Modelling coach’s journey
As the dynamic duo entered into the competitive arena of beauty pageants, they soon became entrenched in the Ladysmith community, joining various community organisations such as Lions International.
Christiné Harburn has been the force behind many a successful “homegrown” model and this year, as she prepared Preneetha Murilal to participate in the Mrs India South Africa Pageant, her preparation strategy was no different.
The beautiful Mrs India participant was coached by Harburn in posture, her introductory presentation, perfecting her strides on the catwalk, keeping eye contact with the judges and how to answer their questions clearly, intellegently and confidently- the same prepatory steps taught to her young models.
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Harburn, who has operated various modelling schools over the years, has had the privilege of watching many young girls transform into beautifully poised, elegant and confident women.
She has accomplished this by teaching them basic life skills such as how to have self-respect, manners, etiquette and encourages young girls to embrace their uniqueness.
“My mother taught me self-care from a young age and the importance of how you present yourself to the world, so instilling this kind of attitude in others has most certainly inspired my life,” explains Harburn.
These lessons taught to her by her mother have shaped the ethos behind her coaching. Harburn and her husband, Roberto, opened their first modelling academy in Ladysmith in 1988, inspired by their two daughters’ interest in modelling. Harburn completed a few courses and soon, with the opening of the school, her dream was realised.
As the dynamic duo entered into the competitive arena of beauty pageants, they soon became entrenched in the Ladysmith community, joining various community organisations such as Lions International.
This opened doors of opportunity and soon Harburn was convening the Lions International Miss Ladysmith Beauty Pageant to raise funds for their community, while giving her models a chance to compete and gain confidence.
In 1999 the Harburns moved to Newcastle. Some 12 years later, they made the decision to establish the Newcastle Lions Club with the assistance of a long standing, close family friend, Barbara Elliott.
With this platform in place, the Harburns were able to launch their modelling school and introduce the Miss Newcastle Beauty Pageant to the town, which soon became a regular event.
Harburn said she has continued all these years with the modelling school, not for the money, but rather for the love of it. She refuses to trade in tiaras, glitz and glamour just yet. She still finds the buzz around modelling and beauty pageants too thrilling to give up.
“Nothing in my life would have ever been possible without a mother who believed in me and without my husband and greatest supporter, Roberto, who has been ‘the wind beneath my wings’ and dreamed my dream.
“He has gone from being a ‘man’s man’as an SA boxer, to supporting his girls and his wife in the modelling world. He ditched his boxing ring and gloves for modelling ramps and high heels. He has been our enthusiastic photographer, music man and sensational compere,” she concluded.
Harburn’s views on the benefits of modelling:
– Teaches young women how to be confident with vocal and social skills.
“Also, being a part of a modeling school is like being a part of a second family. We look out for each other and we support each other,” she said.
Harburn believes modelling should not be a discriminative sport requiring girls to conform to ‘norms’.
She believes anyone can model, if they have the interest and motivation to do so.
Harburn says that even though professional modelling is on a far more advanced level, it still requires the same basic principles of amateur modelling – family support and discipline.
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