Glass meets up with 17-year-old Ruby-Mae Radcliffe, from Horndon-on-the-Hill, Essex, and who is a recent signing to Profile model agency. Here we ask her a few questions about her life and career, so far.
Ruby-Mae Radcliffe. Photograph: Justin Van Vliet
How did you become a model?
I was scouted a few times by Elite and Models 1. However when I followed it up, they said I was too commercial or too “pretty”. I didn’t let it get me down and instead I went into Profile to try my luck there and the rest is sweet history.
Who is your favourite designer?
I absolutely love Burberry. It’s classic British style.
What do you wear on your days off?
Jeans and Converse/Vans/my trusty Topshop sandals … I’m not fussed about doing my make-up and hair everyday. Unless of course I’m going “out out” ha ha!
What book, movie or song means the most to you?
Definitely Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol. It’s mine and my dad’s song. The book Guess How Much I Love You means a lot to me. I read it at my uncle’s wedding and my great auntie taught herself to speak again using the book because she loved the reading at the wedding so much. I recently read it at her funeral too, so it is very close to my heart. Love actually … It’s my favourite Christmas film and reminds me of all the fab Christmases I’ve had 😀
Ruby-Mae Radcliffe. Photograph: Justin Van Vliet
Who are your heroes in life?
Definitely my mum and dad. They’re so supportive. We have the best relationship and I can’t imagine life without them.
What is your present state of mind?
I’m really happy. I’m excited about the future, really grateful for everything in my life at the moment and I’m surrounded by amazing people.
What is your idea of happiness?
Waking up in the morning and feeling good about yourself and your life. Everyone has bad days but I think happiness is being content with your life and accepting who you are. True happiness comes from things you can’t buy.
Ruby-Mae Radcliffe. Photograph: Justin Van Vliet
How would you like to be perceived by others?
I hope I come across as really friendly, down to earth and caring (although I probably come across as such a motor mouth, I speak so much). There will always be people who dislike you no matter what you do or who you are, you’ve just got to remember to take what they say with a pinch of salt 🙂
If you were not a model, what would you be?
I’m currently studying for my A levels at the moment, but I’d love to do something in sport or work for a magazine like Cosmopolitan.
What advice do you have for other models?
Don’t take no for an answer … I had so many setbacks but now I know they were all for a reason … I wouldn’t have found Profile otherwise! Also, don’t take things to heart, you might not be the skinniest, the most chiseled or the tallest but you’re sure as hell a hot mama and don’t you forget it xo
by Justin van Vliet
Photographs by Justin van Vliet