'I was in modelling school by age 12'

On a visit to Mumbai, Miss South Africa 2010 Nicole Flint talks culture, food, and how she made her career in the fashion industry.

She was on a visit to India to promote South African tourism. And for someone who loves travelling herself, Miss South Africa 2010 Nicole Flint is overwhelmed by how much her own culture has in common with India.

In a quick chat with rediff, right before she flew off to Delhi for a road show, she spoke about herself, her learning experiences and what it has meant to be part of the fashion industry.

The leggy looker, who started out in the fashion industry really young, says that the most important thing for anyone is to stay true to themselves.

"There might be a lot of people who want to get you to do something that you don't feel comfortable with -- and it is important that you stick to your ground and be firm," she says. "For me, modelling is about having fun, taking up assignments that I enjoy. And it is not about trying to change yourself to become someone else for anybody else's sake," she says.

Flint, who has studied radio and television also plans to earn a degree in business administration from March this year.

Not surprisingly, she's never taken modelling as a pressurising career. Instead, she does it for the love of it and plans to stay around only for as long as she wishes.

Since she was also studying at the time when she began to work, the beauty says that she always had something else to pursue alongside modelling. "That's helped me to only do the work that I like -- and the work that I enjoy."

And now that she hopes to go back to studying, Flint is quite confident that she will always be left with the option at some later stage to start her own enterprise.

What was your earliest work experience?

When I was twelve years old and went to a modelling school. They taught us basic things like how to walk, how to present yourself etc. It was easy to learn at that age, especially since we were so young.

At what age did you get your first salary?

When I was 17 and finally joined a proper modelling agency.

What is the motto you live by?

You must always be yourself, and never compromise.

What are your favourite restaurants and cuisines?

My favourite restaurants back at home, include Balthazare, where you get fabulous chicken and Santorini, which is in Sun City.

What are your quirks?

I like to talk a lot. I also laugh a lot and am generally a happy person.

Do you like to cook?

No, not at all! I like it when other people cook.

What are your favourite dishes?

I love pizzas. I had Thai green curry while I've been here in India and loved it. I love spicy food. I've loved Indian food simply because of the way the spice has been mixed in it.

Have you tried any other local dishes?

No, not yet but I hope to do so in the coming few days.

Which is your favourite travel destination?

I think that would have to be Cape Town in South Africa.

If money wasn't your priority, what would you do?

I would still be a model.

What is it that you never leave your house without?

My mobile phone!

How about your first love?

My first love happened when I was back in high school; we were more like high school sweethearts. But that didn't really work out or last. Now, I have been in a serious relationship with someone for the last five years and we plan to get married.

What was your most memorable Valentine's Day?

It was two years ago -- when my boyfriend took me to a really nice restaurant, and both of us had coincidentally bought each other a wristwatch! I really cherished the one he gave me.

What are the outfits that you are most comfortable in?

Jeans with a nice top or a day dress. It helps when you're really in a hurry; and I like to dress casually, rather than have to manage colour coordination every morning.

What is your favourite makeup?

Again, I prefer a casual look so the things that work the most for me are a quick eyeliner, mascara and lipstick.

What is your greatest turn off?

Disorganised places.

What is your biggest indulgence?

Chocolate.

What kind of books and films do you like?

I like to read spiritual books -- stories about people that can inspire me. In films, I like love stories the most.

One of my recent favourite films was Couples' Retreat. Among other films, I enjoy Bollywood films too and I thought Slumdog Millionaire was really cute.

How do you like to unwind?

I like to have popcorn and watch a nice movie, or simply go out with friends for a coffee. I also enjoy bungee jumping shopping and I love travelling.

How did you prepare for the Miss South Africa pageant? Was it a lot of hard work?

I think there's nothing much you can do to prepare for it, but it is important to be well-read, keep yourself up-to-date with current events and the news all over the world, and make sure that you eat healthy. There are a lot of rounds and the judgment is a long process, so you get practice along the way.

Tips for aspiring models:

1. Be yourself and don't compromise on anything. On a psychological level, it's very important you hold your ground and be firm about who you are and what you want to do.

2. Have fun. Take assignments that you enjoy and do the kind of work that is pleasurable for you

3. Don't let people get to you. It's quite a temperamental industry, and sometimes it's important to make sure you don't allow things that people say to affect you

4. Feel good about yourself. If you feel you need to do something about your skin because it's not right and drink lots of water, make sure you do it. How you feel about yourself is very important and make sure you take all the steps to do so.