Farha Mander was covered in muck from cleaning out paddocks at Pyramid Stables.
She was perspiring from the hard work and was concentrating on her task.
Just a short distance away, on the stable grounds, Om Boy apparel models were getting ready for a fashion shoot.
A model had cancelled at the last minute, leaving a gap in the planned shoot that needed to be filled.
Despite her dishevelled appearance, Ashley Jeans, Om Boy’s coordinator, recognized Mander’s potential.
“I just saw Farha on the farm and said ‘I have to have her,’” she said.
Soon Mander’s mother was called to get permission for the 16-year-old Nanaimo resident to participate in the fashion shoot.
“They whisked me up to a room above the barn … fixed me up,” said Mander.
She had her hair done by Baby Doll Hair Extensions and Hair Replacement Services and makeup done by Cydney Sjostrom Makeup.
“It’s quite weird. I wasn’t expecting it to happen,” said Mander. “It’s exciting and weird at the same time.”
Mander said it was a big opportunity to participate in the fashion shoot. She has previously modelled for a hair studio, Cutting Room Creative, but said she hadn’t thought about pursuing a career in modelling before.
She said the other models were very supportive throughout the process.
Jeans said it was Mander’s unique look that caught her attention.
“I try to pick models that have a unique flair to them and Farha has that exotic flair,” she said.
The photos are being used for Om Boy’s online marketing campaign, which includes the clothing company’s website, Instagram and Facebook.
“We just have a huge online presence … We have a huge following all over the world,” said Jeans.
She said the company wants to have Mander model again for upcoming photo shoots.
“She’s amazing,” Jeans said.
Om Boys and Kuckleheads Supply is hosting a show and shine Aug. 27 starting at 1 p.m. at Simonholt, located at 6582 Applecross Rd. The event is free to attend and there will be raffle tickets for sale for a variety of donated products.
Om Boy’s owner Jesse Jeans was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. One of Om Boy’s goals is to raise awareness about Crohn’s disease, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. Money raised from the raffle will be donated to Crohn’s disease and colitis organizations to allow children suffering from the diseases to attend summer camps.
The show and shine runs from 1-5 p.m. A BMX ramp competition is at 2 p.m.
It also features a performance by Sadie Campbell.
For more information, please go to the event Facebook page http://bit.ly/2aCS1Yi or www.omboys.ca.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com
