In an industry that often seems worlds away from the daily grind, a group of nine models from Halifax are proving that passion doesn’t punch out at 5 p.m. The Coast sat down and chatted with these local talents who clock into day jobs as engineers, financial advisors or teachers before stepping into the spotlight on runways and in front of cameras.
Each model shared how they go from working as a server to serving face on a runway. Through candid interviews, they share their timelines in the modelling world, the challenges of navigating dual careers and the drive that keeps them grounded in a fast-paced, competitive industry. From stilettos to steel-toes, these models show that ambition isn’t limited.
Christine Potter: Model, financial advisor | @wadadlichrissy
Christine Potter’s journey into modelling began somewhat by chance after an open call for The Mills Halifax Fashion Week — one she initially thought went unnoticed due to a misspelt email address. “I did not hear back from anyone, and then I realized I booked over five designers on my first season.”
“After the opening show, my agent pulled me aside and said, ‘We’ll talk about a contract after this is done,’” she recalled. Originally from Antigua and Barbuda, Potter moved to Halifax in 2020 to study finance at Saint Mary’s University. Today, she balances her role as a financial advisor with a growing career in fashion, as one Nova Scotia’s top models.
For Potter, fashion is more than just clothing — it is a powerful form of self-expression and representation. “Fashion can represent society at large,” she said. “People express who they truly are through hair, makeup, and style.” She also embraces the visibility of transgender models like Ale Consani and Amara Extravaganza on the runway, noting the importance of diverse representation in the industry. “I appreciate being referred to as a queer icon in Halifax, but I don’t feel I’m quite at the level to claim that role yet.”
Balancing a 9-to-5 with modelling is challenging. “I talk to clients all day, manage chores, train, and work with photographers. It can be draining,” Potter admitted. She stressed the importance of making time for self-care to avoid burnout. Potter has walked at New York, Paris and Milan fashion weeks and has appeared in magazines such as Photohouse, Vanguard and Flanelle. “I’ve probably spent over $5,000 on modelling to get where I am,” she said. “I do it for the love of it, and that’s why I make sure to give myself the time and space to enjoy it.”
Potter has worked with Crumbl Cookies, Khush Mizaj, the upcoming TV show Fashionably Great, Nocturne, among others. She jokes that she has still not been recognized at her day job, and hopes to keep it that way.
Andrew MacSwain: Model, physical education teacher, yoga instructor | @andrew_macswain
Balancing a runway with a gym whistle is all in a day’s work for Andrew MacSwain, a professional model and physical education teacher based in Halifax. Represented by City Models, MacSwain is also a certified fitness and yoga instructor — a trio of roles that speaks to both discipline and creativity. “Modelling is pretty inconsistent with the amount of work you get,” he said. “That’s why a lot of models have another career. I’ve found a balance that works for me.”
MacSwain’s modelling career began with a chance encounter at the gym in high school. “I was first scouted while working out. A photographer reached out, and one thing led to another,” he recalled. “I promised myself that once I finished my studies, I’d move to Toronto to give modelling a fair shot.” That promise led to international editorials, including a GQ Turkey feature, campaigns for Pierre Cardin and Nova Scotia Tourism, and even 13 romance novel covers. After several years of modelling full-time, MacSwain returned to teaching for stability, but he never left the runway. “As a male model, you often get more work as you grow older. I parked modelling for a while, got my teaching career off the ground, and then came back.”
Having worked in cities like Toronto, Milan, Istanbul, and Amsterdam, MacSwain is passionate about building opportunities at home. “It would be nice to have more brands come to our region to shoot — we have the infrastructure and the talent,” he said. “Modelling is a fun, creative space. Even though our scene is still growing, I’m proud to have been part of building it.”
Chancey Alexandra Laura Munden: Model, server | @chancey.munden
Chancey Alexandra Laura Munden’s modelling journey began unexpectedly in 2016, when she was scouted by Solitha Shortte, her agent with Soli Management. “I was at my grandmother’s house, and I told my dad I wanted to model,” she said. “Then I went out to the deck where my agent was talking to my cousin — and she signed me too.” Since then, Munden has built a flourishing career, being named Nova Scotia’s Top Model, walking in major fashion weeks across New York, Paris, Milan and Halifax, while also serving as the face of Soli Swim. She has featured in publications such as Phothouse Magazine, Vanguard and Pump.
From a young age, Munden was drawn to fashion and performance. “I used to put on my mother’s highest heels and perform,” she said. “Modelling brings out a confidence and an alter ego in me — it’s a crazy, thrilling feeling. There’s no other way I’d want to live my life.” Alongside her modelling career, she works as a server, a job she chose to develop social skills and networking skills, she says are essential in the industry. “I save my tips and put them straight back into modelling,” she added. “Investing in yourself is key.”
Munden hopes to see Halifax’s modelling scene grow. “At auditions this year, I saw the lineup and looking at all the talent that came out, all the new faces — it’s truly an incredible experience,” she said. With professional coaching from Soli Coaching and top runway coach Jessica Gregory, Munden has ambitious goals. “I want to be on the cover of Vogue and walk for Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Victoria’s Secret and Versace, among others. I am going to be the biggest star ever.”
Tanveer Singh Pannu: Model, health-care professional | @tanveersinghpannu
For Tanveer Singh Pannu, a health-care worker by day and commercial model and actor wherever he gets the chance, life in Canada has been a balancing act of ambition, resilience and creativity. Represented by Maritime Model & Talent Management, Pannu moved from Amritsar, India, to Canada in 2021, and settled in Halifax in 2023. “I’ve always liked being on stage,” he said in an interview. “It started with standup comedy, and every time I got the opportunity to perform, I took it. That led me to theatre and modelling.”
Pannu’s journey into the industry began modestly after arriving in Toronto. A friend connected him with a director casting for a music video, giving him his first on-camera opportunity. But like many immigrants, his early days in Canada were focused on survival. “When I first moved here, I didn’t have time to pursue a passion,” he said. “I was working two jobs — as a health-care worker and a security officer — to make ends meet.” Since April 2024, he has begun travelling for modelling and acting opportunities, all while continuing his nursing work. “Nursing is a valuable job. It’s tough, but it’s made me mentally strong. That strength helps me in modelling — staying grounded, level-headed and focused despite the competition.”
Now preparing to walk in The Mills HFW, Pannu has built a growing portfolio, including commercial campaigns for Mr. Fade, Tori Dori and Success Route immigration centre. This fall, he’ll take a major step forward in his acting career, starring as a lead in the upcoming film DÆR RAAT, set to begin filming in September. “It’s exciting to see how far I’ve come,” he said. “Canada has opened doors, and I’m just getting started.”
Stacey Moser: Model, production co-ordinator and manager (TV and film) @staceym_model
Stacey Moser never imagined she’d step in front of the camera after decades behind the desk and then after retirement — but at 53, she’s become one of Halifax’s most recognizable faces in fashion. Represented by Soli Management, Moser is also a freelance production co-ordinator and manager in TV and film. Moser also focuses on underwater film and videography. “Last year was my year to say yes to things,” she said. “Modelling was something new, outside my comfort zone — but that’s where the fun is.”
Moser was first introduced to the industry while working on the set of the TV series Style East, where a designer encouraged her to try modelling. Since then, she’s walked for designers like Tilted Veil and Judith & Charles. She’s also appeared in campaigns for Nova Scotia Health and The Bedford Skin Clinic. “The first time someone recognized me as a model was at the Nova Scotia Screen Awards,” she recalled. “A woman came up to me and said, ‘I know you — you’re a model, aren’t you?’ That moment meant a lot.”
After retiring early from a corporate career in business and marketing in 2019, Moser shifted into film production. Now, modelling has become another creative outlet. “I used to think there was an age barrier to modelling,” she said. “But we need models in my demographic. I don’t want to see fashion for my age group on someone in their 20s — that’s not realistic.” Her message is simple: challenge stereotypes, enjoy life, and keep evolving. “My goal now is to do everything that pleases me. Modelling, surfing — whatever it is, I just want to keep living my best life.”
Karsten Greene: Model, journalist | @kars10greene
Karsten Greene’s journey into modelling began shortly after graduating from journalism school, somewhat unexpectedly. “My friends were going to auditions for The Mills HFW, and I didn’t think I had the look,” he said. “But they convinced me to go, and long story short, my agent tapped me there. The rest is history.” Represented by Soli Management, Greene now balances two very different careers: one in front of the camera, the other behind the camera, sometimes with a notepad and a pen.
“Modelling brings out a side of me I didn’t know was there,” he said. “It’s like being Superman and Clark Kent — with modelling, I’m expressing myself at the forefront, but journalism is where I observe and report.” Growing up shy and reserved, Greene admits modelling has been a transformative experience. “I’m still coming to terms with it. Compliments used to make me uncomfortable, but now I’m learning to accept and embrace this new identity.”
Greene is set to walk for designers like The Silk Route and VOLLTEGA during The Mills HFW — a milestone he calls “an incredible opportunity” to showcase his evolving persona. “This journey is about self-expression and growth,” he said. “If I can inspire others who look like me to pursue their dreams, that’s a bonus.” Balancing shoots and deadlines, Greene continues to give his all to both his modelling and journalism careers, proving it’s possible to thrive in two very different worlds.
He hopes to be the face of Kipling, “I have been carrying their bags for modelling auditions and when I am on the field as a journalist,” said Greene. In addition to that, he hopes to work with brands like Converse, Hugo Boss and Adidas.
Watson Teng: Model, brand strategist | @teng_citymodels
Watson Teng didn’t plan on becoming a model — in fact, his first brush with the industry came through a singing competition. “My friend signed me up for Voice of China,” he laughed. “My singing ability is very questionable, and after posting a video for the public voting round, a judge came up to me after the audition and said, ‘Let’s quit singing and maybe start modelling.’” That encounter introduced him to his current agent at City Models, and from there, his career in commercial fashion took off.
Since then, Teng has worked with brands like Columbia and Halifax Shopping Centre, and has been featured in campaigns for Pseudo and other lifestyle brands. “For me, modelling doesn’t feel like work — it feels like fun,” he said. “I only take gigs when they come up, and I enjoy every part of it.” By day, Teng works as a brand strategist, collaborating with fashion labels on marketing campaigns and social media. “Sometimes, brands I work with end up booking me as a model through my agency — so I get to be on both sides of the campaign. That’s the best part.”
Teng, who is one of Nova Scotia’s top commercial male models, is looking ahead to potential shoots with Gymshark, Roots and Old Navy. But alongside his professional success, he’s also passionate about better representation. “There’s a lack of Asian visibility in fashion,” he said. “Asians tend to be more reserved, but that shouldn’t mean we’re left out. Fashion is global, and representation matters — I’d love to see more Asian faces in campaigns and on runways.”
Mikayla Williams: Model, artist | @mikaylawillliams
Mikayla Williams’ modelling journey began at just 15 — not on a runway, but in a hair salon, flipping through fashion magazines.
“I didn’t see women who looked like me in those magazines,” she said. “I thought, how do I get here?” Her mother, recognizing her daughter’s excitement, asked her hairstylist how Mikayla could get involved. The stylist recommended a local fashion show at what was then the Centre of Art and Technology, now known as da Vinci College.
“She kind of ‘voluntold’ me,” Williams laughed. “She said, ‘You’re a woman who goes after her dreams,’ and signed me up for my first runway show. ”From there, Williams was scouted by Cheryl Chafe of City Models. She would later sign with Maritime Model & Talent Management under the guidance of Chafe.
Over the past 13 years, Williams has built a career on the runway and in front of the camera. She’s appeared in commercials for Bar Sofia, Blue Cross, Darya and NSCC, and worked on campaigns for Tourism Nova Scotia. She’s also featured in the TV series Ocean Playground.
Her modelling credits include appearances in 21 magazines over the past five years — six of which were cover features. A multi-hyphenate creative, Williams is also a professional abstract artist and entrepreneur.
“Art is a form of expression, and it translates into my modelling,” she said. “I even incorporate fashion brands into my paintings — I’m constantly inspired by what I see on the runway. ”With more than a decade in the industry, Williams is a vocal advocate for fair pay and inclusion in fashion.
“Running a business, I know the value of investing in yourself — but models deserve to see that investment returned,” she said. “I’m loving the diversity we’re seeing in Halifax’s fashion scene, but we need more paying opportunities and continued representation. Everyone deserves to be seen and valued.”
Alyssa Landmann: Model, engineer | @alyssa.landmann
Alyssa Landmann didn’t wait to be discovered — she went out and found her way in. The Brazilian-born model and engineer began her modelling career in 2023 by reaching out directly to her agent at Soli Management after researching local opportunities. “Many people have stories about being scouted, but I was hungry,” she said. “I sent her a DM, and from our first conversation, the connection was instant. The vision aligned — and the journey set sail.”
Since then, Landmann has built a striking portfolio, shooting for Envy & Grace, Pseudo, and appearing on the covers of LAMOUR FASHION and Untold. Her editorial work includes features in Gladys Magazine, Feather Magazine, 6X, and Style Cruze. She’s also collaborated with East Coast Lifestyle, Alfa Swimwear, Supplement King and EVLTN Fitness. All this, while working full-time in engineering. “Balancing both careers is empowering,” she said. “Engineering challenges my problem-solving side, while modelling lets me express my creativity. It’s the balance that keeps me grounded.”
From site visits in the field to hitting the runway by evening, Landmann thrives on the adrenaline of juggling both passions. “It’s not easy, especially as an immigrant. There are challenges,” she said. “But your mind is your power, and your confidence is your spark.” Proudly representing women with both beauty and brains, she hopes her journey inspires others to break stereotypes and chase their dreams. “You can do both — don’t let anyone box you in. Just keep grinding.”
From engineers and educators to artists, healthcare professionals and strategists, these individuals are redefining what it means to be a model; bringing intellect, resilience and lived experience to every shoot, show and campaign. They are proof that representation in fashion includes not only diverse faces, but diverse lives.
This article appears in Aug 1-31, 2025.