Hollywood here she comes!

Tami Williams nabs Prime Minister's Youth Award - reveals Hollywood dreams

Currently the only Jamaican model listed on Models.com top 50 in the world, last Saturday, Tami Williams collected the Prime Minister's Youth Award for International Achievement.

Though one job hazard is that she spends most of her time between New York and Paris, she has remained connected to home and incredibly proud of the national accolade. "It is truly an honour to be so rewarded. My heart is always in Jamaica. I wear Jamaica proudly around the world, and to be honoured by my country is a great thing, and I am very happy," she told The Gleaner.

Discovered at age 11, Williams' career has grown exponentially. Now, the 19-year-old is able to take care of her family - help her mother with a small business and send her young sisters to school. "I feel very blessed at how far this little girl has come. I feel very fortunate for every opportunity that has come my way. I have great managers, and everything is going according to plan," she told The Gleaner.

Hollywood Dreams

These days, Williams' client list boasts the likes of Balmain, Christian Dior, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, and many others. She has twice graced the cover of French Elle and has been featured in American Vogue. She has also walked for top-fashion brand Chanel, 19 times - and is now appearing in the top brand's cosmetics campaign.

"Working for Chanel was always a dream, and when I was booked for the first show, I was so nervous. The shows are always out of this world, and that makes it so much fun. I love the experience with Chanel every time," she revealed.

Still, she has much more she would like to accomplish. Williams says she would like to have a an extended career like supermodels Naomi Campbell, Adriana Lima, Kate Moss, Giselle Bundchen, or Alek Wek. But she also has aspirations for the silver screen. "I have Hollywood dreams. I know that's a whole different ball game, but I am going to work towards it. I want to expand outside of modelling, so right now, I am putting plans in place," the model revealed.

Lessons Learnt

Besides travelling to places she had previously only dreamed of, Williams said that modelling has taught her a great deal. "There are long travelling days, being away from family and friends for long periods, adjusting to new foods and culture. But most importantly, it is a business. You have to always be friendly and professional."

But a bigger surprise for her was learning how many varied types of modelling existed. "It's not just about runway. There's doing editorials (magazines), catalogues, e-commerce, global advertising campaigns, and appearing at high-profile events," she shared.

Williams thanked her premier agency, Saint International, as well as all her supporters in the fashion industry. "I always feel the love of my people, and I know they are proud of what I am doing. I will continue to work hard to make everyone proud," she said.