By Sueann Wickham
Carolann Correia is a true embodiment of the saying, “You can do anything you set your mind to.” From a young age, she was always drawn to various fields, ranging from fashion to science. Refusing to be limited to just one passion, the 21-year-old has instead chosen to pursue them all with equal fervour. Today, she is a budding model, businesswoman and university student, aiming to become a skilled medical laboratory scientist.
During her interview with the Guyana Standard, the young woman shared her unwavering determination to pursuing her dreams. She hopes, above all else, to serve as an inspiration to many others who wish to follow their passions without limitations.
The focused young woman shared that she embarked on becoming a model in an effort to conquer her insecurities. For many, the idea of joining the modelling industry is daunting. It can trigger feelings of anxiety and insecurity, especially when one considers that harsh criticism is one of the hallmarks of this territory.
Though well aware that it is not for the faint of heart, the Georgetown belle saw it as a fitting platform to overcome her insecurities. Correia shared that she struggled over the years with feelings of insecurity about her physique. In 2018, when she graduated from the North Georgetown Secondary School, she toyed with the idea of becoming a model.
While she was always quite fashionable and knew how to grab people’s attention, she still felt as though major preparations were needed before she dipped her toes into the industry. As such, she secured mentorship from persons who were well-seasoned in the industry and eventually was able to build enough self-esteem to partake in small shows to gain exposure.
Not feeling satisfied with the exposure she was receiving, she decided to enter her first pageant in 2019, the Miss Guyana Teen Scholarship pageant and shared that that was her breakthrough moment.
“The confidence boost and recognition I gained from the pageant was outstanding. I will forever be grateful to the Imperial House which helped me along the way,” she reflected.
The budding young model also boasted of being able to walk in major local fashion shows such as Orange the Runway Volume 2, Fashiontastic and Bold 2. She also noted her keen interest in editorial modelling, stating that it is quite different from regular modelling. Highlighting the difference between the two, she said, “With editorials, it’s always fun finding a concept and creating it. It’s where your creativity goes wild. You try to put your imagination into a photo. With editorials, you are in charge of your ideas or concepts, but with runways, you’re showcasing someone’s designs or ideas and not really yours.”
She also reflected on her time as a model as being bitter-sweet, but has never regretted her decision. For Correia, it is better to take your challenges head-on rather than let them discourage you from pursuing your dreams. “There are always challenges and I had faced a few. Growing up with the idea that I would find a space in the industry and heal my insecurities turned out to be the opposite. I’ve had times where I felt like I don’t belong in the industry because of factors such as height, size, and cultural appearance. That has been my biggest challenge,” she reminisced.
Despite the challenges, she strongly believes that young people who want to venture into the industry should take a leap of faith, build their confidence, and never give up. Her advice to persons who may want to enter the industry, but may not necessarily know how to was, “Take advantage of casting calls. If you don’t get it right on the first time, see that as motivation to better your techniques and portfolio to try again.”
During her interview, Guyana Standard was also happy to find out that modelling is not the only passion that Correia excels at. She also runs a business called “Lanterns by C,” which offers unique and thoughtful gift packages for various occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, and appreciation. The business was started in February 2023, during Valentine’s season. Describing her journey to launching her business, she noted that, “the intention was to have something different, not only different but thoughtful as well.”
She continued, “Usually, most people that are doing gift packaging just give a box, bag, or basket with gift items. I had placed thought into it and didn’t see anyone that I know of doing the lighted lanterns.”
Carolann said she hopes to use her business to cater to everyone’s needs for their proposals, birthdays, anniversaries, or just gifts of appreciation on a large scale. That drive has already prompted her to set her eyes on having her own gift centre where she will be able to provide her services on a large scale.
What makes Correia’s story even more inspiring is the fact that she is a second-year full-time student at the University of Guyana, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Science and is also employed on a full-time basis as a Property Specialist Administrator at a prominent local establishment. She is also the holder of an Associate’s Degree in Natural Science and after completing her current studies she hopes to become a Medical Laboratory Scientist.
Though she quite impressively juggles her modelling, business, work and academic life all at once, she is not done in terms of setting out more goals for herself. As she acknowledges her tough journey to success, she said, “I hope to be a living example that you can overcome your insecurities, achieve your dreams and find multiple interests. Whether it’s being a model in my case or running your own business, it takes courage and determination to succeed. I encourage everyone to take that leap of faith and never give up on their dreams.”
Based on Correia’s inspiring story, it is clear that with determination, courage, and a willingness to confront insecurities head-on, anyone can achieve their dreams and find success in multiple areas of their life.
Persons who wish to get a glimpse of her modelling journey can follow her Instagram handle @[slim_n_melanin](https://www.instagram.com/slim_n_melanin/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D “”).
To also view her creative gift lanterns, follow her using this name @[lanterns_by_c](https://www.instagram.com/lanterns_by_c/ “”) or contact her via WhatsApp at +592- 660-9123.
