A BAKER turned designer beauty consultant who transformed his image after being teased has been crowned the men's Essex Face 2014.
Terry Mounsey, 28, of Chelmsford, and female winner Natasha Deeth, 25, from Burnham on Crouch, were voted by Essex Chronicle readers as the most glamorous pair to enter our countywide competition, sponsored by Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa near Colchester.
And proving they're both worthy of your votes, the pair showed off their good looks in a one-hour photoshoot, from which they'll be provided a framed print and three mounted pictures, before indulging in an overnight stay at the four-star hotel.
"I didn't used to be into my image, or brands. I wore glasses, and didn't even use hair products – I look back at photos now and think is that actually me?" said Terry, who now works for Tom Ford Beauty, based at Stansted Airport.
"People just used to say things like, 'oh you still wear glasses'. I didn't change for those people but I think it was more because I wanted to show that I can look different.
"I used to work as a baker in the Co-operative, now I work for a multimillion pound fashion designer brand – I suppose looks and appearance must have helped.
"Now winning this has given me the confidence to go for it, I would never have dreamed of entering a competition like this before."
For lab technician Natasha, entering herself into our online hunt for the best-looking people in Essex has ended rather better than her previous foray into modelling.
"I did actually try to get into modelling when I was 16 but the agency did a runner with my money.
"You went to a hotel in London to see if you get picked at all, I got through but they said I would have to pay £150 for a portfolio and cards. I rang them a week later and they didn't exist any more," she told the Chronicle.
"I just entered Essex Faces for a laugh really, just to take advantage of it, and see what happens. It was a bit of a shock to hear I'd won. My parents are over the moon."
The lucky pair will now be treated to a one-night bed and breakfast stay at the Stoke by Nayland four-star hotel, as well as a 10x8 framed print, and three 8x6 mounted prints with electronic copies, from their hour-long photoshoot.
