Her journey from pageantry to philanthropy exemplifies her commitment to making the world a better place
In the world of pageantry and modelling, few young talents shine as brightly as Michaela Chatwind, the reigning International Junior Miss South Africa Pre-Teen. At just 13 years old, Chatwind’s journey in the modelling world has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by dedication, achievements, and a profound commitment to making a positive impact on her peers and community.
Chatwind’s journey into modelling began at the tender age of five when she participated in her school’s Miss Valentine competition. Stepping onto the stage for the first time, she felt like a real-life princess and asked her mother for modelling classes. Her mother’s enthusiastic agreement set the stage for what would become a promising career.
Since then, Chatwind’s modelling career has blossomed. She has not only built a successful modelling portfolio but also ventured into the world of philanthropy, establishing her own foundation and launching a compelling campaign known as “Youth Be Heard”.
One of the challenges she encountered as a young model was the presence of jealousy, peer pressure and bullying. These experiences inspired her to initiate the Youth Be Heard campaign, aimed at giving a voice to young people and raising awareness about challenges within the school environment. Chatwind believes that often, young voices can illuminate issues that adults might not fully grasp, making her campaign a powerful platform for change. It addresses issues such as academic pressure, bullying, peer pressure, time management, cyber bullying, social isolation and learning disabilities.
Through Youth Be Heard, Chatwind aims to embody empathy and a caring nature that can ignite positive change. Her belief in the potential of young voices to drive global change drives her efforts to raise awareness on a global scale.
Balancing modelling with education is a challenge many young models face, but Chatwind has managed it with grace. With a meticulously planned schedule and the unwavering support of her parents, she juggles her commitments while focusing on both her modelling and education.
Her parents play a pivotal role in her career, ensuring her safety and wellbeing in the demanding modelling industry. They accompany her to events, monitor her social media activities, and prioritise her security, allowing Chatwind to focus on her growth and aspirations.
Chatwind’s commitment to positive change extends beyond her modelling and philanthropic work. She envisions herself as an ambassador for International Junior Miss, where her goal is to expand her network and collaborate with various organisations to achieve shared objectives and make a meaningful impact.
In the world of business and modelling, networking and building relationships are crucial, even for a young talent like Chatwind. Her parents, modelling teachers, life coach, and school teachers all play significant roles in her journey, guiding her to become the best version of herself and a role model for her peers.
Leveraging social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, Chatwind engages with her audience thoughtfully and responsibly. She recognises the power of these platforms to connect with her fans and followers and uses them to advocate and inspire her peers.
As she continues to make waves in the modelling world, Chatwind is driven by her ambition to reach out to more people and organizations. Her foundation, the Michaela Chatwind Foundation, and her campaign, Youth Be Heard, are instrumental in her mission to organise fundraisers and support those in need.
Looking ahead, Chatwind’s long-term career goals involve further expanding her foundation and continuing her campaign work. Her dedication to philanthropy, modelling, and making a difference in her community and beyond sets her on a path to a bright and impactful future.
Chatwind’s story serves as an inspiration to young talents worldwide, proving that age is no barrier to making a positive impact. Her journey from pageantry to philanthropy exemplifies the transformative power of dedication, passion and a commitment to making the world a better place.
About International Junior Miss South Africa (IJMSA)
International Junior Miss South Africa, founded by Tidimalo Tlhabi in 2019, provides life-changing experiences for young girls. Despite her professional background as an accountant, Tlhabi has over 14 years of experience in the pageant industry and is dedicated to empowering girls. The organisation is preparing for its forthcoming National Competition in 2024, with the current reigning queens gearing up for a journey to Orlando, Florida, US, in November 2023.
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