At 30, Tajae Williams hopes to start her modelling dream

By age 30, many models have already cemented their careers. But for Tajae Williams, age isn't a deterrent, it's a starting mark. Now, she is confident and prepared for catwalks, and to perhaps rewrite the rules when she gets the spotlight.

Her journey, however. was far from smooth. A Charlie Smith High School graduate, Williams spent her 20s figuring out life. Instead of balancing books on head and strutting in stilettos, Tajae was left to balance something heavier, motherhood, as a single parent of a child with special needs, alongside the demands from the multiple jobs, leaving little room for the thought of modelling.

The door creaked open for her, but was soon closed in the face of COVID-19.

"I was approached by a company to come because they said I looked like one of their models, but COVID come and everything got worse and I couldn't get to do what I wanted to do so I parted for a little time."

LITTLE SUPPORT

That little time, however, stretched longer than she hoped, as she devoted her time to caring for her nine-year-old son with little support.

"My son has Downs syndrome and I am a single parent as well, it's challenging, but not that much now. Back then I didnt have anyone to keep him, but now I do, so I can do what I have to do," Williams explained.

With her hopes high, Williams is gearing up for what could be the start of her career.

"Nothing doesn't happen before the time, it's going to take some time. We are getting there though and it's going to take some time before it can flourish."

She says her confidence has been reignited, even strengthened, after a video captured her being approached by photographer Gerald went viral on social media.

"Everywhere I go people are saying I know you from TikTok or Instagram. Before this many times I felt like throwing in the towel, but I just feel like it is my time.

"I had a great opportunity, I always say to myself that I would want to do TV commercials one day."

TIME TO SHINE

Life is finally giving Williams that time to shine.

She confirmed that she recently filmed part of a local TV commercial.

"I am going to promote the airport. We did the shoot at the Ian Fleming International Airport in Boscobel, St Mary, and I am looking forward to more opportunities. I am just staying patient and humble."

MORE RESEARCH

Still refusing to watch her dream slip away, Williams told THE STAR she started to do more research on the different types of models, and the age-limit for models.

"It is never too late. I did the research, you have all type of models, foot model, hand model; I want to be in the commercials and I am now considering pageantry."

Williams shared that her plan is to enter Miss Global Jamaica 2026, a decision driven by a pageant director that complemented her afro centric look.

"I was doing some volunteer service after Hurricane Melissa and I did not know in the middle of it a director was there watching me to later approach and compliment my look. I mean, persons have told me before but you know the whole criteria of being a mother, I didn't think about it, but now they are opening doors for mothers so we don't feel left out," she shared excitedly.

Motivated by the demand to provide for her son, Williams is ready to embrace what life has in store.

"I am just always pushing to do more. Sometimes I get upset and even cry because it is not easy with a child with special needs so I am just going for it, for him."