GOODNA’S Adhieu Ayuen Jongkuch is on a mission – to walk the catwalks of London, Paris and Milan.
And the model (known as Omalo) sees her upcoming appearance in the national finals of Australia’s Top Model on July 10 at Q Events in Melbourne as a chance to bring that dream closer to reality.
“I have been modelling for four years now,” the South Sudanese refugee turned Goodna resident says.
“I’m very passionate about modelling; I love every bit about modelling. The runways, the fashion, wearing designer clothes,” Omalo said,
She agrees that she is on mission: to walk the runways of London, Milan and Paris.
“(I’m) 100% on a mission. I’m here to kill it and get it,” she says of her career prospects as a model.
“I accept that my work will take me away from Ipswich; 100%. My mother is very supportive. My family and my friends are very supportive,” she says.
“I am literally seeing myself in Paris, Milan, London. That’s where I see myself; Melbourne is a first step.”
After enduring numerous setbacks and disappointments, Omalo found out about Australian Top Model while she was on her phone.
“I saw their website and Instagram. I clicked the link and sent my measurements and photos. They got back to me and said ‘congratulations, you’ve been selected for Australian Top Model’, she said.
“I said ‘Oh my God!’ I couldn’t believe it.”
She went to a competition in Brisbane back in March where she finished second runner-up which was enough to qualify her for the national fines.
“The winner travels to London and Top Model will cover the winner,” she said.
“The good thing about it is the model gets to choose whether to stay there or to come back. I’m going to do whatever it takes to make sure.”
But Omalo is prepared if she doesn’t go to London.
“If I don’t win, I still have that exposure — 100%. I’ll still have that even if I don’t make it.
“No matter what, I’m still going to try to find other ways that I can make it out there.”
