You only need to take one look at Natalie Roser to know that the girl was born to be in front of the camera.
That warm, megawatt smile! Those mermaid-esque blonde locks! Those sparkling blue eyes!
So, it might come as a surprise to learn that she never believed modelling was on the cards for her!
In fact, it was only when her mum entered her into Girlfriend’s Model Search that her eyes were opened to the possibilities.
Aged just 16, the fresh-faced Newcastle local was named one of our NSW finalists in 2003.
Now 29, she’s gone on to have an incredible career — from being a finalist in Miss Universe Australia to working with brands like Guess and TANNED Australia and even starting her own lingerie label, Rose & Bare.
We caught up with Natalie about how her life changed after the competition, her biggest career highlights and what she’s up to now.
GF: What made you decide to apply for Model Search?
Natalie: It was actually my mum that entered me in the model search competition. I guess it was never something that I thought was right for me, but I’m so lucky that my mum believed it was, because look where I am now!
GF: Do you remember the moment you found out you were a finalist Model Search? How did it feel?
Natalie: I remember the moment my mum called me and told me that they have invited me down to Paramatta Westfield for the event. We were so ecstatic that they were interested in me and they wanted to meet me. I remember running up and down the hallway in our house jumping and yelling in excitement. My mum printed out the email correspondence and we still have it saved in my modelling box. It was so exciting for me to make a trip to Sydney and see the stage and all the event activity going on around the model search itself. I remember that for some unknown reason they asked me to get a group photo with a bunch of very beautiful young girls and I didn’t realise until later that I was actually a NSW finalist
GF: How did you feel about the way you looked before you applied for Model Search?
Natalie: I don’t have many bad memories about my self worth or self image when I was that young. I knew that I was tall, but I don’t remember ever caring about what I wore or looked like in the mirror. I just have a vague recollection of not caring, or not knowing to care. I never thought that modelling was an option and don’t think I even knew that it was a job at all. I was very separated from the whole industry
GF: What are the biggest ways your life changed after Model Search?
Natalie: My entire career was born! It really helped shape my whole life. It introduced me to design, photography, art and fashion. It allowed me to realize my dreams and gave me a passion. Without the model search, I would not have had a goal to aim for. I focused on fashion studies in high school, studied design at university, started my own photography business, created a clothing label, and now an underwear label, and all while working with creatives which I love and traveling the world with modeling!
GF: What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had a model?
Natalie: I think, as far as experiences go, my favourite has been my first year at Miami Swim Week in 2015. I not only exceeded my expectations in how many shows I booked, but I opened and closed shows. Being the first person to walk out on a black stage and feeling the light hit you as the music starts is such a rush. I love it.
GF: What kind of places has your modelling career taken you to? Do you have a favourite destination?
Natalie: My current ‘countries visited’ count is 24! The majority are from modelling. It has made me addicted to travel, which I love. My fave destination is probably New Zealand! So close to home but it was just so magical. It probably helps that I met the love of my life there, but the memories of the New Zealand landscape are pretty incredible and something I always remember fondly.
GF: What’s been your biggest career highlight so far?
Natalie: It’s crazy to think that my biggest highlight has happened in 2019, 15 years after the Model Search competition. I booked and shot my dream job, a campaign for Guess.
GF: What does an average day look like for you now?
Natalie: Now I spend a lot of time working for myself! I rarely have a day off because I love keeping busy. When I’m not travelling for modelling work, on set or in a casting room I’m working on Rose & Bare, my underwear brand. My days are always full and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
GF: What’s the biggest piece of advice you’d give to girls thinking about entering Model Search?
Natalie: Enter into it with an open mind. I think the whole experience is so much more exciting and memorable if you enjoy it rather than focusing on the competitive elements or the end goal. Just meet the other girls, be your beautiful, dorky self and have fun!
Fancy yourself Australia’s next big model or influencer? We’re back and looking for the next big superstar in Girlfriend’s 2020 Role Model Search! You can learn more about how to enter here!
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