International Supermodel
1. How does it feel to be the first professional model with Down syndrome, walking in numerous runways in the U.S., Europe, Asia and more?
Amazing, the world has changed a lot in the last 6 years and I am so happy to have had these opportunities and now to see other young man and women doing the same thing.
2. How does feel becoming a powerful advocate for inclusiveness and diversity in modelling?
It is a blessing to be able to advocate and change people’s opinions about disability, 6 years ago you never saw people with Down Syndrome and other disabilities in fashion campaigns or on the runway, now it is common.
3. How did it feel to be a part of the exclusive campaign video unveiled for the Spring/Summer 2022 collection of statement-making pieces, showcasing BOSS bold and dynamic new designs?
Working on this campaign there was models with all forms of disabilities, there was even models from the Paralympics, I was so proud to represent me community. I was also so excited to be involved in a campaign this big with a brand of this statute, I do believe this is the biggest campaign to feature such a diverse cast that has ever been created.
4. How was it having 7 million people following your weight loss journey that kickstarted your modelling career?
Having support from just one person is phenomenal but when you have that many people support you and champion you on, that is beyond words, I really have been blessed throughout my career and I will be forever grateful.
5. How did it feel to have the support of your mom Rosanne committed to the journey?My mum always supports me and always has, I am very used to it and so happy she is my mum.
6. With your story making headlines all over the globe with publications from Iceland, Germany, the US, Australia, Mexico, Cuba, and the UK what was lifelike after this?
It was and is beautiful, people I don’t know come up to me and talk to me, ask for photos and autographs, tell me how they follow my story and love me, it took me a long time to get use to it, now I have gotten use to it but the feeling of appreciation I have for them, for the love and support they give me, that will never stop. Without them I would not be where I am today.
7. How did feel to oversee your own dance school in Brisbane, ‘InsideOutside Dance’?
I love to dance and I love my school, I feel so happy I can give back to the community and I have so many friends I dance with, I truly am blessed. My mum Rosanne manages the school which is growing every day. When Covid started in 2020 we had 11 classes a week, with everyone staying at home and doing zoom to stay safe our school grew and now we have over 30 classes a week, we do not only dance but drumming, yogo and drama.
8. How was it participating in the Special Olympic games all while balancing her very hectic modeling career?
I love Special Olympics, I have been involved in it for over 12 years, I have just recently been selected to go to the Nationals in Tasmania to represent my state in ten pin Bowling this October so I am very excited. Life is always busy but I love busy so it just makes me happier.
9. Did the Covid 19 Pandemic have any effects on you?
100%, we were in the Caribbean working for Celebrity cruises when the Pandemic started in March 2020, we were about to fly to Amsterdam for the release of my documentary “Maddy the model” at their international film festival but it was cancelled and so was all our other International work. We went from working overseas 9 months of the year to staying in Australia full time until last month when we got to fly to Dubai for our work with Boss. The pandemic has been so hard for everyone in the entertainment industry, hopefully soon life will go back to normal and we can start travelling more frequently.
10. What is a quote you can use to inspire the younger generations?
Believe in yourself, believe in your dreams, always be kind and work hard.
