Chester’s Top Model finalist is set to make her fashion debut - Mar 10

TOP MODEL UK finalist, Naomi Heap, is set to make her fashion debut after landing a year’s modelling contract with Impact Model Management, London.

Finalist Naomi, from Blacon, has been crowned second runner up after competing against 29 other models in the commercial category of this year’s national model search, TOP MODEL UK.  Naomi is pictured holding her award with Sue Galley from SkinGenesis Chester.

Sponsored by SkinGenesis, it was only six months ago that Naomi approached the leading skincare clinic after a temporary illness caused a severe case of acne, and almost crippled her chances of going through to the finals.

In a serious bid to clear up her skin in time for the competition, acne sufferer Naomi received complimentary skin acne treatment to give her the best possible chances of success in the competition

Naomi is now preparing for the Miss Cheshire competition, which if she is successful will lead to a place in the Miss England contest later this year.

Naomi said: “The final was a fantastic experience – everyone looked a million dollars and we had such an amazing time. When I look back to when my skin was at its worst, I just can’t believe how far I have come, and now to be given this opportunity, it really is a dream come true. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my family and friends, SkinGenesis and everyone at TOP MODEL UK.”

Mum Vivien Hindley said: “From the start of the competition, I was brimming with pride and Naomi was without a doubt one of the top three in her category. The competition has provided a fantastic platform for her professional career and it looks like she has a busy year ahead of her.”

Deborah Cope, clinic manager at SkinGenesis, said: “We are so proud of Naomi after receiving her well deserved prize at TOP MODEL UK, and she has proven that problem skin does not have to hold you back (see right, before treatment). Most of our clients report having confidence issues when they first visit us and many of them, just like Naomi, work in the public eye or are client-facing. The skin is something people see everyday, so having confidence in the way that you look is one of the first steps to achieving success.”

TOP MODEL UK is the UK's premier nationwide professional model search and fashion event.

Geoff Cox, Show Director of TOP MODEL UK, said: “I remember when Naomi was first interviewed that the judges were a little concerned over her skin, but obviously were correct in seeing her potential. She’s a lovely girl and her hard work, focus and dedication during the build up to the show was justifiably rewarded.”