TAHLIA’S TRIUMPH
Gold Coast model Despite being bullied when young, in touch with her culture Tahlia Jayde was able to remain strengths. and turn it into one of her greatest
IF not for her mother’s hard work, Tahlia Jayde may never have grown into the woman she is today.
Sseverely bullied throughout school in a rural town for her Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, the 20-yearold credits her mum as being the reason she could stay proud of herself.
Tahlia’s estranged relationship with her father left her with little connection to her community, something she says her mum was determined to change.
“She didn’t want my father to be the only representation of my culture that I’d have, so she really encouraged me studying it and participating in local activities,” she said.
“She tried to keep in contact with people and she’d always introduce me to indigenous people and get them to tell me things, because she didn’t want me to miss out on it.”
Having moved to the Gold Coast as a young adult, Tahlia is turning that pride into the start of a modelling career and hopes to inspire other indigenous youth.
As the new face of Gold Coast Fashion Week, she is making a point to celebrate herself and her background.
And her passion isn’t going unnoticed, with a recent photoshoot gaining a lot of attention in the community.
“I posted a photo now representing my culture and I got such awesome feedback. It’s so empowering and it makes me feel proud as well,” she said.
Despite her rise, Tahlia says at times she still struggles to shake off the years of trauma and lack of confidence stemming from the harassment she suffered.
“The process from being the girl I used to be, really it was a long process, I’m still trying to get rid of that girl and become the woman that I want to be,” she said.
“The best advice I could give someone would be to take the time out to remember who you are, don’t get distracted by other people’s opinions. Don’t get influenced and changed and moulded depending on what other people say and do and think.
“Remember who you are and that what you can bring to the table is the best you’ve got.”