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“I told my cousin at school the good news and two other friends and before long the whole school knew. It’s nice to know that I don’t have to hide, that people are pleased with my achievement,” says Tayla.
NPGHS Student Achievements - Past & Present
Heady Stuff
While most teenagers don’t know what career path to take, Tayla Hedley, almost 15, knows exactly what she wants – to model. This New Plymouth Girls High student had thought about being an air hostess but after attending a Turning Point Modelling & Talent Agency course she realised modelling was her dream. Tayla was eleven then. She has since done other courses there. Vanessa Hedley, Tayla’s mum recalls.
“I thought it was a girly phase she was going through as most young girls do. But this is her passion and the career path she wants to take, so we’ll support her any way we can.”
A scrapbook bulging with certificates and keepsakes traces the progress of her achievements at Turning Point including Most Promising Model of the Year in 2009 and 2010. She was Miss Photogenic in Miss Teen Taranaki 2010 and runner up in this year’s Teen contest.
Beauty pageants are behind her now as her greatest feat so far is being signed up for a three year contract with 62 Models.
Headed by Sara Tetro, this is the agency behind NZ’s Next Top Model. This happened in January and took the family and Tayla by surprise. Turning Point director, Lois Finderup, was so excited for Tayla getting a modelling contract. “I’m such a proud mum I could just burst,” says Vanessa.
Also proud, dad Bob and Tayla’s older sister Skye are very supportive of her ambitions to be paid to model. While Tayla enjoys the spotlight Skye would rather be behind the lens and is looking at a photo-journalist career.
Tayla’s current focus is on finishing her schooling. She wants to study travel and tourism once she has left school or through correspondence.
62 Models are determined their protégée complete their education and for now any assignments will be done during school holidays.
“Tayla is very well grounded and understands the importance of getting a good education first. So, for now, we will continue to travel to Auckland for modelling assignments until she is of age to move to Auckland or overseas or wherever the assignments take her,” says Vanessa.
If Tayla had her way her bags would be packed and she’d move to Auckland right now! However she’s realistic about it all and knows her dream still lies ahead.
“I am ambitious and strive for the best. Some girls have said ‘You’re not going to make it’ but I’m determined and thankful everyday that I can keep on trying,” says Tayla.
When Tayla’s not at school she enjoys surfing, especially Fitzroy. Out of the water Tayla loves wearing high heels – the higher the better. She lives in tights and has not worn jeans for four years. She also likes floaty feminine dresses.
Many people have supported Tayla along this heady journey. John Christiansen, the principle of Harcourts NP has sponsored Tayla for her Miss Teen Taranaki entries which the Hedley family is grateful for. Photographer James Heremaia has taken photos of her for her portfolio and she is his model for the photography classes he teaches.
“Tayla enjoys working with James and his wife Ngaire. They treat her like a daughter and it’s nice as a mother to know that your daughter is in safe hands,” says Vanessa.
