Brooklyn Prince, a former Deputy Head Girl at Uitenhage High School, has made her international modelling debut at a prestigious fashion show in Istanbul, Turkey, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.
Prince, who discovered her passion for modelling at the young age of six, described her international debut as “a dream.”
“The moment I stepped off the plane and on to the soils of Turkey, I was so overwhelmed with emotions. It was like I was one step closer to soaring high. My first show was spectacular and I felt as beautiful as ever,” Prince said.
Her journey into the modelling world began with a humble pageant at VGK Church during their annual Bazaar. Her mother helped her practise walking with grace and style in their backyard – an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for the catwalk.
However, it wasn’t until the age of 16 that Prince actively pursued modelling again, when she participated in and won the title of Miss Valentine at Uitenhage High School. This achievement led to her discovery of Sophisticate Models, a modelling school that became what she called her “training grounds for a confident model.”
During her final year at Uitenhage High School, Prince served as Deputy Head Girl, a position that allowed her to exemplify the values she wished to instil in her peers.
“Before the election even took place, I was aware of the example I would want to be for my fellow learners – that is the chance taker. I won the title of Miss Valentine only because I made the decision to try,” she explained. “I wanted to stress the importance of taking chances in life as it leads to a path of courage and prosperity, even if it takes a few losses.”
Prince credited her success to the unwavering support of her family and the guidance of teachers who recognised her potential.
“If not for them approving and investing in my dream, I would have struggled even more to get to where I am today,” Prince acknowledged.
Following her successful debut in Istanbul, Prince revealed ambitious plans for her international career. She will be travelling to multiple countries for various modelling assignments, ranging from commercial to high fashion and beauty contracts.
“Each contract in every country I am signed in – Turkey, Greece, Germany, Sweden, China, with more countries loading – have their own terms, and I’m super excited to share my journey with my hometown and everyone who is cheering me on,” she said.
Despite the challenges of working in diverse cultural environments, Prince noted that adapting to different cultures and norms hasn’t been particularly difficult for her, attributing this adaptability to her South African heritage.
“I am blessed to be from a rainbow nation,” she remarked, referring to South Africa’s multicultural character.
Since news of her international breakthrough spread, Prince has received an outpouring of support from her community. She maintains close ties with the Sophisticate Models family and expressed gratitude for the encouragement she continues to receive from home.
Looking towards the future, Prince aims to inspire young people in her community and beyond. “My goal is to empower my fellow youth. Anything is possible when you take the chance and trust in God,” she said. “Modelling is my dream career, and I plan to pursue it to the greatest heights.”
Despite her global ambitions, Prince emphasised her commitment to her roots. “South Africa is definitely a home no matter what, and I will always come back home even during the busiest of seasons,” she affirmed.
To those aspiring to follow in her footsteps, whether in modelling or other pursuits, Prince offered words of encouragement, referencing Uitenhage High School’s motto that has guided her journey: Perseverando Vincimus, which means “those who persevere shall overcome.”
