Feb 23 - Ballito Umhl

Modelling took a back seat while she was at university, with
her focus on working hard to finance her studies. “It was a
proud moment for me when I graduated with my Bachelor
of Commerce degree in supply chain management and
business finance in 2017,” she says.
Having worked as a corporate supply chain specialist for
the past 15 years, it was during lockdown that Karusha
stumbled into modelling again. “I’m an extrovert, so
working at home had quite a negative impact on me.
I turned to social media for interaction and that's how
I ended up being asked to be the ambassador for La
Principessa Bridal Shop in Umhlanga Rocks. I was thrilled.”
In 2021, Karusha responded to a casting call by Roberta
Alessandri Models for models up to the age of 35.
Although she was older than the required age, she was
accepted and, a few months later, she took part in the
televised It's Arts Africa 'Live Your Dream' auditions in
Durban.
“I was delighted to be among the performers who
received exclusive call-backs to attend the 11th annual
International ARTS Talent Showcase (IATS) at Silver Star
Casino in Johannesburg,” she says.
The IATS is South Africa’s largest talent and model
platform for aspiring and established actors, singers,
dancers and models, offering opportunities for both local
and international career and casting opportunities.
Karusha says her experience at IATS was 'surreal' and,
when she received a call-back phone call in her hotel
room from the CEO of ‘33 and Me’ talent agency
Elsubie Verlinden at 11pm that night, she sobbed. “I
was overwhelmed with excitement and emotions. It
was such an honour to get approval from so many top
international modelling, acting and fashion judges.”
Over the past few months Karusha has been working
hard on her modelling and acting, participating in various
fashion shows with Roberta Alessandri Models, taking
part in numerous photoshoots and attending online
acting classes.
In June, she will head to the 'Big Apple' to represent
South Africa as a model and actress at the International
Modelling and Talent Association (IMTA) showpiece. “At
the age of 40, I am excited to have the opportunity to
showcase top South African talent on a global stage in
front of hundreds of fashion and talent agents, personal
managers, casting directors, network representatives and
music producers.”
Passionate about helping and inspiring others to reach
their dreams, irrespective of their age or circumstances,
Karusha says her advice to other women wanting to
pursue similar dreams is to love themselves, embrace
their authenticity and be real.
“Internal beauty is more important than appearances,
so be kind and show compassion always. Prioritise and
invest in yourself.”
Looking towards the future, she says she hopes to have
booked both local and international campaigns and have
worked and networked with the best performers around
the world. “I also hope to always be a devoted wife and
loving mother, creating precious memories with my family.”
Photos: Roberta Alessandri Models, Photographer: Hannes
Danzfuss. MUA: Shannon Bern.