Celebrating My Birthday

For the release of my second book, launching 2026, ‘Damaged Beauty: The Corruption of Charlie Cross’, Willem Botha did my hair, make-up and took the photo. We did the shoot while I was in South Africa releasing my first work of fiction, ‘Damaged Beauty: Joey Superstar’. Styling by Scott Jacobs. Gown by South African Design Group - Dollhouse Emporium.

As a mature woman, I wanted something glamorous, but not revealing. ‘Damaged Beauty: The Corruption of Charlie Cross’ is about how the world of modeling shifts the center of what is normal for young, unformed women, so what they say ‘no’ to initially, becomes ‘yes’, because the world they live in has a different morality. The task was to find something that looked a little wicked, but was also sophisticated. I sent some specs to Willem and Scott Jacobs Styling. I was thrilled with what they pulled together. This gown from Dollhouse Emporium gives the illusion of being sheer, but has an under flesh-colored fabric that makes you think you are seeing what you aren’t. The arms and legs are sheer. The beading captures the light and sparkles. I don’t look like me, but I do look like me.

The thing I love about modeling is that you can give your ego away and let the team create a version of you you never knew existed. I loved the photo so much I am choosing to share it with you early, to celebrate the talent of South Africa, to thank you for visiting here, and as a homage to a life I was introduced to as a 16 year old, that for decades has led to the most wondrous adventures.

Favorite Cover:

Almost every cover I’ve ever done has me with a huge smile. I loved this one taken before I won the national pageant because it shows a different side of me. I was 18 years old and my world was about to change forever.