Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2019 | Page 32

introverted teenager, she has, after her time spent in Paris, “come into her own” and she is now ready for the Bal des Débutantes” Articulate and quietly intelligent, it isn’t all about Parisian fashion and photoshoots for Rhyan. She is currently attending boarding school in Canada, pursuing courses in Film, Language and Literature with the aim of embarking on a career in the Arts, and many of her summers have been spent working at her family- owned Coco Palm Resorts, in Rodney Bay, St. Lucia. Confidently, Rhyan expressed , “I think the program with Vincent was very impactful on my life as I got to grow as a model and a person, and expand my skills and self-confidence. In working with him, I had the privilege of meeting many people who helped me on this journey and would do it again.” Rhyan’s program culminated with a photoshoot amidst the streets of Paris, where appreciative on-lookers witnessed beauty, elegance, grace and composure in action. The photoshoot was a fun, yet daring experience for her, “It was very challenging because I am usually reserved, but this experience pushed me out of my comfort zone. I had to learn to ignore who is watching me. It also forced me to experiment with wearing different types of clothes. As the shoot continued, I learned to become accustomed to being in public with passersby observing as if I was the sole performer at an event,” Rhyan shared. By the end of the photoshoot, confidence emerged, true inner poise and grace were manifested and an aptitude for modelling was discovered. As Vincent expressed: “Throughout this entire program, Rhyan was a pleasure to work with and her hard work over these two weeks have borne fruit. Initially an Rhyan is also active in her community. Being the daughter of a political figure, she has been involved in public events as far back as she can remember. “I have been on the campaign trail with my father since I was a young girl and often participated in charity events to support local communities and families. In recent years, I have been increasingly involved in my grandmother’s charity “Pawasol Pour Ti Manmai” (Children’s Umbrella Charity) which focuses on supporting the medical needs of underprivileged kids and also providing them with the tools necessary to attend school,” Rhyan said. The last Friday of every month when she is on the island, you will find her with her grandmother at Rodney Bay’s Flea Market, supporting this cause. Rhyan also assists her mother, Raquel, with her dozens of Community Nights which are regular fundraisers held all over the island to raise funds for needy persons and causes in rural communities. Mrs. Du Boulay-Chastanet, a St. Lucian Attorney by profession, also hosts an Officers’ Ball each year through her “Make It Happen Foundation”, where funds are raised to support the work of police and firefighters on the island, as well as a Prime Minister’s Independence Ball which raises funds for numerous charities. This year, the proceeds of the Ball held in February went to 15 different charitable organizations. “I am a part of each of these charity events in some capacity and by my participation, I have become acutely aware of the importance of helping others,” Rhyan said.