Determined to reach her dreams and inspire others to fulfil theirs, 39-year-old Umhlanga corporate supply chain specialist Kerusha Chetty will this year travel to New York City to participate in an international modelling and talent competition.
When Kerusha was approached to be an ambassador for an exclusive Umhlanga bridalwear shop in 2021, the modelling dreams of her youth were reignited.
Since then, she has gone on to compete in various pageants, joined a modelling agency and worked with several top brands. She has also started pursuing another goal of becoming an actress.
Originally from Pietermaritzburg, Kerusha has lived on the North Coast for 15 years. She began modelling in her early teens and completed a course at the School of Fashion Design.
Modelling took a back seat while she was at university, with her focus on working hard to finance her studies. “It was a proud moment for me when I graduated with my Bachelor of Commerce degree in supply chain management and business finance in 2007,” she says.
Having worked as a corporate supply chain specialist for the past 15 years, it was during lockdown that Kerusha stumbled into modelling again. “I’m an extrovert, so working at home had quite a negative impact on me. I turned to social media for interaction and that’s how I ended up being asked to be the ambassador for La Principessa Bridal Shop in Umhlanga Rocks. I was thrilled.”
In 2021, Kerusha responded to a casting call by Roberta Alessandri Models for models up to the age of 35. Although she was older than the required age, she was accepted and, a few months later, she took part in the televised It’s Arts Africa ‘Live Your Dream’ auditions in Durban.
“I was delighted to be among the performers who received exclusive call-backs to attend the 11th annual International ARTS Talent Showcase (IATS) at Silver Star Casino in Johannesburg,” she says.
The IATS is South Africa’s largest talent and model platform for aspiring and established actors, singers, dancers and models, offering opportunities for both local and international career and casting opportunities.
Kerusha says her experience at IATS was ‘surreal’ and, when she received a call-back phone call in her hotel room from the CEO of ‘33 and Me’ talent agency Elsubie Verlinden at 11pm that night, she sobbed. “I was overwhelmed with excitement and emotions. It was such an honour to get approval from so many top international modelling, acting and fashion judges.”
Over the past few months Kerusha has been working hard on her modelling and acting, participating in various fashion shows with Roberta Alessandri Models, taking part in numerous photoshoots and attending online acting classes.
In June, she will head to the ‘Big Apple’ to represent South Africa as a model and actress at the International Modelling and Talent Association (IMTA) showpiece. “At the age of 40, I am excited to have the opportunity to showcase top South African talent on a global stage in front of hundreds of fashion and talent agents, personal managers, casting directors, network representatives and music producers.”
Passionate about helping and inspiring others to reach their dreams, irrespective of their age or circumstances, Kerusha says her advice to other women wanting to pursue similar dreams is to love themselves, embrace their authenticity and be real.
“Internal beauty is more important than appearances, so be kind and show compassion always. Prioritise and invest in yourself.”
Looking towards the future, she says she hopes to have booked both local and international campaigns and have worked and networked with the best performers around the world. “I also hope to always be a devoted wife and loving mother, creating precious memories with my family.”
Photos: Roberta Alessandri Models, Photographer: Hannes Danzfuss. MUA: Shannon Bern.
