INSPIRE YOUNG BLACK PEOPLE TO ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS IN LIFE
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The striking 25-year- old, who is the leadd singer of Grace And The Flat Boys, is now thehe darling of the fashion world with brands likeke Schuh and Trespass queuing up to use her inn their campaigns.
Grace, who performs with her band all overer the UK, has also appeared on the covers of magazines and is one of Scotland’s most soughtht after e-commerce models.
And as if being a top- class musician andd model wasn’t enough, the talented singer alsoo has a day job as a youth worker – educatingg teachers and school pupils about anti-racism.m. Grace, who lives in Leith said being insanely busy is the secret to her success and believes all three of her careers fit together perfectly. The 6ft Edinburgh University graduate, who is also the face of National Trust Scotland, said: “I just love performing, whether it is on stage, in front of a camera or when engaging a class fullfu of kids.
“I don’tdo like sitting still and the mmore I have to do, the momore I get done and the haphappier I am. Modelling, sinsinging and teaching all go hand in hand and comcomplement each other. “AllA three careers allow me to celecelebrate my multi-cultural backgroundbackgro and I’m hoping I can inspire yyoung black people to followfll their dreams and achieve all their goals in life.”
Grace, who was born in Bi rmingham and move d to Wal lyford, E a s t Lothian, when she was 14, is signed to Scotland’s top agency Colours and fell into professional model l ing by chance. The former St David’s RC High School pupil , who is shooting a campa ign for Virgin Hotels later this week, said: “I had no intention of ever being a model. “When I was at uni, a friend who was studying photography asked if he could take pictures of me for
“I posted some of the pictures on my social media and in 2019 I ended up accidentally entering myself in the Scout Me Scotland competition, which is run by Colours and the Sunday Mail.
“I didn’t win but I did get instantly signed to the agency and I have been modelling ever since and I love it. I’ve done everything from campaigns for Schuh, Trespass and
M&Co to shoots for National Trust Scotland and Miller Homes.
“I’ve even appeared on the covers of magazines Tie The Knot and the Scottish Wedding Directory – my mum bought so many copies. I’ve also done lots of e-comm.”
Grace, who would love to land a campaign for Virgil Abloh’s high-end streetwear brand Off-White, added:
“I’m definitely a commercial model but I have done some runway work, including a show at Dumfries House in Ayrshire for the Prince’s Trust. I ‘ d love to do more. I’m 6ft so I have the height.
“Covid kicked in just as I was starting out but, now everything has calmed down, I would love to do catwalk shows all over the world. New York, Paris, Milan – I’m up for it all.”
Grace, whose mum’s family hails from Jamaica and whose dad is of English and Irish descent, admitted that, although the world of modelling has become more diverse, it still has a long way to go.
The outdoor pursuits instructor, who would
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love lov to walk for Alexander McQueen, said: “ThThere are a lot more black models than there used use to be and more and more brands are hiring hir people outside the usual model stereotypes typ but there are still changes to be made.
“I’ve always looked up to models who are abnormal, abn quirky and different. Those with untameable unt hair or those who are super tall or super sup dark- skinned. I love that I am now breaking bre the stereotypes like they are.