The world's a stage for Belmont North's Ella Cox.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Whether on the runway as a model or singing in front of an audience, the stage is where she feels at home.
"When I'm on the stage, I get this glow. I'm happy and somewhere I want to be," she said.
Ella has been chosen to represent NSW as a finalist in the Top Model Worldwide competition's Australia final.
The international modelling competition helps young, aspiring models kickstart their modelling careers.
Ella will travel to Melbourne in February to compete in the runway competition. The winner will fly to London to compete in an international heat.
Australian finalists and winners in the competition have previously progressed to sign with international agencies, worked as models in TV and print, travelled internationally and walked Fashion Week runways.
"For me, it's definitely not a hobby," Ella said, of modelling.
"It's something that I really feel like I want to get into."
Being fit and healthy was important, but "confidence is key".
"You've got to believe in yourself and think you can qualify to do the things you want to do. That's how I feel. I feel quite confident," she said.
She's prepared for setbacks or social media dramas.
"It won't really phase me," she said.
Her parents have taught her not to get caught up in negativity, but to hold her head high.
She's spent time with Newcastle model Tegan Martin, who taught her a few tricks of the trade and encouraged her to "stay true to who you are".
Ella is drawn to fashion as art and she's philosophical about the concept of beauty.
"Fashion is about expressing who you are. It's creativity," she said.
"And beauty - this might sound cheesy - but it's definitely found within."
She strives to be a genuinely nice person - confident, but not cocky.
She's no stranger to being on the stage.
"I'm a classically trained singer. I've been singing since I was eight years old, competitively since I was 10," she said.
She's in Year 10 at Hunter School of the Performing Arts at Broadmeadow.
"I'm here for singing. I'm an opera singer," she said.
What if she has to choose between modelling and singing?
"There's always a way to do both," she said, with a giggle.
Baby Bump
Speaking of Newcastle models, former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins has been taking her followers along on her pregnancy journey.
She's not afraid to show her bare baby bump, either.
The model recently revealed that she's having a baby girl.
While you're with us, did you know Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here.
