Olga DeVignat
My name is Olga deVignat, I’m originally from Lithuania but living in Ireland for the last 14 years. I’m 36 years old and I have 2 amazing boys, Lukas 10 years old and Gerald 5 years old. I’m not just a mum and a model but I own a newsagent shop where myself and my husband are working most of days. I started modeling few years ago, but I never thought that I can become a model in my age as I was thinking modeling is just for young girls. But I love fashion so much!! When I was younger I never thought that I can become a model, maybe because I didn’t had confidence in myself. I’ve done my 1st photo shoot just for fun and I enjoyed it fully and liked all the photos but I wasn’t sure that I can be a model. My husband and my oldest son were telling me that I should do something different and have my own time, so I got that little push. In 2013 I applied for Top Model UK and was picked for finals, I was so happy but also very nervous. I didn’t have any catwalk experience and that wasn’t easy for me. I learned walking with high heels at home while watching on YouTube how to walk and pose, while my boys were making audience from their toys for me to believe that people are looking at me. Before I went to finals my oldest son Lukas told me: “ don’t worry if you don’t win, as you are winner in my eyes” That was so nice to hear from him as I felt support not only from my husband, but also from my son. That year I got an amazing experience and decided that I’m not too old and I can do modeling as the young girls. In January 2014 I took part in Mrs. Ireland and I was crowned Mrs. Ireland 2014. That was a new achievement for me. I’m still happy and exciting about that, but I think my kids were more happier than me. When my name was mentioned as a winner of Mrs. Ireland 2014, my oldest son jumped from his seat and tried to run on the stage but my mum stoped him. My son Lukas couldn’t wait to give me hugs and congratulate me. He said “ I have the best and awesome mum in the world”. His words made my eyes cry more than be a winner. When Lukas( my son) went back to school after that weekend he brought my crown and start to show everyone in school. The principal let him go to all different classes, and with big excitement Lukas was talking about what happened over the weekend and how lucky he is. My little one Gerald was just 4 years old at that time so he didn’t understand much about what happened but he loved walking home with mummy’s crown and saying “ I am a king and my mummy is the queen” It’s not easy being a model as most people think. You’re getting different experience from it, sometimes you might don’t like to wear what you’re given or your make up, or your hair, but at the end you show designers clothes and not yourself. Also sometimes you’re spending all day waiting for fittings, make up and rehearsal and I think the hardest time for all girls who model is that you’re getting very tired but when the show time comes I forget about everything and I do my best. I didn’t had bad experiences from modeling, everything I have done by now I’m happy with and enjoy it. A big help is knowing that I will always have support from my family, which is very important for me. With the experience of catwalk, with confidence that I got modeling and believe in myself that I can do better I applied again for Top Model UK. From more than 4000 applications they picked about 120 models and from 26 girls in the Over 25’s category I came 2nd runner up in Top Model UK 2014. I have no words to say how happy I was. Even if I didn’t win, but I learned a lot. When I came back home from UK , first of all kids run to me to hug me and give me kisses, and just after a while they asked me how I was getting on with Top Model UK. They both sat beside me to listen story about my experience in UK. My last year was amazing with lots of different experiences. I was published in few online magazines, also I had a TV crew fly from Lithuania to Ireland to interview me about my life and my achievements and also I was invited for a TV show called “ GRequest Show” which will be showing soon on one of Sky channels. My kids have a place where they keep all the newspapers articles about me and the magazines hard copies. My oldest son is sometimes making a comment from my photo shoots or fashion shows like “ mum, I don’t think that suits you” or “mum I think your make up is not nice as to much” Each time I’m going to UK for modeling, my lovely boys whish me to have an amazing time , enjoy myself and never forget that they’re always with me even when they’re not beside me. I don’t think I could be who I am now without my family who was always beside me and support me. I love modeling. Each time you’re getting new experiences, meeting new people and making new friends. I’m sure I prove for myself and others that no matter what age you are you can do modeling if you want. Of course, there are many jealous people who will try to put you down, but as I always say stay strong, stay real, stay focused and be yourself. There is no one better. “
