Beautiful Paarl teen Dominique Collalto (21) recently came second in the Teen Universe South Africa competition.
“I was raised in Jeffrey’s Bay before relocating to Paarl at just 15 years old,” she told Paarl Post.
“I completed high school at Nouveau Private School [in Noorder-Paarl] in 2020.”
Collalto has been modelling since 2018, when she joined Ace Models, and since then has worked her way up to director of the agency’s Cape Town North branch.
In this capacity she focuses on “confidence building, self-development, public speaking, grooming and etiquette” aimed at Ace Models’ novices.
Last year Collalto decided it was “now or never”, took a leap of faith and entered the Teen Universe South Africa pageant.
She was placed first runner-up, and won the “Miss Congeniality” and “Best Social Media” categories at the competition on 17 December at Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg.
Behind this pretty face is a hardworking individual with a passion for career development among youth, something she has actively promoted since being named finalist in the beauty pageant.
“As a student at high school I did not have the correct career guidance, nor did I have the financial ability to further my studies, challenges that fuelled my motivation for starting this career-development project.”
“I noticed a gap in the school system, where students are left unprepared for life after matric. Through this project I provide interactive workshops in career guidance, entrepreneurial skills and financial education.”
With the help of Hope for Youth SA, a Paarl- and Wellington-based non-profit organisation, the project targets schools in the Paarl community. Its been a pilot project so far, but Collalto plans on growing it exponentially.
“Implemented at Noorder-Paarl High School last year, we hope to reach more schools in 2024, eventually going nationally in the coming years,” she said. “Teen Universe South Africa was intended as a boost to this project.”
“Career-wise I have had to work 10 times harder to build a reputable career behind my name, especially with no qualifications. I have tested many careers after matriculating before I happily settled on a dream job. However, the ultimate career goal is to build, grow and promote Ace Models Cape Town North and the programme we have to offer here in Paarl.”
