My journey into modelling is a story of resilience, self-love, and transformation. It’s about learning to accept myself, embrace my struggles, and rise above them. It was time to put myself first!  

Growing up in an Italian family, I was constantly judged—on my job, my passions, my appearance, my relationships, and my choices. But I refused to follow the crowd. I knew who I was, and I wasn’t going to let anyone define me.   Yet, life tested me in ways I never imagined.

I battled with my mental health for years, struggling with self-worth and validation. I endured bullying, toxic relationships, and even sexual abuse. I developed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which not only affected my reproductive health but also caused physical symptoms like facial hair growth, making me feel unattractive and different. On top of that, I struggled with my weight, feeling like I was never good enough, no matter what I did.  

In 2010, I was trapped in an abusive relationship—both mentally and physically draining. Despite dealing with my own health issues, including severe pain from gallstones and PCOS, I still put my partner first, losing myself in the process. I was off work frequently, feeling hopeless and stuck.  

Then, in 2014, everything changed. I underwent surgery, but something went wrong—I died on the operating table. When I was revived, the doctors described it as bizarre. Initially, I felt overwhelmed and negative about what had happened. But then, I had a realization - this was my second chance. If I was given another shot at life, I had to make it count. I had to rescue myself.  

I ended my abusive relationship and changed my career path. I had been working in a call centre, but I wanted more—I wanted to help others and find purpose. I enrolled in advanced beauty therapy courses, became qualified, and landed a job at a family-run day spa. I was thriving—earning employee of the month, receiving positive feedback from clients, and finally feeling like I was moving forward.  

But just as I started celebrating my success, life threw another challenge my way. One night, after celebrating my achievements with friends and family, I was hit by a drunk driver. My car was totalled, and I sustained injuries that forced me to take time off work. Eventually, I lost my job. I felt like I had taken steps forward only to be pushed ten steps back.   I was devastated. I questioned everything. Why me? Was I cursed?

These thoughts consumed me, but deep down, I knew I couldn’t let this define me. I refused to let it break me. I had already survived so much—I wasn’t going to let this stop me now.   I reminded myself of a powerful truth - behind every negative is a positive—you just have to find it.  

My positive was discovering my own resilience. I refused to stay in a dark hole. I fought through the pain, both physically and emotionally, and found my way forward. I took up counselling courses to help others, using my experiences to guide and uplift those who felt lost, just as I once had. I embraced my healing journey, attending therapy and working in a role that allowed me to keep going despite my injuries.  

One day, my life coach told me something that changed my perspective forever:   Fear is just FALSE EVIDENCE APPEARING REAL.   That stuck with me. It made me realise that my fears of not being good enough, of failing, of being unworthy—were all illusions. I decided then and there that I wanted to be a model. I wanted to show that beauty isn’t about perfection—it’s about strength, confidence, and authenticity.  

Today, I stand strong. Yes, I still have counselling. Yes, I am still healing. But the most important thing is that I never gave up on myself. Modelling isn’t just about taking pictures for me—it’s about proving that self-love is the greatest kind of love. It’s about showing others that no matter what you’ve been through, you can rise above it.   I want my story to inspire others to embrace their struggles, not as barriers, but as stepping stones to something greater. Your pain, your setbacks, and your hardships—they shape you into someone stronger, wiser, and more courageous than before.  

So, if you’re struggling, if you feel like giving up—don’t. Keep going. Keep fighting. Keep believing. Because you are your own rescue. You are your own strength. And you are worthy of everything you dream of.  

Never give up. Never give in. Embrace your journey—because it is making you into the person you are meant to be.