Kellie’s second tilt

She turned to the catwalk about two years ago as a way to boost her confidence, and now Secret Harbour model Kellie Germain is in the running for the 2014 Miss Galaxy Final.

It is the 28-year-old beauty’s second attempt at the final, after making the WA top 20 for the second year in a row.

Germain will be judged on three catwalk categories, photographic work and an interview when the field is narrowed to the top four tomorrow.

She said strutting the catwalk had changed her life.

“I started (modelling) to put myself out there,” she said.

“I used to be a shy and more conservative person and I wanted to find myself, give myself a challenge.

“The biggest gain has been to my confidence.

“I believe in myself — I can achieve anything I want to.”

Germain modelled as a child and did photographic work in her early 20s, but said catwalk modelling was a “whole different kettle of fish”.

“It’s not just about being on stage, it’s about putting a routine together and showing a personality. It’s a whole performance,” she said.

“I compete weekly. It takes a lot of energy and passion to get to the top.”

The Miss Galaxy contest required models to fundraise for charity and Germain chose to help Make-A-Wish Australia.

She hosted a children’s disco in November which raised more than $500.

“It’s been such a wonderful journey for me. To put that together and see the kids enjoy themselves was such a remarkable feeling. It was touching,” Germain said.

She feels better prepared for this year’s event and is hoping to take the title on the Gold Coast in April.

She is also vying for the international Miss Hawaiian Tropic on the east coast in March.

“They are the two competitions I have had my heart set on the last couple of years,” she said. “I know what they are looking for.”