Fiona en Vogue

Pulse's Caribbean Model Search (CMS) is on and, over the coming weeks, we will share the stories of young people whose lives have been transformed. Pulse's CMS was first staged in 1982, and since then, the agency has produced many international supermodels, including Jamaica's biggest stars - Lois Samuels, Jaunel McKenzie, Oraine Barrett, Nadine Willis, Carla Campbell, Kimberley Mais, Romae Gordon, Jeneil Williams, Lincoln Wynter, Angela Neil, Nell Robinson, Sanya Hughes and Nikki Vassell.

Today, we feature last year's winner Fiona Davis.

Seventeen-year-old Italian Vogue model Fiona Davis, Jamaica Fashion Model 2011 and winner of Pulse's Caribbean Model Search, was born and raised in the Wildman Street, Kingston 4 area of Jamaica's capital city. Little did she know, less than a year ago, that not only would she have been the winner of Pulse's Fashion Model title for 2011, but that she would also be looking at, international modelling offers from several of the world's top agencies. These include IMG (the world's most successful model agency and home to another Pulse megastar Jeneil Williams), Women (the agency that represented such Pulse stars as Jaunel McKenzie, Nadine Willis, Reshima Hemmings and Rochelle Watson), DNA, and several others.

Neither could she have imagined that she would be a Vogue model, having been featured in Italian Vogue earlier this year. In the next few days, Fiona and her agency Pulse, will make a choice, ahead of the start of her international career in September.

Life was not easy for young Fiona. Her mother, a hairstylist, had the job of raising Fiona on her own. Her dad left the family home when she was only six years old. She did not really know him and only reconnected with him at age 11. He died on May 7, 2012, when she was 17. Separately, her parents had to care for Fiona's 14 siblings, as well as Fiona. Needless to say, her life was filled with challenges. Despite this, Fiona was able to be successful in three CXC subjects, which she took at her alma mater Donald Quarrie High.

Fiona's had a life-changing experience when she saw the Pulse Model Search commercial on television. She says that she was always encouraged by various persons to become a model, but was shy. She entered the competition last August. Not only did she win, but her images have graced a number of publications, including the most famous and revered fashion magazine, Vogue.

"I was totally overwhelmed, and I cried when my name was announced. My confidence has really grown and I communicate better with persons I meet. I feel proud that people now look up to me," she said.

Now, as she looks to commence her international career this show season, she reflects on last year's CMS and the transformational experience it provided.

Fiona found the experience to be fun, but also very challenging. It was a great opportunity for her to overcome her shyness and also to make friends.

"The model search has taught me to be prepared and to carry myself well. I am now ready to live and work in a different country," Davis shared.

In fact, she feels much more positive now and said the competition has taught her deportment and a number of other life skills, and has helped her develop a sense of personal style.

She is recognisable to the public on account of winning the competition, and has encountered many persons who want to be like her. She is proud that persons look up to her and want to emulate her success.

Now, with her upcoming international career, she has an important opportunity, one that can bring her fame and fortune as well as a chance to see the world.

"I want to change my life. I would love to do more work for Vogue and other big jobs like Gucci," said Davis.