Abi Grigsby is a rising model who has made a name for herself in the modelling industry through her natural talent and dedication to her craft. Abi discovered her love for modelling at a young age and pursued it relentlessly throughout her childhood and teenage years. She honed her skills through pageants, runway shows, and various photoshoots, building a solid foundation of experience and confidence to serve her well in her future career. She initially got into the modelling industry by entering beauty pageants. She joined the Top Model of the World Philippines pageant in July 2016 with two weeks’ notice. The pageant needed a specific number for the competition to go ahead, and the pageant’s director contacted her to join. She eventually became the second runner-up, which shocked her as she had no previous experience in pageants so she wasn’t expecting to make it into the Top 5.
The following year she entered a pageant called “Mutya Ng Pilipinas Australia” (Pearl of Australia) beauty pageant. She gained a lot of exposure in the modelling industry by joining this pageant, which led her into me meeting the majority of the photographers that she now works with regularly. When she competed overseas, she also gained several contacts with various modelling agencies and photographers. Throughout 2017 she also competed in the Miss International Australia pageant, finishing as second runner-up and winning the Miss Model of the World Title. Furthermore, she competed in the Miss Teen Universe Australia pageant in December of that year. All of these competitions led her to meet so many creatives in the industry; photographers were looking for fresh faces to shoot, and makeup artists needed a model to work on for skill enhancements. Slowly, through these connections, she was able to build the network that she currently has.
As she looks to the future, Abi remains focused on her craft and committed to expanding her horizons. With her talent, drive, and passion for her work, Abi is poised to become one of the industry’s most sought-after models, inspiring audiences and fellow models alike with her artistry and vision.
Global Elite Models magazine recently caught up with Abi to discuss her journey in the modelling industry and here’s what went down:
Could you please tell our readers something about yourself that others don’t probably know about?
Most people don’t know that I am actually quite a sporty person. When I tell people I play cricket, I’m often met with a shocked response, as those around me see me post a lot of my modelling work, so they assume that I model full-time. However, I do enjoy playing community sports, as it gives me a chance to stay active, as well as allows me to socialise and meet new people.
How did you become a model? What’s it like to be a model?
I started modelling when I was 17, and it all began when I started participating in beauty pageants. As I am half Filipino, I competed in the local Miss Philippines pageants they held in Melbourne. Starting in small competitions led me to compete internationally twice so far and was an excellent gateway to the modelling world.
As for how it feels to be a model, I don’t feel any different from the people around me. Modelling is essentially a paying hobby for me, and it certainly has taken me places. However, at the end of the day, I just feel like anyone else – a simple human being just trying to get by in this crazy life!
What has been your greatest triumph, to date?
The greatest triumph to date would be competing in international beauty pageants and gracing magazine covers, just like this one.
Every now and then, I still remember my teenage years, when I was painfully shy and so insecure about my looks. I remember every day fantasising about looking like someone else. It took me years to build self-confidence and finally be happy in the body that I am in.
What has been your greatest lesson, and how have you used that lesson in your life?
The greatest life lesson I carry with me to this day is to not worry about trying to please everyone or anyone. At first, I found it difficult to accept that there are people who won’t like you based on your life choices, interests or simply have different preferences in life. Still, I have learned that you should never let someone’s disapproval of you deter you from doing whatever it is you want in life.
If you could travel back in time and alter one historical event, where would you go and what would you attempt to change?
If I could travel back and alter a historical event, I would prevent the holocaust from happening and save millions of innocent lives. The holocaust was heavily touched on throughout my teenage years, particularly in high school, so that historical event, in particular, has always had a profound impact on me. It is definitely a touchy subject for myself and others, even in this present day.
What do you think you came into this life to learn, and what do you think you came here to teach?
I believe I came into this life to learn that things won’t always go the way you planned, no matter how certain you are of the situation. I had big plans for my life when I was 18 that didn’t come to fruition, and honestly, when I realised things wouldn’t turn out the way I’d always hoped, I felt disheartened and didn’t have a plan for the next step.
Over the past few years, I’ve learned to trust the process and the struggle you go through. I’ve always firmly believed in the saying, “everything happens for a reason,” I also think that in life, you are never denied, only redirected!
What projects are you working on right now?
I am currently focusing on my pageantry and hoping to compete internationally again this year. Most people don’t realise how much time, effort, and preparation goes into competing in pageants, especially internationally. A lot of work goes behind the scenes for both the organisers and the contestants, so I am currently building myself up to be able to give my best performance when the time comes to be on stage again!
What would you still like to attempt in your modeling career?
In terms of my modelling career, I would still like to give international modelling a try. I have never had the opportunity to travel for work opportunities. However, I believe modelling would be a great opportunity to gain that experience in working abroad, as I’ve always loved the idea of travel, so it would be fulfilling to get paid work out of it too!
What advice would you give to those hoping to follow in your footsteps?
As cliche as it may sound, my only advice would be to keep going and never give up. When I first decided to get into modelling, and start participating in beauty pageants, I had my share of people who discouraged me and tried to sway me against it. I found that when I cut off people who didn’t support me and instead surrounded myself with people who believed in me, it fuelled me to try even harder for them and to prove to myself that my ambitions are valid and achievable goals.
