She may have more junk in her trunk than your average model, but there is nothing average about this Cape Flats babe.
Charnelle Paulse is what is known as a “plus-size” model, and the 32-year-old from Pinelands has been taking the fashion industry by storm.
Charnelle, the wife of former Ajax CT striker Nathan Paulse, is currently one of the faces of Donna, and recently helped launch singer Jimmy Nevis’ clothing brand, York Yard.
She was the first plus-size model to be on the cover of Foschini Club Magazine last year.
The curvaceous vrou, who wears a size 40 to 42, says she is proud of her figure, and wants to help put an end to the culture of body-shaming.
But self-love didn’t happen automatically for her.
A post shared by Charnelle Paulse (@nellypaulse) on Jun 1, 2017 at 11:39pm PDT
“I always wanted to become a model but growing up, my body showed me that I don’t have the ‘right’ build; it was always a little heavier than what a ‘normal’ model should look like,” Chanelle says.
This was despite her doing ballet from four years old, and gymnastics and modern dancing as a teen.
“I would go on extreme diets, hoping that one day I’d wake up with the ‘perfect’ body.
“It’s been hard to break through the stereotype of what a ‘real’ model should look like but I can proudly say SA has finally turned that corner and started to change that perception.”
She joined the Eon Group in 2009 and was even selected to perform at the Western Province Championships for her kwaai hip hop skills.
A post shared by Charnelle Paulse (@nellypaulse) on Aug 9, 2017 at 12:37am PDT
She says her life changed in 2012, when she finally made peace with her body and decided to pursue a career as a plus-size model.
The business management graduate says she came across an article about plus-size modelling and immediately got in touch with the agencies listed in the article.
Three wanted to sign her immediately. She first signed with Y-Models, but is now represented by Ice Genetics, whom she joined in 2014.
Charnelle’s first modelling gig was a six-page spread for Your Baby magazine, followed by a Jet Stores shoot to be the face of their plus-size brand, Donatella.
A post shared by Charnelle Paulse (@nellypaulse) on Jul 3, 2017 at 1:26am PDT
She now represents Spree, Zando and Superbalist and an Australian Swimwear brand called Lilly&Lime.
“Looking back, I can say I’ve been the pioneer of the curve industry in South Africa,” a proud Charnelle says.
“I’ve now changed the hearts and mindsets of what people thought fashion, beauty and humanity is all about, and it’s only the beginning.
"Make the most of your shape by working out, eat healthy, dress for your shape, automatically you will feel so much better about yourself. Don't compare yourself to any others. Everybody is unique."