But the Radford College graduate is only too happy to swap denim for high fashion and is preparing to step out in something fabulous when she takes to the catwalk on Thursday representing Canberra in the World Supermodel Australia competition. Ms Schembri has been working part-time as a model locally for a year, pulling together a portfolio and getting booked for Canberra's biggest fashion event Fashfest in May.

She had not taken on a local agent, saying she was already working without one, and wanted to move to Sydney where she would sign an agent next year. ''I've been having a great time booking work on my own,'' she said. ''I've done a fashion show with Ruby Rose for Myer, a bridal shoot for Sarah Joseph Couture and Fashfest, which was amazing fun.''

She also entered the call for Australian contestants in the World Supermodel contest, which is in its seventh year and received more than 500 applications this year.

The Australian final is in Sydney on Thursday and Ms Schembri is hopeful she will take out the title and compete in the international round of the competition with 24 other countries in Fiji next month. The exposure would be brilliant, as would the $10,000 in prizes, she noted.

Meanwhile, her parents are keeping her grounded, encouraging her plans to begin a psychology degree at university next year.

''Ideally, I would go to uni in Sydney part-time and be able to fit in modelling around that. I know modelling only lasts for a short time, but I also know I need a degree for when I am no longer modelling.''

Citing Miranda Kerr as a role model for ''keeping a good perspective on life and loving her family'', Ms Schembri said she usually didn't have much option for glamour in her childcare work, and liked to dress up on the weekends when she saw her friends.

''I absolutely love fashion and I am addicted to clothes. I like Sass and Bide's stuff, but for an ultimate designer if budget was no option I would choose Chanel.''