Bajan Sun Magazine - Caribbean Entrepreneurs Vol 1 Issue 9 | Page 139

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE NOV 2014 N adia’s passion and adoration for modeling came between the ages of six and seven. She used to watch Style with Elsa Klinch every Saturday on television instead of playing or watching cartoons. She enjoyed watching IMAN and the way she graced the catwalk, the way she carried herself and commanded attention. Nadia was so happy to see a woman with her complexion walking the runway. However, Nadia’s inspiration for modeling came from Naomi Campbell. Nadia have always been into the arts, dancing, drama and music. But, as she got into her early teen years she became more of an athlete and a track runner. Laughing, Nadia exclaimed “No one can picture me being a tom boy now, lol.” Nadia grew up in St. Lucia so upon returning to Barbados at age 17 she was taken to a rehearsal with her now best friend who was a model with New Horizon Modeling Agency. Nadia recounted her experience indicating that there was a dance rehearsal first and her best friend wanted her to meet Oral Welchman. Oral was the one who then suggested that Nadia should join as a model. From there, Nadia started with the pageantry. Since then, Nadia have gone on to represent Barbados in several pageants regionally and internationally. It was at a competition in Mexico where she got her first international modeling gig after winning best bikini body. For Nadia, modeling has helped her become very confident in who she is as an individual. Modelling allow Nadia to realize that it is okay to be yourself and not dwell on the negativity of others. Being in the modelling industry Nadia has no doubt learnt numerous lessons one of which is accepting people for who they are and still interact with them while separating the personal and the professional aspect of it. The modelling industry is a business where you need to learn multiple facets of it. You have to know the behind the scenes as well as have something to fall back on; essentially a Plan B. For Nadia her experiences in modelling has led to her combing her three passions (fashion, hair and makeup) which has led to the birth of 1509byNadiaJoseph. www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | [email protected] | @BajanSunOnline