March 26, 2014 9.08 am This story is over 120 months old

Former Miss UK and entrepreneur open Lincoln modelling agency

Lincoln beauty: An aspiring business woman and a former Miss UK have joined forces to launch a Lincoln modelling agency.

Aspiring business woman Shaunna East and former Miss UK and Miss-Pick-Me-Up Nicola Willoughby have joined forces to launch a new modelling agency in Lincoln.

USN Models is based at The Terrace in Lincoln and launches officially on April 26, with a meet-and-greet open day and taster session.

The agency will be working alongside Lincoln College in the hopes to offer an experience hub for aspiring students in the beauty and media industries.

At the studio, the agency will work with local photographer Scott Murray.

Photo: Scott Murray

Photo: Scott Murray

The team plan to support men and women of all shapes and sizes, and plans for the future include local pageants and fashion shows, plus employment opportunities and apprenticeships.

Shaunna East said: “Growing up I excelled in politics and business. Having children young and being branded a “teen mum” I felt my dreams of being a business woman were out the door.

“With help from Prince’s Trust we hope to take Lincoln by storm and create new jobs for young adults and hopefully bring apprentices and work experience stretching from, models, beauty, photography to admin.

“We not only want success for ourselves and our families but recreate jobs for those who are branded failures before they get a chance.”

The USN Modelling studio is located at The Terrace in Lincoln and will be launched on April 26.

The USN Modelling studio is located at The Terrace in Lincoln and will be launched on April 26.

Nicola Willoughby added: “My career began when I was just 18 years old. I was attending North Lincolnshire College and during a work placement I was entered into a beauty competition in the popular weekly magazine Take A Break.

“I scooped the title Miss United Kingdom 1999 and have worked with publications such as Elle Magazine, FHM Magazine and OK Magazine.

“I have been extremely lucky and its been a real pleasure — tough but rewarding — and I hope I can now pass on my knowledge and expertise to other budding models.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about opportunities at USN Models can call 07701027271, or email [email protected].