Aboriginal Model, Kira-Lea Dargin

With a modelling background from her early teens, a proven strong interest in fashion and beauty journalism, indigenous Australian, Kira-Lea developed Bellaboo Beauty Enterprise and Aboriginal Model Management.

She was named in Stanfords 2013 'Who's Who' as a rising entrepreneur and she traveled to New York City as the first Indigenous representative ever to provide coverage of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week NY in 2013.

"I want to empower future indigenous women, I want each individual to reach their full potential, my goal is simply to do as much as I can to break stereo-types, in doing so we reach a greater understanding and open a world of opportunity".

Bellaboo Beauty Enterprise has developed into a not-for profit charity with a focus on assisting indigenous teens/women into the fashion/beauty field.

Most people would look at Kira-Lea as nothing other then a 23 year old. What they don’t know is over the past 5years since completing high school education her life has taken a number of drastic turns including becoming a mother of 3, a business founder and frequent traveler.

“Although I travel often I'm determined to not get ahead of myself, I like to keep things as regular as possible. I’ll admit I do enjoy the luxury services and benefits of the fashion & beauty world however, I'm very aware I have an example to set for my own children which includes two daughters who look up to me as a role model and for inspiration. In saying that you'll find me seated in economy, likely with my 10month old son in lap happily chatting to a fellow traveler.  I'm not the tallest person so legroom isn't an issue.”

“When making accommodation bookings, I like to stick with the 3 C's – ''Clean, Comfortable, Convenient'.' Quite frankly if your ticking those boxes I'm likely to be pleased. Take for instances a few trips I've made to date this year.”

“During February while traveling to New York City I stayed at the boutique Empire Hotel and rather then booking a suite I kept to a regular queen room. Knowing I wouldn't be spending much time in the room and, as I traveled alone, it left me with more spending money. Beautiful, stylish, clean and comfortable on the inside and located in Manhattan, directly across from The Lincoln Arts centre it was more then convenient with cafes, food outlets and general stores all within walking distance.  It’s also just a short stroll from central park and close to the subway so you can easily get to surrounding areas.”

“I like to do what some wouldn't and head into areas such as the Bronx. I find the people and the atmosphere to be relaxed, the soul food is amazing – my favorite being fried chicken with mac & cheese complimented by an ice-tea – oh and did I mention the shopping is ridiculously cheap and you will be sure to pick up a beautiful bargain.

“When traveling domestically I often stick to capital cities located on the east coast, I love Sydney, which is why I made it home. Brisbane and Melbourne both have their perks to. I regularly end up staying as they say ''killing two birds with one stone'' and visiting family or friends in these locations but when I'm on the move and don't have that time I choose Oaks Apartments or Vibe Hotels. Oaks offer fantastic studio or 1-bedroom apartments with daily in-house keeping. Vibe hotels are always friendly staffed, super affordable and provide quality comfort.”

“When visiting Melbourne I can not stress how much I love the Hotel Barkly studio apartments, the view isn't all that but it offers great comfort and privacy with the convince of stores close by. As a market lover it's important you check out Queen Victoria market in Melbourne and Paddy’s Market in Sydney. Both of which offer a wide range of items and surprising odd characters.”

My best tip… "It's important to be adventurous, get out there, walk, talk, look, listen and ask locals for their 'hot tips' – you never know what you could stumble across."

Some of my favourites:

Chill at Ice lounge, Southbank, Melbourne (great for the whole family) 

Queen Victoria Markets, Melbourne (fantastic for fresh produce and the odd bargain)

Absinthe Salon, Sydney (take a step back in time while grabbing a beverage, Old French styled decor)

Paddy’s Market, Sydney (well known and loved by all)

Bear Lodge, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane (great alternative live entertainment, with a classic lodge appeal)

Bellaboo Beauty Enterprise' is Australia's first mainstream Aboriginal model management, which is gaining an enormous amount support.  For more visit www.bellaboobeautyenterprise.com

Alison Carmichael-Rulten

Hi, I'm Alison Carmichael-Rulten the Publisher of Vacation Goddess, and I want to thank you for visiting Vacation Goddess – the one-stop shop for insider travel news, deals, 'Guest Goddes's stories, and of course our personal travel experiences. Plus, as we love to cruise we also try to find some amazing cruise deals for you too. From luxury, longer escapes right down to weekend breaks we know you love everything travel related. Here at Vacation Goddess, we hope you will find loads of inspiration and of course some amazing travel deals. We love a holiday at a great price and that's why we seek out what we call 'Champagne Experiences, on a Sparkling Wine Budget.' We constantly showcase a variety of special deals and offers and from time to time some very special competitions. Our recent 'Win a Trip to London' competition received over 24,00 entries. We invite you to visit us often, join our mailing list and please tell your friends