Kamloops quarter-finalist in Maxim Australia cover model contest encouraging body positivity

KAMLOOPS – A Kamloops resident is now one of three Canadians left in an international contest to be featured as a cover model for Maxim Australia.

Emily Collins, 33, is a mother of three, and works at the Westsyder Pub in Kamloops. After exiting a damaging relationship, Collins says she has been focused on rebuilding her life and family.

When the Maxim Australia opportunity came up, Collins says she saw it as a way to regain confidence in her appearance, and be an example to other women struggling with poor self-image or a harmful relationship.

“The competition has just been over a month now, and I’ve had past friends, people from high school who I haven’t spoken to in 15 years and even strangers message me and tell me they’re inspired by me and that reading my story has definitely empowered them and helped give them some confidence to start to move past bad relationships, or to get out there and be their own advocate,” she explains. “It’s really rewarding to know that being vulnerable and sharing my story publicly is helping other women to have the confidence to move forward in their lives, too.”

Maxim Australia is touted as one of the world’s largest men’s magazine brands. The publication holds yearly competitions to give aspiring models a chance to be featured. Collins is currently in first place in the quarter-final round.

The photos submitted to the contest were taken by Collins’ partner, Brian Venier, during drives through Westsyde Road, Paul Lake Road, McArthur Island and Jamieson Creek. She says the photo sessions have become somewhat of a bonding experience for the couple.

“I’m the only B.C. person that I know of, and I’m one of only three Canadians that are still in the competition right now,” she explains, noting that she’s hopeful to garner some local support. If Collins holds on to the first place spot until Thursday (Oct. 15), she’ll move on to the semi-finals. After the final week of competition, the winner will be chosen October 29.

Should the Kamloops resident take first place, she already has an idea of how she’d spend the $10,000 in prize money.

“If I were to win the $10,000, along with getting flown to Australia for the cover shoot, I’d definitely use that money to make positive memories with my family, and create memories that were happy to look back on and not so damaged.”

Online voting is free, and can be done every 24 hours through this link : https://au.maximcovergirl.com/2020/emily-collins .