Shenae Gillespie is a finalist in Miss Indy. PICTURE: ADAM TRAFFORD
Her modelling career has taken off in the past 12 months and now Ballarat makeup artist Shenae Gillespie is preparing for another exciting challenge – Miss Indy.
The 20-year-old blonde beauty will represent Victoria in next week’s Miss Indy competition on the Gold Coast after winning through to the national finals of the iconic contest.
She said she entered the competition through Facebook for a bit of fun, never dreaming she would progress through to nationals.
Gillespie works as a makeup artist and beauty therapist at Jasmine Beauty Therapy, where she got her first modelling role at the age of 14.
Between work and modelling, she is also studying beauty at SMB and has completed a makeup course in Melbourne.
Despite having extensive modelling experience, Indy is her first competition.
The contest has swimwear and sportswear sections, with contestants required to perform a routine that either represents a sport they play or are interested in.
Gillespie enjoys boxing and hopes her routine will present a good opportunity to show her confident, strong personality.
“They want to see personality on stage,” she said.
“It’s also the outfit you chose and the whole look. I’ve got some lovely friends who are helping me out doing my music.”
It has been a busy year for Gillespie, who has featured on the cover of Live to Ride magazine and in the cancer fundraising book In My Pants, with Kylie Minogue.
In the lead-up to the national finals, which start on Thursday, Gillespie is being mentored by a former Miss Indy winner.
