night and over weekends.

“I have to priorotise my time wisely and I try to catch up on my beauty sleep when I can,” she added with a smile.

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Caraleyn said she would like to take her modelling to an even more professional level and hoped to model full-time, and even have the opportunity to direct a few photo shoots herself.

When she is not in front of the camera, she can be found at a normal nine to five job at a logistics company, ensuring all admin and stock control is up to date.

On her occasional day off, Caraleyn enjoyed spending time at the beach, catching up on her sun tan, or on a farm with her beloved horse, Gem.

“I got Gem when I was about 8-years-old so I was overjoyed to have moved her up to Durban with me.”

Caraleyn admitted she considered herself fortunate, as her family had always supported her decisions in life.

When asked what diet she followed to keep her petite body in shape, Caraleyn laughed and said she had good family genes, and it was not necessary for her to follow any diets.

Her advice to young aspiring models was to always keep going.

“Be yourself. Not everyone will like or accept you, but do not let it keep you back. Keep pushing forward until you find an agency who will allow you to be who you are. And always see every experience as a learning curve and not a failure.”

The Newcastle Advertiser wishes her all the best in what is sure to be a stellar career!

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