Making Her Small Village Fashion Dreams Bigger

For Chantelle Lacey May Thomas, modelling began with something simple. A love for photographs, creativity and the excitement of being in front of the camera gradually opened doors she had never imagined. What started with occasional photoshoots has developed into a growing journey across fashion, beauty and commercial modelling, while she continues her studies at Bridgend College.

Coming from a small village in Wales, Chantelle understands how unexpected opportunities can change the direction of a young person’s life. Her story is not built around overnight success. Instead, it reflects curiosity, persistence, family support and the courage to keep saying yes when new opportunities appear.

Today, Chantelle is building experience as a model while studying beauty, with ambitions that reach far beyond the next photoshoot. She hopes to walk on a major runway, become a successful commercial model, complete her degrees and eventually establish her own beauty clinic.

From A Simple Photoshoot To A Bigger Dream

Around two years ago, Chantelle began taking part in photoshoots here and there. What could have remained a casual creative experience quickly became something much more meaningful.

She discovered that modelling gave her an opportunity to express herself, meet creative people and experience a completely different environment from everyday life. Each shoot brought another lesson, another connection and another reason to continue.

The transition from occasional shoots to more serious opportunities has been gradual. Chantelle has learned that modelling is not simply about standing in front of a camera. It involves confidence, preparation, professionalism and the ability to adapt to different people and situations.

Her journey also demonstrates how an opportunity can become a career direction when someone is willing to put genuine effort behind it.

Beauty Studies Are Shaping Her Future

Alongside modelling, Chantelle is studying beauty at Bridgend College. This part of her journey is particularly important because it connects directly with her long term ambitions.

While fashion and modelling allow her to explore creativity and presentation, beauty gives her a different understanding of confidence and personal care. Her goal is eventually to have her own clinic, creating a future where her interests can come together.

For Chantelle, education is therefore not separate from her modelling career. It is another part of the foundation she is building.

Her experience also reinforces an important idea for young people entering creative industries. Talent may create an opportunity, but education, discipline and continued learning can help turn that opportunity into something sustainable.

International Experiences That Changed Her Perspective

Some of Chantelle’s most memorable moments have taken her beyond Wales. One of the experiences she describes with particular excitement was travelling to New York for Model Source events alongside Els, her agent from Talent 33.

Being exposed to an international modelling environment offered Chantelle a chance to see the industry from a broader perspective. For someone who began her journey through local photoshoots, an experience in New York represented a significant step forward.

Another memorable achievement came when she was chosen to represent the United Kingdom with Bled Stars Entertainment in Bali. Experiences such as these have helped Chantelle understand that modelling can create opportunities to travel, collaborate and connect with people from different backgrounds.

These milestones have also strengthened her belief that her journey can grow much further than she originally expected.

Becoming A Face Of Rhug Wild Beauty

One of the defining developments in Chantelle’s journey has been her work with Rhug Wild Beauty in North Wales.

She became the face of the beauty and skincare company associated with Rhug Estate and Lord Newborough. The partnership represents an important connection between Chantelle’s interests in beauty, modelling and natural skincare.

Rhug Wild Beauty has built its identity around natural and organic ingredients, including wild foraged ingredients from the Rhug Estate. The collection is closely connected with the landscape and heritage of North Wales, making the opportunity especially meaningful for Chantelle as someone from Wales.

The partnership has also given her the chance to participate in professional shoots and experience a different side of commercial modelling. For a young model developing her portfolio, working with an established beauty brand can provide valuable exposure and confidence.

More importantly, Chantelle has spoken about how much she values the people who have supported her throughout the experience. That sense of appreciation remains an important part of her story.

Learning To See Beauty Beyond Appearance

Studying beauty while developing a career in modelling has given Chantelle an opportunity to look at beauty from more than one perspective.

The modelling world naturally focuses on appearance, styling, presentation and visual storytelling. Beauty education, however, introduces another dimension. It encourages an understanding of skincare, self care and the importance of feeling comfortable and confident in your own appearance.

For Chantelle, these two worlds complement each other.

Her journey suggests that beauty is not simply about looking a certain way. It can also be about confidence, individuality and learning how to care for yourself. This perspective is particularly relevant to young people growing up surrounded by carefully edited images and unrealistic expectations online.

A Message Built Around Kindness

Despite entering an industry that can be competitive, Chantelle’s personal message is remarkably simple.

“Always be kind, you never know what another person may be going through.”

That belief has become one of the lessons she wants to carry with her as her career develops. It is a reminder that behind every photograph, achievement and public appearance is a person dealing with experiences that may not always be visible.

Her approach also reflects the support she has received from the people around her. Chantelle openly acknowledges her parents, family and friends as important parts of her journey.

For someone still building her career, having people who encourage her can make a meaningful difference. Their support has helped her take opportunities that may once have seemed impossible.

Dreaming Beyond The Next Runway

Chantelle’s ambitions are clear. She wants to become a successful commercial model, complete her degrees, establish her own clinic and eventually walk on a major runway.

One particularly meaningful part of that dream is her wish to prove that being one of the shortest models should not prevent her from reaching major fashion platforms.

The modelling industry continues to include different forms of talent and presentation, and Chantelle wants to find her own place within that changing landscape. Rather than allowing height to define her possibilities, she is focusing on what she can bring through personality, professionalism, confidence and determination.

Her philosophy is captured in a simple phrase that reflects the attitude behind her journey.

“Work hard, dream harder.”

It is more than a motivational line for Chantelle. It describes the way she is approaching her future, with ambition balanced by the understanding that meaningful progress requires consistent effort.

A Welsh Girl With A Growing Global Vision

There is something particularly relatable about Chantelle’s story. She is not presenting herself as someone who had everything figured out from the beginning. Her journey developed through small opportunities that gradually became bigger ones.

From photoshoots in Wales to experiences in New York and Bali, her path demonstrates how far a first step can eventually lead.

She remains proud of where she comes from and grateful for the opportunities that have arrived along the way. Coming from a small Welsh village, she recognises that experiences such as international modelling events and representing the United Kingdom are extraordinary milestones.

Her gratitude extends to the people who helped make those moments possible, especially her parents, family and friends.

The Next Chapter Is Only Beginning

Chantelle Lacey May Thomas is still at an early stage of her journey, but the direction is already becoming clear. Beauty education, commercial modelling, international experiences and brand collaborations are creating a foundation for the future she wants to build.

Her work with Rhug Wild Beauty has introduced her to a professional beauty environment, while experiences in New York and Bali have expanded her understanding of modelling beyond her hometown.

The next chapter could bring a runway, a new campaign, further international opportunities or eventually the opening of her own clinic.

Whatever comes next, Chantelle’s story continues to be driven by three things that have remained consistent from the beginning: hard work, bigger dreams and kindness.

For a young woman who started with a few photoshoots, the journey has already travelled a long way. And with her ambitions set firmly on the future, there is every reason to believe that the most interesting part of the story is still ahead.

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