MAKING it in the world of modelling has never been easy – yet for one teenager from Billericay this dream has moved a step closer to becoming a reality.
Kei Sharman, 15, has dreamed of becoming a model for the past two years and next month she will be strutting her stuff in the final of a national competition to find the next star of the catwalk.
The Mayflower High School student will be facing off against 33 other girls in the grand final of Top Model UK 2013 – a competition which her family hopes will act as a springboard to the big time.
Kei, who lives off Norsey Road with her mum Sally, dad Fred and brother Tate, 19, will be competing in the commercial category of the competition, the finals of which will take place at the Hilton London Metropole hotel on April 12, 13 and 14.
She earned her place in the finals after impressing a panel of industry judges at an audition in the capital in September.
Looking ahead to the finals, Kei said: "At the moment, I feel more excited than nervous, although I think nearer the time I will get more nervous.
"If I win I think I would be shocked but obviously over the moon too."
Kei, who is currently studying for her mock GCSEs, said she was surprised yet pleased to have made it as far as she has in the competition.
"I was really chuffed to get through the audition," she said. "I didn't think I would have a chance because there were girls there who were older than me and who I thought looked better.
"I was conscious that I was one of the younger contestants but I guess you can never be sure what the judges are after."
She might be young but Kei is certain that modelling is the career for her.
"I've wanted to be a model for about two years now," she said.
"You get to wear all the latest fashions before they come out in the stores, which makes you feel special, plus you get to meet all the make up artists and I really do follow what they do."
Kei acknowledged that the modelling world has a reputation for catty behaviour but insists this is not something she would get involved in were she to make the big time.
"I want to be a different type of model," she said.
"I want to be myself and be true to myself and not follow what other people do."
She added: "My friends have all been very supportive and they have all been there for me."
Her mum Sally said: "If Kei won I would be over the moon because, for her, it would be a dream come true.
"It would give her a good chance of fulfilling her ambition to become a catwalk model."
As well as giving aspiring models the chance to make the big time, Top Model UK 2013 raises money for the charity CHILDREN with CANCER UK.
You can vote for your favourite finalist for a small fee online by visiting the website www.top modeluk.com