salifemag
- Dec 3, 2019
- 4 min read

ACE Models West-Rand celebrates a year of triumph and success.

ACE Models International is a premier modelling academy that was founded by CEO Joani Johnson in 2005 and has grown to almost 19 franchises all over South Africa, Namibia and soon the USA, UK and Australia.

The West Rand branch for ACE started in 2018 when Neriva Wolff bought the franchise and turned it into something magical. This year, ACE Models West Rand proudly celebrated their first year-end function, highlighting a year filled with triumph and success.

The prestigious event, held at the Real Life Church in Krugersdorp on the 30th November 2019, celebrated the models' successes throughout the year and furthermore, announced one of its new directors for the branch, Sasha-Lee Taylor.

Sasha-Lee Taylor is no stranger to the modelling and pageantry world having been actively involved in it for over 10 years. She will work closely with her management team, which consists of Neriva Wolff, Josh Cronwright, Nunki Khoza and Shikirah Roth.

“I am excited to become part of the ACE family and can’t thank Neriva and Joani enough for this opportunity. I believe this brand has something unique to offer and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.” says Sasha-Lee Taylor.

This year was believed to be a special one as it was the first prize-giving event since inception. It is always an honour to reward the models for their hard work that they’ve put in throughout the year and make the evening a memorable one for them - it’s something everyone looks forward to in order to finish off the year.

Looking back on the year, Neriva Wolff attributes their 2019 success to that of gaining a large number of models who by their own standards showed extreme growth since joining ACE Models West Rand. Their national conference, which is held in June each year, brought with it a vast number of awards and successes.

According to the Ace Models team, ACE encourages the students from the age of 4 to ultimately become their dream. They aim to create professional models and successful individuals, which is done by focusing on various elements such as self-confidence, grooming, etiquette, personal development and people skills. These are all vital skills to have when becoming successful in any field of work, they believe.

Their awards show was nothing less than a showstopper! Besides the much-anticipated prize giving, one of the highlights of the evening was the beautifully put together recycled fashion show, which saw models being put into groups representing different colours and each having to make an outfit made out of recycled material.

“The models definitely went all out and the outfits were spectacular! At ACE we encourage our students to be actively involved in their community and environment so it was lovely to see how invested they got.” says Sasha-Lee Taylor.

What makes ACE Models the best modelling agency in the West Rand?

“ACE West Rand gives 110% in everything we do. We provide continuous support and encouragement to all of our models for them to achieve their dreams no matter how big or small. Something special about ACE West Rand is that we are a family that supports one another through everything. Along with offering continuous guidance and support ACE is also the official scout for ICE modelling agency and work alongside other well known Modelling Agencies to give our students opportunities for commercial modelling. We use the ACE Models International curriculum to give our students the best knowledge about the modelling industry and other vital skills to have.” says, Sasha-Lee Taylor.

As we look forward to 2020, a new year, with new goals and new opportunities, Ace Models have set the bar high for themselves if 2019 is anything to follow. One of their goals is to expand and grow their family on the West Rand as they will be offering a variety of more classes in 2020. They also hope to more involved in the pageant industry and with a team and astute students like theirs, we have no doubt they’ll most certainly reach their goals in no time.

TOP AWARDS:

Little Miss Pageant Model of the Year - Jesse Johnson

Jnr Miss Pageant Model of the Year - Tamaryn Taylor

Snr Miss Pageant Model of the Year - Kyla Laing

Mr Jnr Pageant Model of the Year - Moagi Molefe

Mr Snr Pageant Model of the Year - Oefentse Senakgomo

Little Miss Catwalk Model of the Year - Angelita Govender

Jnr Miss Catwalk Model of the Year - Sinead Davy

Snr Miss Catwalk Model of the Year - Jenna Gillingham

Mr Jnr Catwalk Model of the Year - Moagi Molefe

Mr Snr Catwalk Model of the Year - Thomas Monama

Jnr Most Improved Model - Gabby Harrison

Snr Most Improved Model - Belinda Openshaw

Little Miss Photogenic - Gabryelle Weeks

Little Mr Photogenic - De Wet Opperman

Jnr Miss Photogenic - Zinnique Crous

Snr Miss Photogenic - Erryn Crawford

Jnr Mr Photogenic - Moagi Molefe

Snr Mr Photogenic - Daniel Rebello

Little Miss ACE Model of the Year - Angelita Govender

Little Mr ACE Model of the Year - De Wet Opperman

Jnr Miss ACE Model of the Year - Daniella Khoza

Snr Miss ACE Model of the Year - Jenna Gillingham

Mr Jnr ACE Model of the Year - Moagi Molefe

Mr Snr ACE Model of the year - Oefentse Senakgomo

Special Thank You’s: Espavo Hair Salon (Ruimsig), Jessica’s Restaurant, Pizza a Vino, Wolff Autohaus, Espavo Hair Salon, Fundamentally Kim, Cotton On, The Doll Walker, and Oh my Gosh Bridal.