Australian Model Geo Burke Says, “The sooner you can appreciate and respect who you are the happier you will be.”

Geo Burke is a plus-size model from Australia who is signed with BELLA Model Management, FORD NY, Milk Models, Viviens Models, and Okay Models.

How did you start your career as a model?

At age six, I was asked to model as the flower girl at the Brisbane City Bridal fair for two years. I always remained interested in fashion and intended to become a hair dresser and would spend hours at Toginis hair salon–this lead to being taken to Sydney for the hair expo as a hair model for two consecutive expos. At this time, I entered Miss Australia Model competition and won the first heat. I then went on to Sydney and won Miss Teen Australia 2007. After success in several model competitions, I realised I didn’t want the competitions I just wanted to be a model.

What has surprised you most about the modeling industry?

That I can be comfortable being who I am and be successful in this industry.

In one word, how would you describe Bella Model Management?

PROFESSIONAL

Do you have any funny modeling stories you would like to share with us?

One modelling show, I was made up to represent something on lines of a gothic/emo creature. Then I went shopping and could not work out why I was getting the most horrid looks.

What do you wish you would have known in high school?

That school is such a small environment and we really start learning so much about life after we leave. Also, I think young girls around my age group certainly look at the dolled up, skinny, and rebellious looks rather than an elegant, rich, and romantic looks that a real woman should posses. Like I said before, skinny models and the media are causing a lot of trouble out there and it’s exactly what’s happening to our society in general. I think they girls need to look up to models who posses natural beauty, a beautiful smile, and elegance in their looks.

What kinds of pressures do you see the girls in your life facing these days? What can we, as mentors, do to better address these issues?

False impressions from the media forming pressures on them to try to be someone they are not. Help them understand that everybody is unique and it’s important to be themselves with their family and friends.

Who taught you about real beauty?

I think it is in yourself–to find it yourself.

What do you love about yourself and why?

Probably the experience I have gained in being involved with horses since I was five years old. This has taught me patience, commitment, a level of competitiveness, structure, and at times, courage.

Where you ever teased as a child?

Yes. I was teased and bullied at school and it was a very difficult time in my life, but I learnt to deal with it and move on.

Have you ever struggled with self-esteem or body image issues? If so, what advice would you give to girls and women who are currently struggling?

Yes. I believe everybody struggles with body issues at some stage but everyone must realise there are some things about your image or body you can change or work on and there are others that you cannot. So the sooner you can appreciate and respect who you are the happier you will be.

How do you stay fit and healthy?

I try to eat healthfully, do personal training sessions, and train and school my horse.

What does being healthy mean to you?

To me, healthy is feeling good about yourself, eating well, and knowing you are looking after your body.

What would we find in your refrigerator?

Fresh fruit, vegetables, and of course, chocolate.

How do you start your day?

I wake up at 6:30 am to feed and muck out stables.

Do you have a quick beauty tip to share with us?

Always put primer on your skin before you apply makeup.

In my make-up bag you would find…

Way too much–it won’t even zip up… But, you would find only Mac makeup.

Lip gloss or Lipstick?

Lipstick… by Mac called Vegas Volt

What is your go-to outfit?

At the moment, my black Bettina Liano Play suit… You can dress it up or dress it down!

Where do you love to shop for clothes?

I shop everywhere and buy anything that will compliment my curves.

What are you reading?

Hungry by Crystal Renn

Do you have a favourite picture of yourself? Why?

My latest Cosmo shoot… As I think it brought it close to home for me that I actually am good enough to be in print in one of my favourite magazine that I actually read.

Fashion Obsessions…

Heels