Sophie Adams is often admired for her stunning looks but there’s a lot more to the 20-year-old aspiring model.

One of her dreams is to study wildlife ecology and conservation at the university level. Next year she will inch closer to that goal when she starts an associate of science programme at Bermuda College.

Miss Adams was one of two Bermudians to participate in a fashion festival in Nassau, Bahamas from November 6 to 8.

The opportunity came about after she was scouted at the City Fashion Festival this past summer.

The Royal Gazette talked to the young beauty about all the recent opportunities that have come her way.

Q: How did you get into modelling?

A: When I was younger my parents always wanted me to do it but I was really insecure and didn’t want to. I eventually changed my mind and my first job was posing for the front of the telephone book. Since then I’ve been asked to do some other exciting things. I modelled for The Sunglasses and Watch Shop and also did a fashion shoot for Stefanel when I was 16. When I was in high school I was also interested in art and photography, so that’s another reason I fell into it.

Q: What were you insecure about as a youngster?

A: When I was younger I used to hate having curly hair and got teased about it all the time. Curly hair is pretty common in Bermuda, but mine is pretty volumised when it’s out. I felt everyone had nice, pretty straight hair and like I really didn’t fit in with my friends. Modelling has helped me to come out of my shell over the past three years. It’s funny because people in the industry tell me they love my hair out and even when I go into sittings with hairstylists they usually just keep it how it is. Everyone I work with seems to like it natural so I have learned to accept my curls.

Q: You recently took part in the Islands of the World Fashion Festival. What was your reaction after learning you had been selected?

A: I was literally speechless when they called me up. I didn’t know what to say, but I was really excited to be chosen out of all the other girls and guys in the show. (There were 150 models in total at the City’s Fashion Festival.) I didn’t think I would be picked, for no specific reason, but just thought they might be looking for something different. So once I realised it was a major boost. I thought, “If people outside of Bermuda notice me, then maybe I have more potential than I think I do”.

Q: What was the experience in the Bahamas like?

A: When we got there the first evening they were doing model castings for different designers. We were late, so there wasn’t much opportunity for me to get cast, but I was able to model for Bermudian designer Alshante Foggo, which was really fun. Behind the scenes getting ready for the fashion show it gave me a more realistic understanding of what a big show outside Bermuda would be like. Everyone was rushing around in their bras and underwear, just trying to get changed in time for their scene. It was fun and interesting to experience that. And being around models from parts of the Caribbean, like Cuba, was really great as well. I got to see how they walk and carry themselves, which helped a lot. I also got to take part in a photo shoot in Fort Charlotte in the Bahamas. That was a lot of fun as well.

Q: What’s your next goal when it comes to your modelling career?

A: One of my aspirations, which I’m hoping to do in the New Year, is go over to New York or somewhere in America and get a contract with a modelling agency. I was already approached by someone this summer who came down from Nylon Magazine. She just gave me her e-mail and said if I come to New York she would help me out and book a couple of things for me, so I think I might try to pursue that.

Q: What advice would you give to other young women starting out in modelling?

A: Always have confidence. Not everyone is going to like you, but just believe in yourself and know that everyone is different and you are going to bring something someone else can’t. Try and focus on what makes you unique and just be yourself.