Georgia Conroy is a bit of a celeb around Townsville, I remember all the Townsville Cups and Amateurs seeing her in the most amazing outfits, they're always so innovative and striking, lifting the standard that little bit higher every year. So I was a little intimidated when Georgia breezed into Petticoat Lane with her gorgeous daughter Cate for a spot of shopping. Georgia’s easy going warm personality is infectious and it wasn’t long before we were in deep conversation about fashion and the joys of owning your own business.
Times are a changing and business is no longer a man’s domain. What I love is the diversity of female entrepreneurship in Townsville, so I jumped at the chance to chat about this gorgeous and inspiring role model. Georgia Conroy is chief instructor to Rhonda’s Final Touch Modelling (RFT). She juggles networking with some of the hottest North Queensland talent with co-running her business a long side Rhonda Barnes of Rhonda’s Fitness For Ladies. Georgia styles ladies to their fullest potential in her finishing school, orchestrates promotional events through her modelling agency and works the fashion circuit in North Queensland’s massive racing season. Her path has been a colourful one and one that demands much of her time and energy incorporating judging, modelling and organizing a successful business with being an energetic mother of four children. This sure sounds exhausting but Georgia seems so focused and serene when chatting about it all.
Born in Ingham, Georgia moved to Townsville at age 12 where she attended Pimlico High School then began her career with professional modelling school June Dally Models. It was there Georgia developed her enthusiasm for styling, being able to transform people’s appearances, their image and was the foundation needed to launch her own business idea.
When asked why she chose this career, Georgia says “I love what I do because, I loved doing it myself and now get the opportunity to pass onto those that aspire to work within the modelling agency the chance to do it professionally, along with aiding so many young ladies in boosting their self esteem and focusing on positive body image through our personal development and grooming courses”
The industry is constantly changing and Georgia’s role involves a lot of negotiating. I asked her how she manages to stay so passionate and driven about her business.
“It gives me much pleasure, along with seeing and hearing the excitement of a model when she’s booked for her first paid modelling assignment. I see that RFT can only build on it’s great reputation as being Townsville’s leading modelling agency and finishing school and hope that as the city grows we do too; businesses that have never used our services before take that step and use professional, reliable and eager models for their advertising campaigns.”
In addition to finishing school, Georgia styles models for fashion parades, photo shoots, promotional events and of course she has her all important judging duties. During this time Georgia has had the opportunity to rub shoulders with celebrities like Antonia Kidman, Natalie Grewsluski, Brett Tucker from McLeods daughters and Sonia Kruger. With a long list of celebrities such as these I asked who she admires most?
“I admire those that are able to help others and make others feel good without wanting anything in return. Those that can juggle very busy life styles and still be able to stay true to themselves and their families. And more importantly, my Nonna's (they're no longer here) and mum who have been a huge influence on my life. Also a dear friend of mine who trained me as a model and guided me within the modeling industry, Nicole Hagen who was and still is a big part of my life.”
RFT already has a fabulous list of accomplishments, one of which is Townsville girl Kasey-Lee Brunker who was a finialist in the 2010 Miss Bikini International. So I was quick to ask Georgia what her best styling tip would be.
“Keep it simple, don't over-do it by hiding flaws or you will bring more attention to 'your' flaws and you can look absolutely fabulous on a budget! You do not need to shop at the most expensive boutiques in town to look great! It's top to toe grooming, how you styled your hair, makeup and the effort you go to in looking good. I am happy to say I shop on a budget and have frequented many op shops or looked out for bargains because it's how you put it all together that counts!”
Townsville’s face of business is changing. The traditional stereotype of the gray-haired middle aged male entrepreneur no longer dominates the business arena, as more and more women are recognising their capabilities and setting up their own companies independently. I hear many women say they lack the confidence to make that leap from the corporate world. Well, I can safely say after meeting Georgia anything is possible and it’s not dependent on age, race or dress size, but the ability to lead, inspire, achieve and excel in your chosen field. In business you’ve got to have a lot of passion, determination and continuously reinvent yourself- I think RFT Modelling is a great way to start this journey:)
Georgia’s favourite quote “'We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do” Mother Teresa. “I smile all the time and smile at those I know and more importantly those I don't know! You just never know what that smile will do to whoever you're smiling at, so it's a fitting quote!”
