Ambassador Hawko bows out

SHE has a face that launched a multimillion- dollar career, but Jennifer Hawkins ( pictured) is the very model of denial.

“I’ve never really treated myself as, or seen myself, as a model,” she said yesterday.

After 12 years, the former Miss Universe retired from her Myer ambassador role with a Victory lap at Flemington’s Oaks Day. She said she endorsed products “as a person”.

“People know me that way. That’s how I’ve dealt with it, which means I can live my life normally, away from it,” Hawkins said.

But after winning the Miss Universe beauty pageant in 2004, she said her career leapt up “a whole other level”.

“You get smacked into this industry, and you’re like: ‘ Start running, you’ve got to get used to this quickly’,” Hawkins said.

“When Myer came along I took each opportunity like, ‘ Wow. This might end tomorrow!’ Now, 12 years later, I’m like, ‘ What?’

“I’ve said all of my sentimental goodbyes … it’s time to move on.”