Marlies a model Salvationist at heart
Marlies a model Salvationist at heart
6 June 2017
Salvationist Marlies Smedinga, pictured above with her father, Simon, is in Australia for six weeks, continuing her modelling career.
“I’m a real Salvationist, so when other models, or people in the industry, ask about my faith, and about The Salvation Army, I tell them,” said Marlies Smedinga, 19, who is currently working in Sydney as a model.
“There aren’t many Christian girls in modelling, but a lot of the young people do think about spirituality and don’t know what is out there. They might be inspired.”
Marlies, Senior Soldier in The Salvation Army.
Marlies, a senior soldier from the Leeuwarden Corps in the Netherlands, has come to Australia for a six-week modelling stint.
She has travelled all over Europe for castings and assignments, and was delighted to get work in Australia.
“The modelling industry is a lot healthier in Australia than in many other places,” Marlies said. “So many people want the girls to be so skinny, and some of them don’t do that in a healthy way. I make sure I keep myself healthy, and my family make sure I eat well, so that’s not an issue for me. Being healthy, and enjoying my work, are the main things for me.”
Marlies is in Australia, modelling for six weeks, before she returns to Europe.
In the two years she has been part of the industry Marlies, who was “found” by modelling talent scouts in Sweden, has had to work through other issues.
“Everyone always has an opinion about how you look and feels free to share their opinions,” she said. “It’s a hard world, and I often took their comments personally, but now I can let most things go.
“I remember being really shocked at being told I had ugly eyebrows. People just don’t realise the impact their words can have on young girls. Now I am mostly very confident in who I am and what I look like, and, people can take it or leave it. Most people though, are nice, see you as a real person and treat you like one.”
Marlies is a fifth-generation Salvationist. She grew up playing cornet in the youth band, and then second trombone in the corps band. Being part of the band is something she misses, as she only plays with them now on her occasional trips home.
Marlies plays cornet and trombone, and loves to play with the band on her rare trips home.
During her stay in Sydney, Marlies has visited Hurstville Corps, where she felt warmly welcomed.
“People everywhere are very friendly here,” she said. “I like the laidback approach to life, the relaxed attitudes, and the beautiful weather. I’m trying to convince my family that we should move here together!”
Marlies’ dream job would be to “walk the Chanel show, or do a makeup campaign with L’Oreal.
“The most important thing though for me, is to stay grounded in my faith and to be myself,” she said.
When she leaves Australia, Marlies will spend some time at home with her family before heading off to London, Berlin or Barcelona for fashion weeks.
Comments
Wonderful interview!
Amazing! You are doing so well Marlies. Although we don't have much contact I'm very proud of you. You are amazing and I still look up to you.