Shinae Warren wants to inspire others who have been bullied.
The 16 year-old Tyers girl changed schools and went interstate to escape the hurt, developing depression at a young age.
But since she began bikini modelling in May last year, her mother has seen the once frightened youngster regain her confidence and happiness.
“From seeing her go from a depressed young teenager I suppose, she used to lock herself in her room, always upset, to the confident person she is now. It’s amazing” mother Teisha Reynolds said.
“She has done it all herself, all the hard work.
“I can’t express properly how proud I am, I don’t know how to put it into words, to be quite honest.”
Later this year Shinae is off to Brisbane to compete in the grand final of Miss Fit Bikini Model Extravaganza, an Australian competition that focuses on female health and fitness.
She is also competing in Australian Supermodel of the Year with the aim to make it to Sydney for the national grand final.
The 16 year-old looks up to Kylie and Kendall Jenner and hopes one day she will also be famous.
Perhaps she is well on her way, having been crowned the winner in the INBA Mornington Peninsula Classic Angel division at the start of the month.
Shinae trains at the gym about five days a week in between heading to beauty college in Melbourne where she is completing a diploma.
She has the support of a few Traralgon businesses and close family members, and is now fundraising to travel interstate.
To help Shinae get to the competitions, visit www.gofundme.com/27gxsec
