Eldos model eyes International Teen Supermodel crown

Eldorado Park aspiring model and International Teen Supermodel South Africa (ITSSA) finalist, Keisa Peete (19) hopes to bring the title home in her first competition.

Peete has always had a love for modelling but lacked the necessary information. She began following her passion for modelling after completing her matric.

She decided to join the beauty pageant when entries opened at the beginning of March.

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She said the journey has been stressful and that the competition has been highly competitive, citing that there are 71 finalists.

“It is very competitive but I also find it very fun and inspiring because I have managed to do things that I never thought I would be able to do, such as being part of music video shoots and fashion shows,” said Peete.

She said her passion for modelling developed in high school but did not know how to pursue it before she stumbled upon the poster with details on how to enter.

“What triggered me to consider entering the competition was the fact that I had just left my job in the insurance business. I left my job to start modelling at the beginning of the year after I observed that the labour force was not my cup of tea.”

She further stated that even though this was her first competition, she anticipated reaching the final stage because of her confidence.

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“I always had confidence; I knew that if I had to participate in a big competition like this, I would definitely make waves and do my best.”

She said the competition has brought her out of her comfort zone and helped her to explore and learn new things.

Peete said she had to start doing charity work to give back and uplift poverty-stricken communities.

“Through the charity drives, I learned that there are a lot of unprivileged people out there and once you get a chance to share what you have with them, it creates so much warmth and love in your heart that you would want to continue doing it forever.”

She said she conducted several charity outreaches from her own pocket because she struggled to get sponsors.

“I also learnt that it is very hard to get people to sponsor or assist you with helping the underprivileged. Some want to help but if you do not know the correct people, it is difficult to find the assistance that you need,” she noted.

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Peete said if she is crowned winner of ITSSA, she will use her title to open a centre that can assist young kids from the age of 11 to discover and explore their passions.

“It will be a free centre where children will learn about their talent and utilise those skills to travel the globe and build a name for themselves before graduating from high school.”

She said she wanted to offer youngsters opportunities to help them prepare for post-matric by teaching them about modelling and many other career options.

“I feel like it’s important to learn about your favourite career and start following it from an early age so by the time you graduate college or high school, you would be equipped with many skills to start your own business,” said Peete.

To win the competition, Peete needs to have people vote for her and raise R 4,500. She has currently managed to raise R 1,500 from a movie night fundraiser at the Blue School Hall.

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She also needs assistance in sponsorship and donations to help her reach international audiences.

Her mother, Sandra Peete said she was surprised when her daughter told her that she had entered the competition because she never took classes or participated in modelling before.

“A lot of people had been asking my daughter to consider modelling because of her walk and good looks. She eventually considered it, I am proud of her and we will always be there for her when she needs assistance,” said Sandra.

For more information on how to cove and support Peete, residents can contat her on: Keishapeete24@gmail.com, sandrampeete@gmail.com 084 991 8126 074 424 5526