The Error Costume

Alexandria Pinder

Neither the pandemic or personal fears could stop this young Bahamian model from travelling to London to grab her moment in the spotlight. She tells Cara Hunt all about her secret to winning a top modelling contest in the UK.

For as long as she can remember, Alexandria Pinder knew that she was destined to shine.

The recent winner of the Top Model UK contest told Tribune Weekend that she began honing her modelling skills from a very young

age.

“I really got the idea for modelling when I was six or seven and I would watch ‘America’s Next Top Model’. I just loved that show and my mother would encourage me to walk around the house like it was a runway. I wanted to be Trya Banks. But I guess I started making it a career in 2016.

“I waited until I was of age just because my parents were a bit protective of me starting at a younger age.” she explained.

Alexandria said that she pushed herself to learn about the industry.

“I really put myself out there. I would contact photographers and volunteer for photoshoots and other projects and then people started seeing my work and that led to more projects from agents and agencies.”

Alexandria also took the plunge and entered the Miss Universe Bahamas beauty pageant in 2016.

“It was a big decision, because at the time I had no experience, I did not have a pageant coach or even a major sponsor. I had to go around and push for sponsorship,” she said.

She walked away with the Miss Congeniality award from that pageant, but won a larger, far more important prize.

“That really taught me a lot about myself and how it is so important to be dedicated to your goals,” she said.

“Even if you may not win, just taking that leap of faith is important.”

As her career took off, she got bigger opportunities, including working for clients such as Baha Mar, KFC and Bamboo Shack. Her modelling career also led to opportunities for acting as well.

“This is what I have always wanted to do, I always knew I wanted to shine, I have a passion for the spotlight. One day I would love to see my face on a billboard in a major city. Just think people could pass me every day on their way to work,” she said.