When Lucy Russell walks down the ramp in Mumbai on March 9 at the India Princess International competition, she would not only be representing New Zealand but also celebrating cultural diversity.
The 19-year-old Aucklander is of Maori and Indian descent and won the Miss Beautiful Skin title at the Miss Indianz 2010 beauty pageant (Indian Newslink, August 15, 2010).
Contestants from 15 countries including Australia, Canada, Fiji, France, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, UK, United Arab Emirates (Dubai) and US are participating in the forthcoming India Princess International contest, promoted as “an exemplary platform’ for young women aspiring to become celebrities in show business.’
Determination and hard work know no boundaries, in true sense of which, Lucy has been a sizzling part of the modelling world over the past four years. Beginning her career in show business when she was 15 years old, Lucy marked her first milestone in her long journey with the Miss Teen New Zealand (2009) title. Since then several others followed at Photogenic, Bikini and other contests held over the years.
“My mother is the one and only person who has always been by my side, to lend a helping hand, to pick me up when I falter and share my joy, smile and sorrows. We have gone through a lot. I cannot forget the suffering she endured with me when I was diagnosed with Diabetes (Type 1) two years ago,” she said.
Lucy works as a Sales Consultant in a commercial firm, with her eyes set on the health sector.
“I hope to complete my studies in Social Practice and work with the youth. I am keen on establishing my own practice, although I prefer to launch my career working in a hospital,” she said.
While those targets are set for the long term, Lucy is keen to participate in more competitions, win titles and perform at fashion shows and beauty pageants.
My motto in life is, “When an opportunity knocks on the door, grab it with both hands. Do not let it go,” she said.
