Port Douglas model Benita Williams starts new agency Lavish to create Indigenous modelling opportunity in Far North QLD
A once shy Port Douglas model has started a new venture to help other Indigenous Australians in the Far North realise their full potential. Read how she thinks she can help.
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A once shy Port Douglas model has started her own modelling agency to help other Indigenous models in the Far North realise their full potential.
Benita Williams has been modelling for almost nine years and has decided to mentor others using her industry knowledge with her new agency Lavish starting in 2023.
“I was so scared and so shy at the start, I struggled with talking in front of people in public, I struggled with eye contact,” Ms Williams said.
“So I do have an understanding of how confronting it can be to walk down a runway starring at 100 people.”
Ms Williams said after a large number of people reached out to her, she thought it was the perfect time to help.
“I would like to make sure these emerging models are comfortable, that I am helping them with making their dreams come true.
“I want them to know they do have what it takes, they are special and unique.”
Ms Williams said Australia was lacking Indigenous models but promoting it could be a great outcome.
“I think – some of them – they live in communities, it would be outside their regular lifestyle so it’s very scary coming into the city,” she said.
“I want them to be safe, I will be here to look after them, I am here to support them.
“I think this will help with keeping the youth out of trouble, if they have something to look towards.”
While there was a trend of Far North models leaving the region, Ms Williams said it wasn’t completely necessary.
“I think it’s much needed in FNQ; a lot of Far North beauties are having to move from their communities – I feel that is not needed,” she said.
Ms Williams is holding a meet and greet on Saturday, November 26, at Sauce Brewing Co at 11am.
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Originally published as Port Douglas model Benita Williams starts new agency Lavish to create Indigenous modelling opportunity in Far North QLD
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