Newly crowned modelling winner Ashlee Jolliffe, 20, won her category for petite adult at the Miss Fashion Week Australia and has progressed to the global stage. 

While pageants are often controversial, Ms Jolliffe said these competitions are empowering young women and they build self confidence. 

“I think it’s a really good opportunity, all the girls and judges are really encouraging and don’t bring anyone down,” she said. 

Outside the glitz and glamour, Ms Jolliffe is busy studying in the beauty industry and juggling two jobs in child care and at a salon. 

Ms Jolliffe’s “number one supporter” is her mum Karen who has noticed her personal growth over the few years. 

“We’re so excited for her and it’s a wonderfully empowering competition for young women who don’t have a lot of confidence or believe in themselves,” Mrs Jolliffe said. 

“Ash won at the end of September so it’s been really busy organising everything, but the people she will meet and the adventure she will undertake will be massive.

“I just want Ash to follow her dreams and believe in herself, she’s a very strong and resilient young lady, who has crossed some hurdles.” 

Mentoring coach Kylie Drew runs pageants and the Miss Fashion Week Australia competition and said Ms Jolliffe has won her division twice. 

“Ashlee has taken a journey of self-confidence and these competitions, which are a bridge between pageantry and modelling, embrace diversity and encourage people to be happy in their own skin,” Ms Drew said. 

“These competitions are often misrepresented, but many of these girls are working hard, getting involved in the community and raising money for a cause they strongly believe in.”