By E.V
On our small yet extraordinary island, there are many hidden gems, young people brimming with talent, courage, and determination. Among them are aspiring models, each one shining in their own unique way, inspiring us to dream bigger, stand taller, and embrace who we truly are. One of these bright lights is a young girl whose very name is a message in itself: Hope.
For many, “hope” is simply a word. But for her family, it is a gift, a purpose, and a reminder of strength. Born and raised in Anse Forbans, on the southern coast of Mahé, 16-year-old Hope Vidot carries her name with grace. She lives with her loving parents and is in her last year of secondary school education in S5. Beyond her academic life, Hope treasures the simple joys of drawing, singing, and spending time with her friends and family.
From a very young age, Hope was captivated by the world of fashion. She would sit glued to the television, mesmerized by the elegance and confidence of models striding across runways. She dreamed of one day being among them, not merely for fame, but to express herself and inspire others. Encouraged strongly by her parents, Hope decided to take her first steps into the modelling world in 2023. Her greatest source of inspiration came from the story of British model Cara Delevingne, who began her journey at just 10 years old.
“I see beauty in everything,” Hope shares warmly. “I love modelling because it allows me to show other teens like me that no matter how hard life gets, we should never stop trying. We must never give up on our goals and dreams. Having a pretty face is nice, but inner beauty and strength are far more important. There are no strict rules for girls and women; we can achieve whatever we put our minds to, as long as we do it with respect, confidence, and the right attitude. I want to be a model not just in fashion, but a model of inspiration to other girls, reminding them that they are special too.”
Those who know Hope describe her not only as striking in appearance but also as wise beyond her years. Behind her confident presence lies a gentle, teachable spirit and a heart filled with compassion and passion. She radiates positivity in a way that goes far beyond her age.
Hope explains that modelling has given her a newfound sense of freedom and self-expression:
“I want to live a life where I reach my full potential. When I step into modelling, I feel confident, strong, and unafraid. The clothes I wear often reflect my personality, my character, and even the colors I love. Every photo shoot is more than just standing in front of a camera; it’s about telling a story, revealing the person I am inside. Some pictures may take hours of preparation, but when you see the final result, you realize it’s worth every effort. Modelling allows me to showcase not just fashion, but my soul.”
Her ambitions stretch far beyond the runway. Hope dreams of one day designing her own clothing line, creating styles that reflect her creativity and inspire others to embrace their individuality. For her, modelling is more than a career; it is a teacher. It has taught her to appreciate the artistry behind every garment, the effort of every designer, and the dedication of those who work in the fashion industry.
“Taking initiative in your own life is the best advice I could give to other girls my age,” Hope reflects. “I listened to my heart and to the advice of my parents, and I am grateful for where I am today. I see a future filled with possibilities because I dared to step out of my comfort zone. Opportunities don’t just fall from the sky; you have to seize them. For me, this is more than a dream; it is the foundation of my career path. Along the way, I am also learning from people who have walked this road before me, because experience is the greatest teacher, even when it’s not your own.”
Hope Vidot stands as a reminder that dreams have no age limit. With determination, humility, and a heart full of faith, she is carving out her place in the world of fashion. More importantly, she is showing her peers that true beauty begins within, and that the courage to believe in yourself can take you farther than you ever imagined.
