Meet the gorgeous Shahira Barry from Galway, now living in Dublin who is currently one of Assets Modelling agency’s youngest models. She talks to Kevin O’Brien from Fashion.ie about herself and her modelling career to date

NAME

Shahira Barry

AGE

20

COUNTY

Galway/Dublin

HEIGHT

5’6

WEIGHT

8st

EYE COLOUR

Blue/Green

DRESS SIZE

8

WAIST

24

HIP SIZE

34

HAVE YOU ATTENDED ANY MODELLING SCHOOLS/COURSES, EXPLAIN?

In April 2010 I did a one day course with Absolute School of Modelling in Dublin. I had always had an interest in modelling but I had no idea how to go about getting into the industry so the course definitely opened my eyes and led me in the right direction.

DO YOU MODEL ON A PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME BASIS?

I have just graduated from college so I am taking this year to concentrate on modelling and see how I get on.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AS A MODEL?

I love modelling-I enjoy it so much! but it’s definitely not all I want to do...I’d love for it to open doors into more TV work and more performing arts (singing, acting and dancing) that’s where my true dreams lie.

ARE YOU REPRESENTED BY ANY MODELLING AGENCY, IF SO WHO?

Yes, I’m a new face with Assets Modelling Agency in Dublin.

WHAT IS YOUR MODELLING EXPEREINCE/ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE?

I am very proud of my achievements to date and I feel that I have accomplished a lot...for example:

• I am the face of a new online radio station FrashFM
• At the moment I am in the top ten in an international modelling competition to become the face of the Front Row society-A German fashion label based in Berlin and I am eagerly waiting the final result determining the winner of the competition.
• I flew to London in September as I reached the top4 in a different international modelling competition to model for Uk based hair extension company ‘Dream Girls’.
• I recorded with RTE and I am recording a series with TV3 this week.

WHAT GOT YOU INTERESTED IN A MODELLING CAREER?

I’m your typical ‘girly-girl’ so I love fashion, makeup etc... and I had always had an interest in modelling-I thought it was very glamorous! I lost my bestfriend the Christmas before I began modelling and it was that loss that really made me realise how short life is and how you have to chase your dreams and live life to the full while you’re here-You only have one Life, So I got up and started making my dreams a reality!

WHAT ARE YOUR BEST FEATURES?

I always get complimented on my hair because it’s naturally very long without having to use hair extensions JI also get compliment on my stomach a lot so I am proud of it but it’s due to hard work in the gym .

BEST MODELLING ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

It was actually from my mum and that was “Don’t focus on others just focus on YOURSELF, YOUR goals and what YOU can accomplish” i.e. in the modelling industry there are so many beautiful girls that if you started comparing yourself to them you would in fact be left nit-picking at yourself and feeling bad about yourself. If you are entering the modelling industry you need to in a sense have a “big-head” and a “thick skin” so that you don’t put yourself down if another girl is skinnier, prettier, taller etc... etc... you can focus on yourself and becoming the best YOU can be.

WHAT’S THE HARDEST PART OF WORKING IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY?

It’s not always as glamorous as some may think. The hours can be long and sometimes in horrible conditions for example.. Irish weather, wearing uncomfortable shoes etc... etc... You can get hungry tired and grouchy but you still have to try to maintain a positive and happy personae or it will show on your face and ultimately through the pictures.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A MODEL?

I love getting my hair and makeup done and bonding with the people on set-make-up artists, hair dressers, everyone and anyone. I’m also a natural poser ha so I love being in front of the camera (especially if you have good music playing-I find that music helps you to really get into character)r and for those moments in front of the camera real life is left to the side and you don’t have any worries or problems except getting a great shot.

DO YOU HAVE ANY UNUSUAL TALENTS?

Nothing too unusual.

HOW DO YOU KEEP IN SHAPE?

I love working out and keeping in shape is very important to me-I go to the gym at least four times a week sometimes five (giving myself the weekends free). If I don’t feel motivated to work out I’ll try to take a class in my local gym; I find that classes are often easier than following your own routine as you have a trainer to keep pushing you and you get a good workout in a shorter amount of time. I also go walking with my mum and our dog ‘Snoop Dogg’ and my new exercise love is hula-hooping.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?

I love anything to do with performing arts-singing, acting and dancing! I used to horse ride but I’ve been so busy lately I’ve neglected that old love... I’d love to get back into it though.

HOW DO YOU COMMUNICATE WITH PEOPLE, ARE YOU PAITENT, FRIENDLY?

I try to be friendly and nice to everyone. I think being  friendly and an open communication is key especially when working together on a shoot etc... as everyone wants to put their best foot forward in order to see the best results from the job.

ARE YOU OPEN TO CLIENTS REQUIREMENTS OR RESTRICTED IN WHAT YOU WILL MODEL?

I am open to clients’ requirements but I also have my own morality code-I won’t do anything that makes me feel very uncomfortable or that I feel I could be ashamed of in the future.

WHICH FASHION MODELS WOULD YOU ADMIRE AND WHY?

I love all of the Victoria Secret fashion models. Their fashion shows are so much fun and beautiful to watch.

IF YOU WERE GIVEN THREE WISHES WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

• To be Successful in my journey of following my dreams (in both modelling and performing arts)
• For me, my family and friends to live long, happy and fulfilled lives.
• If I could go back in time or do the impossible my number one would be to bring my friend Sadhbh, who passed away, back or at least speak to her one last time, even for a few minutes.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ANYONE LOOKING TO GET INTO MODELLING?

If you don’t know where to start-start where I started and that’s with a modelling course (‘Absolute School of Modelling’). On a modelling course you will learn so much invaluable information that will set you up for a successful journey modelling.

DO YOU HAVE A FACEBOOK PAGE OR WEBSITE SO PEOPLE CAN CONTACT YOU?

Yes, www.facebook.com/Shahira.Barry is my new ‘like’ page which contains my portfolio and I keep people up-to-date so they can follow my journey in the modelling industry and chasing my dreams.I also have a YouTube channel ‘MissShahira’