Hi Amanda, tell us a little about your experience in the industry and when you first started modelling.
My experience has spanned over 37 years. Winning Miss Central Otago at 17 years old is what got me hightailing it out of a small town to become a model in Wellington. The story started with my thumb out, two large suitcases and six boxes and I never looked back. ‘I just followed my dream.’
Believe me ‘it was that mindset that got me places’, and I love this quote that sums it up ‘Life is like driving a car at night. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the entire journey that way.” E. L. Doctorow
It was so lovely to see the connection between you and model Derya on camera and this shows in the imagery. Turns out you know each other, how did you meet?
Through my daughter Yasmin. Her and Derya were best friends during their intermediate years and when Yasmin was at her Dads I'd sometimes get Derya to babysit my boys. Derya was also one of the first girls to go through my ‘model camp’ at Catwalk Studios, she was so good I'd use her with the older girls in the shows or book her to model when I was shooting. That seems another lifetime ago so it was a real treat to reconnect. I had only been thinking about her randomly the day before when she walked through the door at the fitting, isn't it magic when that happens.
You opened up on the shoot about your inner transformation as you have gotten older. Can you tell us more about this?
My inner transformation over the years have been based around the beauty myth and being good enough. Looking back I viewed life as ‘becoming not being’. I felt really displaced within myself in my early years and found myself looking to others to identify my behavioural self, which ultimately led me down a few rabbit holes. Some big learning curves and a few decades of hard yards juggling being a single mum of three, carving out a multi career and also breaking the poverty cycle. There were times where I felt I would never make it, but I was working so hard I didn't acknowledge all my achievements, I had made it, I was and I am. This shift came about after stepping off the treadmill and going bush, actually to the beach up in the far north at 48yrs. I started hearing my voice and I listened and I relaxed.
I feel the same way about my hair. I decided to let my natural colour come through because my skin tones have changed with age and so to with my hair (I hadn’t seen its true shade in over 40 years). I feel complete again and very woman! I’ve also had moments feeling brave and in turn inspiring other like-minded women, but that comes with age, and at my age I certainly know what’s good for me. I know what I want and I know I’m worth it.
.."This shift came about after stepping off the treadmill and going bush, actually to the beach up in the far north at age 48. I started hearing my voice and I listened and I relaxed"
How did you feel wearing Mina during the shoot, do you feel as though this is a brand you could own and stand by?
Yes, I felt amazing wearing your clothes. The natural fibres and cut didn’t leave me feeling like I was shaping myself into something I wasn’t. I felt natural, at ease and incredibly stylish with very little effort. There is over 25 years of age difference between Derya and I but that means nothing when what you’re wearing and how you’re wearing it is ageless.
I choose sustainability and natural fibres because I know it’s the right thing to do. I really loved wearing your garments for the campaign and I am now a huge fan! As these staple pieces are made to last.
We had such an incredible experience working with you, Derya, Stylist Darya Bing and Photographer Luke Foley Martin, what were your takeaways from the day?
Thank you! The feeling was mutual. I got home feeling really happy. It was a fast turnaround and we all had a laugh as we battled the elements. We had luck on our side too (just missing the accident on the bridge) thanks to Natalie switching the days’ schedule around. That was a good sign. I thought quietly, it's a conformation when you're living in the now you can rely on your gut intuition to navigate the unknown.
