At just 11 year old, Ava Mangion has the world at her fingertips.
In the few months since she decided to pursue modelling, the Sacred Heart Primary School student has completed a diploma in modelling at Tanya Powell Models and a certificate in catwalk at Country Girls Management, where she’s been listed on their talent register.
Ava has also taken part in stage and theatre holiday courses at NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art).
Her latest achievement is being cast in this year’s Kidz Fashion Week runway show.
She will appear at the 2023 launch in Shepparton this Saturday, and may also be called up to appear in other shows around the country.
After its regional Victoria launch, the touring show will go to Sydney, Warrnambool, Brisbane, Albury and Traralgon before culminating in a final show in Melbourne this November.
What began in September as a couple of photo shoots with her mother Laura Mangion has turned into a passion for Ava.
She quickly fell in love with modelling, and was soon walking on runways in front of hundreds of people.
She was one of thousands to apply for Kidz Fashion Week.
“I was very excited when I found out that I got it in,” Ava said.
Mrs Mangion said she is “super proud” of her daughter and what she’s achieved already.
“We’re all proud of her. She's doing really well and it's something she wants to do, it's not something I'd ever push on her,” she said.
Mrs Mangion said Ava is a very confident young girl and only last month, as part of her modelling diploma graduation, took part in a runway show in front of 500 people.
“(Ava) was the youngest there by far, so she's very confident for her age,” she said.
“She just loves to dress up and wear heels, and she's confident and walking already; she loves getting out there and is not shy.”
Ava said she doesn’t really get nervous before a big show.
“Sometimes when you think about it you get a little nervous, but when you're on the (runway) it's just fine,” she said.
Kidz Fashion Week founder Terri Svoronos said this year’s theme is ‘Ur Style’, where the children will have the opportunity to style themselves with the help of their team.
Mrs Mangion said Ava won’t be dressing down for the runshow show.
She wants to be “a bit flamboyant” and will be wearing heels on the catwalk.
“I think maybe like a pink or colourful, puffy big dress; like something you'd wear to the races,” Ava said.
But modelling isn’t the only career path Ava is contemplating, with another passion being acting.
“She's really interested in acting,” Mrs Mangion said.
“I mean she does love modelling, but it is a stepping stone too.
“You have to act when you're modelling.
“It's part of doing TV commercials, shows and everything; you're acting in that as well.”
Although this weekend’s appearance in Shepparton won’t be Ava’s first time on the runway, she said it is the first time she’s been involved with Kidz Fashion Week in any form.
Mrs Mangion said it’s important that there are these kinds of opportunities in regional areas.
“Generally, all of the big agencies are based in the city and require you to be residing 90 minutes away to get a job,” she said.
“It's really important for the kids who may not have any idea that this might be something that they want to know that these sort of events come around to include them.
"Otherwise, they don't get the opportunity.
“Plus, the more these shows come around, the more potential agencies will have a base in regional areas.
“It just gives more opportunity for these kids to do things that they may not necessarily think of or have the opportunity to.”
Off the runway and at school, Mrs Mangion describes Ava as a leader and an empathetic friend, who often takes other kids “under her wing”.
“She's friendly, sweet, but she's also confident in herself and strong willed,” Mrs Mangion said.
“She'll go very far in life because she's got that.
“She does make me proud.”