Amie Gladding ‘so excited’ to be chosen to compete
Hull mum and model Amie Gladding(Image: supplied image)
A Hull mum who found modelling as a way to “change the narrative” after struggles in her life is heading for an opportunity of a lifetime. Amie Gladding was scouted by a swimwear brand through her Instagram account to potentially become its spokesmodel and ambassador.
With Vizcaya Swimwear reaching out to Amie, 35, of North Hull, it means the mum of one young daughter will be winging her way to Miami at the end of May. A three-day event will see Amie – the only contender from England, she believes – experiencing dinners at trendy restaurants, limousine rides, official photoshoots and walking the runway at Miami Swim Week, the world’s premier swimwear fashion event, which is a showcase of designer collections, resort wear, beauty trends, runway events and industry networking.
Amie said: “This could really change my life, and it probably will. I’m so excited about it.”
The mum is keen to be an advocate for others, demonstrating that whatever has happened in your life does not define you. “I want to prove that you can achieve your dreams,” she said.
“Things like being a single parent, struggling with self-esteem growing up or mental health issues, you can turn it around. You just need to keep going and believe in yourself.
“In modelling there can be a lot of rejection but you keep going, like if you keep rolling the dice, you eventually get a six. This opportunity came to me out of the blue.
“I want to inspire my daughter but also all those who have struggled like me.” The call-out for Miss Vizcaya Swimwear 2026 contestants was aimed at anyone aged 15 or over with the brand looking to find a top 12 – a People’s Choice voting system will find the dozen who advance to that stage and who will appear in the official Miss Vizcaya Swimwear calendar – then an overall winner to become a cover girl and brand ambassador, as well as helping to build their career as a professional model.
The ultimate Miss Vizcaya Swimwear 2026 will receive a host of prizes. They include a magazine cover; a billboard in New York’s Times Square; the cover of the 2027 Vizcaya Swimwear calendar; international hosting and modelling opportunities and a bikini in the Vizcaya 2027 collection named after her.
Amie, who appeared in the grand finals of the Ms Pageant UK competition last year, said: “I sacrificed another pageant to do this. I was supposed to be in Miss Culture but pulled out to focus on this.
“I’ve been disciplined with my training, healthy eating and exercise. I believe if you put your mind to something, you can do anything.
“Things have been really hard for me but something really good has come along. It’s a huge opportunity for me; things just aligned for me.
“I light up when I’m up on stage. I’m really excited, not nervous.”
Amie has previously spoken about eventually setting up her own charity advocating for people who have been failed by the system. She said: “I had a difficult first few years of my life – I’m adopted – and it did affect my mental health growing up.
“I lost myself, really. I didn’t manage to follow the path I was hoping to. Because of my childhood I’ve struggled with insecurity and belief in myself; I’ve never really been confident in my own skin.
“I’ve worked hard at turning my life around since I’ve had my little girl and certain things I’ve been through have made me stronger. I want to inspire others that they can go after their dreams, no matter what they have been through, or their past, or where they come from, and I want to prove to people you are never too old to change your script.”
Amie said: “I’ve worked through a lot emotionally and learnt self love but a lot of my strength came from having supportive adoptive parents. To be a model now and be doing something like this is a wish come true.”
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