While her year-12 classmates are sitting their exams, Montana is winning over the Australian public and the judges on Australia’s Next Top Model. Celebrating her Blackmores challenge win last night which will see her victorious picture promoting Blackmores Nails, Hair & Skin in Priceline stores nationally, Montana tells bd about life in the ANTM house, missing her family and best beauty tips.
How do you feel about having your face in Priceline stores around the country?
It’s so exciting. It’s really surreal because I’ve never done any modeling before so to see my face up there for Blackmores is a really big privilege and I’m excited to be apart of it.
You’re a few episodes in and have now won a challenge. What’s your motivation like at this point?
After coming this far I really want to push myself to get to the end. You know, I‘ve been this long without family and friends and there’s only weeks left, which is nothing. I’ve got a challenge under my belt and it’s good to have.
What do you think makes a good brand ambassador?
I think you’ve really got to have confidence in yourself and believe in yourself. I think that’s a big part of it. And just being a happy and full-of-life person.
How are you a good fit to represent Blackmores?
I’m a really healthy girl and I want to get the best out of my body and really live life to the fullest, and Blackmores does support that. I think it’s all about looking your best and feeling your best as a model and you’ve really got to do that and make sure you’ve got healthy skin and healthy nails and hair, and it really ties in with Blackmores.
Have you ever taken supplements before?
I do take a women’s vitality one and we did get given the [Blackmores] Nails, Hair & Skin so we’ve been taking that and they’ve been really great.
What do you think the secrets are to healthy good-looking skin?
I think it’s all about getting plenty of sleep, drinking water and putting the right things into your body to get the best skin you can.
Are you girls getting any advice when it comes to skincare?
I think it’s pretty much inbuilt in all of us. We all try and look after ourselves but we do get pedicures and eyebrow waxes so we get perks like that.
What is your favourite feature? I think mine would be my eyes. It’s probably the clichéd thing to say!
Which challenge have you found the most difficult so far?
I find it the most challenging when we have to act. I’m really bad in front of the camera and I start laughing and I get all embarrassed so I think that’s the worst.
You weren’t an A-grade drama student then ...
No, I wasn’t the best drama student. I was the tree in the background all the time! The subjects I do at school are PE, business management, media, literature and studio art.
If ANTM hadn’t happened, what would be your step?
I really did want to get into writing or into sports nutrition or physiotherapy.
What has been the most eye-opening experience of the show so far?
You really do go through a personal journey and you learn a lot about yourself and how far you can push yourself.
Has your diet changed a lot since you came into the ANTM house?
Yeah it has because you do have long days and you’ve got to put the right foods in so you get the best out of your body and you look your best. When you don’t you look drained and you do look tired.
What is your number one beauty product?
Sunscreen! Mum’s always put that into me: Wear sunscreen everyday Montana otherwise you’ll regret it.”
How is life away from your family?
It is pretty difficult. It’s great because you have a lot to focus on here and you’re always doing stuff. But when you talk to them on the phone you do get a bit upset and think, Aw, home life!” but I know as soon as I get home I’ll want to be back here again.
When this competition’s over, what will be the thing that’s changed about you the most?
Probably my [level of] confidence in myself. I find it easy to sit down and talk to a new person or just to have an interview in front of a camera now. You learn so much about yourself.
You know, my sister came up when we had a friends night here and she was like, Wow, you’ve really changed and you seem so much more confident in yourself and your abilities.” So I really think I’ve taken that out of this competition.
Do the girls in the house all watch America’s Next Top Model?
Yes we do! All of us sit around and watch it.
How do you feel about the fact there are going to be young girls at home watching you?
It’s going to be really bizarre. It’s going to be really weird knowing that last year I was watching this show and now I’m on it. I just never pictured myself on this show and now that I’m here it’s really exciting.
What makes you a great role model to these viewers?
I’m just a really happy girl and I really like people, hanging around people, meeting new people and just being the best I can at what I can do and treating everyone with respect.
Click here to see interviews with the other ANTM finalists.
Australia's Next Top Model airs Mondays, 7.30pm on Fox8.