Nadia

van der

westhuizen

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My

Biography

My name is Nadia van der Westhuizen. I’m a model from South ​Africa. In 2018 at the age of 14, I walked my first fashion show for ​Foschini.

I received further model training in 2023 by Ace Models Jeffreys ​Bay and I entered the IATS Competition the same year. I got a ​callback to attend IMTA in New York. At the age of 19, I walked my ​second fashion show for Braemore Designs.

I have done multiple photo shoots with Photographer Pierre ​Gerber from Apex Synergy and built my experience in front of the ​camera. I’ve collaborated with makeup artists and hair stylists to ​expand my versatility as a model.

I have walked in multiple showcases, my most recent show was a ​fashion show in our local Mall where I walked for Foschini, ​Woolworths, Refinery, Edgars and The Hub.

I am currently broadening my knowledge in the fashion industry, by ​studying Fashion design part time. I strive to inspire young minds ​through my role as assistant at Ace Models Jeffreys Bay, and by ​doing inspirational talks at schools in my area.

I love getting involved in my community and to help where I can.

Photographer: Apex Life (Pierre Gerber)

Photographer: Apex Life (Pierre Gerber)

Photographer: Apex Life (Pierre Gerber)

Photographer: Apex Life (Pierre Gerber)

Photographer: Apex Life (Pierre Gerber)

Photographer: Apex Life (Pierre Gerber)

Photographer: Danzfuss Photography

Photographer: Danzfuss Photography

Photographer: Apex Life (Pierre Gerber)

Photographer: Apex Life (Pierre Gerber)

Photographer: Jan van der Westhuizen

IATS Audition

Photographer: Apex Life (Pierre Gerber)

Article published in our local newspaper

NADIA van der Wetshuizen, a 20-year-old firecracker from Jeffreys Bay and model with Ace Models, is not letting her small-town roots hold her back, instead, with a heart full of dreams and a closet overflowing with high heels the budding model is set to conquer the international stage in July.

As a young girl, van der Wetshuizen said that she craved the spotlight.

Whether strutting down the hallway of her farmhouse or scaling trees in dresses and heels, she said that she revelled in expressing herself through performance.

Further fueling her love for modelling, Van der Wetshuizen said that when she was younger her dad, Jan van der Westhuizen, who enjoyed photography often did photoshoots at home where she got to pick her best outfit and pose in front of the camera which she absolutely loved.

“I used to have mini fashion shows for my parents every time I got new clothes because I just loved fashion. I used every opportunity I had to be in high heels and strut my stuff, even if it was just to go to church or the mall,” said van der Wetshuizen.

Despite her love for the spotlight, she said that high school was not all sunshine and catwalks as she struggled with being bullied, low self-esteem and feelings of being lost and unsure of her path.

To deal with her emotions and the challenges she faced throughout high school, van der Wetshuizen took a gap year after matriculating in 2023 and decided to join Ace Models to discover a new passion.

Finally, after modelling for only a few months, in October 2023 she took a brave step towards her dream by competing in the prestigious International Arts Talent Showcase (IATS) in Johannesburg.

Thankfully, van der Wetshuizen’s captivating walk and stage presence left a lasting impression on the prestigious judging panel which secured her a coveted callback to compete at the International Modeling and Talent Association (IMTA) in New York City from July 6 to 14.

She said that modelling at the IMTA will allow her to “strut her stuff” for over 100 international agents, all vying to help her reach for the stars.

“When I received the phone call confirming that I will be going to New York I realised that this was my moment and I had to pinch myself to make sure it was real. It was scary and so exciting at the same time. I could not help but cry because of the overwhelming amount of joy that I had,” said van der Wetshuizen.

Since agencies from all over the world are going to attend IMTA, she said that this opportunity is truly life changing.

Van der Wetshuizen further said that her biggest dream and goal is to get signed to an agency in Europe, so that she can work internationally and with faith in God, she believes that this door of opportunity will be opened for her.

“God has promised through prophetic words that I would not have to force any doors open on this journey. Even in these months leading up to IMTA I have seen His promises come to pass. His promises are Yes and Amen,” said van der Wetshuizen.

Through her experience, she said that she hopes to inspire young women everywhere to chase their dreams with courage and confidence.

To follow van der Wetshuizen’s exciting journey visit her various social media pages, Instagram - Nadia_vdw_1111, Facebook - Nadia Vdw and YouTube - LifeWithNadia1111