Role model shares her passion and ambition

When it comes to living a life of passion and ambition, Broome model Marlikka Perdrisat is proving to be an inspiration both on and off the catwalk.

Not only is she rising through the ranks of the modelling world, the 24-year-old is also preparing to make waves in the acting industry.

Just recently, she was unveiled as the face of Kalgoorlie Fashion Week and graced the front cover of theWest Australian’s West Weekend lifestyle'''' magazine.

To cap it off, the high flyer also completed her bachelor of commerce degree this month.

In fact, life has barely stopped for the Broome beauty since she first stormed the runway seven years ago during her stint with Kimberley Girl.

From there, she has been chasing her dreams and helping other young women follow theirs.

During that time, she has worked with top industry photographers, appeared in fashion shows around Australia, and rubbed shoulders with models like Samantha Harris.

In March, the striking brunette signed up to Scene Model Management and moved to Sydney where she joined Now Actors and completed her first course at Screenwise Acting School.

Next on her list is a 10-day trip to New York as a graduation present to herself.

Meanwhile, she has already started looking at doing a masters in law next year.

But while everything is falling into place for the indigenous model, it has not been without sacrifices.

Before her move to Sydney, Marlikka split with her boyfriend of four years. Although the decision wasn’t easy, it was something she felt she had to do.

“It’s kind of hard to do all these things when you’ve been living with someone for so long,” she said. “You’re so used to coming home at night and cooking dinner and watching movies, and it’s a really comfortable life but I didn’t want to get stuck in it at such a young age.

“I guess I got to the point where I wanted to venture out, try a new city and try new things.”

Following the break-up, Marlikka immersed herself in her passions and responsibilities, from attending acting casting calls, to studying, working part-time and networking.

“We only really get one shot at this life so there’s no point holding back,” she said.

But, as Marlikka can attest, making it as a strong, independent woman in the city is not all glamour.

“The realistic thing is you will miss out on a few events … if an assessment is due, that has to be your priority,” she said.

“That’s probably the hardest thing … you do have quite a lonely life when you’re focusing on so many different avenues.”

However, after putting in the hard yards with modelling, for example, Marlikka said it was great to be able to reap the rewards.

During a photo shoot with theWest Weekend in April, she stayed at the luxurious Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa.

“For a while, it was always kind of building your portfolio and now I’m at the level where you’re getting paid, you’re getting hotels, you’re getting flights … it’s really nice.”

While she has been working hard to create her dream life, Marlikka has also lent her support to other young women.

“I get a lot of emails from girls from Broome and all over WA seeking my guidance when they’re looking at modelling agencies and contracts and how they start a portfolio, and it’s nice to be at a professional level and be able to give them real advice,” she said.

“Because I’m doing acting and modelling and university, I feel like I can mentor them in a whole range of ways.

“It’s not just modelling. Modelling gives you confidence and makes you feel beautiful but teaching them to go to university or TAFE or these other options is also very good.

“I didn’t finish high school, so for me, I love being able to tell them about the different pathways into university and how I can support them through that as well.”

While she has come a long way since her catwalk debut in Broome, Marlikka still credits Kimberley Girl for giving her the tools to chase her dreams and reiterates the advice she received as a shy young woman.

“Don’t let any of your previous experiences or anyone else’s ideas of you limit your motivation or your performance,” she said.

“It’s your life, do what you want with it and don’t let anyone hold you back.”