THE MODEL JOURNAL : DENE

Welcome to the ‘The Model Journal’. A platform that reveals what is going on behind the faces at BEC Models. From side hustles and campaigns, to industry knowledge and advice, find out what the day to day life of a model is really like.

This month we speak to DENE. She holds the most inspiring positivity towards life. She is always a joy to work with, and along with her dedication, professionalism and pure talent she has bagged herself some amazing projects.

Models aged 50+ are making their way into the mainstream. As the demand for 50 and over is increasing and there are signs the tide is changing. there are still very few over 50 models however it looks encouraging and Dene gives us an insight into how she got into the industry and how she has been so successful!

Hi Dene, How are you today and how’s life going lately?

Hi Becci, I am feeling very grateful for every opportunity that comes my way especially after this past year! I have learnt to appreciate the small things in life once again and to live a bit more in the moment, taking every day as it comes, instead of constantly planning everything!

Please tell us about your modelling journey? How did you get into modelling and acting and has it always been a passion for you?

I got into modelling by pure chance, it was never something I craved. I worked in a PR company at the time and any time we had events and had our photograph taken the other girls would say that I was very photogenic, and should model, so after I left the PR company not knowing what else to do, I went to see a few modelling agencies and that is where my exciting journey began! Initially I felt very awkward, and a bit of a fake, but with time and confidence I found my feet and loved it! I've enjoyed acting from when I was young and did Drama & TV Studies at school, with a Mrs Henshall who was Ruthie Henshalls mother. I thought I was going to go into acting when I left school, however, I didn't. After a flight to France, I found myself applying to become an air hostess instead and loved every minute of this amazing career and did this for many years. I always felt every flight was like a performance! When I left flying, strangely I had no passion to return to acting as a full time career, but still like to dabble.

Describe your perfect day!

That's a good question, but I'm yet to find perfection in any one day, everyday is most enjoyably different. I love the variety in my life and each and every day is as good as the last. In an ideal world, I would have a glass of champagne at the end of every day as this is my favourite tipple and doesn't give me a headache!

You always seem to have a very positive outlook. What is your main moto(s) in life?

Forget your age, live your best life, regret nothing!
It is what it is!
Keep moving forward
Be happy and embrace positivity.
Stay away from energy thieves
I try not to take myself too seriously and find humour in many things
Being optimistic is key

These past couple of years have taken quite a toll on people's mental health, how do you keep a healthy mind day to day?

Love .... I love life, and I am loved which is so important to me. I am curious by nature, so I am constantly searching for new and innovative ways to move forward which keeps my mind healthy. I love walking and try to power walk every day in the park which is wonderful. Being surrounded by nature is so relaxing and stimulating. I also enjoy swimming which helps me really relax and get rid of any tension. If I have any days where I am not feeling 100% then I try and remind myself of all the things I am grateful for.

“**have seen improved representation of all ages, but I do think there is still work to be done** ”

We are beginning to see mature models making their way into the mainstream, for a long tome its only ever been young women and men. As a slightly (only slightly!) more ‘mature’ model yourself, how do you find the industry. Have you seen an improved representation of all ages or is there still work to be done?

I find the industry embracing far more diversity in all areas than it has ever done before, which is really encouraging.

I have seen improved representation of all ages, but I do think there is still work to be done especially for the 50's age bracket which seems a tricky one, as it can sometimes feel a little like no-mans land for me. I am at that in between age - I look too old to be a yummy mummy and look too young to cast for a grandmother role. There has been a very strong trend in the last few years for mature models to have grey/silver hair as it seems to be used to define a model as "mature" which can sometimes be a little too cliched. I feel that diversity, can sometimes become a little bit too predictable.

“**Forget your age, live your best life, regret nothing!**”

Have you had to make any sacrifices or adjustments in your experience? What are the tough bits about this industry for you?

Yes there are sacrifices, as with all jobs, but with modelling many jobs are last minute with little notification, which can be a little challenging, as you want to do the job you love, but you also want to stick with the plans you have made with your friends and partner. The other challenge can be the pay structure, as it can sometimes take over 90 days for payment.

Can you give the up and coming talent out there your best tips for getting into the industry and also managing the industry once you are in!

The best tips I can give are to be patient and persevere. It is very easy to get disheartened, but to be successful you have to be persistent, consistent and be prepared for hard work and unsocial hours! Embrace this and you will love this wonderfully creative and diverse industry! Once in, however successful, be true to yourself and your core values.

Do you have any dreams and ambitions you’d like to accomplish, or are you taking every day as it comes right now?

never stop dreaming! One dream is that I would love to do some presenting and especially present A Place in the Sun, which is my favourite programme of all times. I have always had an passion for properties and travel. The travelbug has never left me from back in the day when I worked as a Stewardess for British Airways.

I'd also like to work on an advert where they whisper the name of the brand at the end!

What other skills or talents do you have that you like to do in your spare time?

I am not so sure this is a skill or talent, but I love to swim outdoors with my partner who is an excellent swimmer and we enjoy outdoor swimming very much. I am a excellent listener and problem solver and enjoy helping my friends find solutions.

I love roller skating feeling the wind blowing in my hair, but have not done this for a while as lost a little bit of confidence, so I hoola hoop instead, great fun but not so exhilarting! Ha ha

And Finally, What are you most looking forward to in life right now going into 2022?

Travelling more!! I am also looking forward to many more exciting opportunites, as the beauty of this industry is suspense - you never know what's around the corner!

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