Melanie Franzoni
I started modelling when I was 19. I was on a night out with friends when I was approached by a model scout for a model agency. I contacted them and was signed up to their agency. We completed a portfolio shoot and I was entered into the Miss British Isles competition. This was my first competition and it was held in Liverpool. It was a very different experience and was great fun. I was put into the grand final of the competition and was really looking forward to it. Before the final I found out that I had fallen pregnant and due to this had to pull out of the final as a ‘Miss’ cannot have children! I was 21 when I found out I was pregnant and put any modelling career that I may have had on hold, not ever planning to pick it up again really. I enjoyed my pregnancy and gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Jessica Elsa. I was lucky enough to have an extended maternity leave so got to spend lots of time with my baby girl and loved being a mum. I loved lazy Sunday’s when I would batch cook all her foods and freeze them for the week ahead. I was sad when I had to go back to work but started a job that was shift work so I still got to spend a lot of time with her. In 2010 I donated a kidney to my father. Jessica was a massive part of my recovery as she helped me with everything whilst I was out of action. I got married in 2013 with Jessica by my side. She wrote us a beautiful speech which she delivered in front of our family and friends. On the morning of my wedding, maths photographer and makeup artist asked me to do a photo shoot with them. I hadn’t thought about modelling for years but thought why not?! I did my first shoot in over 10 years and loved it. This time around modelling is more enjoyable than it was the first time but much harder to juggle as I now have a family, a full time job and have been studying to become a Legal Executive Lawyer. As if everything I had on my plate wasn’t enough, in 2014 I heard about the Mrs Galaxy Pageant. I decided to enter and won the title of Mrs Liverpool Galaxy. As part of my role I carried out charity work and carried on with photo shoots. I had a lot to juggle, sometimes having to take Jess on shoots with me. Thankfully she loves coming on a shoot and most photographers have been very understanding. I also have a very supportive husband who loves what I do and makes it possible for me to do it. During the Galaxy pageant Jess got a sewing machine for Christmas. She began using it and made her first cushion. She caught the bug and made more. She then decided to turn it into a business., she is 10 years old. Whilst preparing for the Galaxy pageant, attending events and organising my own charity fashion show (for the real unit where I donated my kidney) I taught her the basics of sewing and gave her first stall at my event. In a month she managed to make 20 cushions for her stall and sold them all, I’ve never been more proud! www.facebook.com/pinkydoodlescushions My little girl is my best friend. Now that the Galaxy pageant is over, it’s time to focus on her business with her. I’ll still continue with photo shoots and she will continue to come with me. We even have one booked together for local designer Chio couture.
