Name: India Tuersley
Agency: TESS Management
Age: 20
Nationality: British
India Tuersley. Photograph: Camilla Glorioso
How did you become a model? And why?
I was scouted by a hair stylist who put me in touch with TESS. I was about 13 at the time so my agency wanted me to concentrate on school first. It wasn’t until after my GCSEs that I signed with them. I felt lucky to have this opportunity so I was keen to pursue it.
Have you always wanted to be a model?
As I was scouted young, I guess I always thought it could be an option but I had always wanted to have a career in the creative industry, more specifically in photography.
Who are your heroes in life and in modelling?
My parents. In modelling probably Brigitte Bardot.
India Tuersley. Photograph: Camilla Glorioso
What is your present state of mind?
Happy and loving life.
What is your idea of happiness?
To be busy with a range of things. To be able to balance modelling with university as well as having a lot of time to see friends and family. And to be able to travel.
How would you like to be perceived by others?
Chilled, I guess, but I don’t really have a strong opinion of how I’d like to be perceived.
If you were not a model, what would you be?
I’ve just started university where I’m studying photography.
India Tuersley. Photograph: Camilla Glorioso
What do you miss most when you’re travelling?
Family and friends. I love travelling but in this industry you’re always working with new people, which is great, but it means you’re rarely working with people you’ve built a relationship with.
What is your favourite song or songs to walk to?
I couldn’t choose one song as I love a mixture of music. House, blues, jazz, electronic, lounge, electric techno, alternative R&B. It really just depends on the mood.
What would you say is the biggest myth or misperception about being a model?
That it isn’t a real job, or that it’s really easy. It’s understandable though as that’s how it’s portrayed to everyone through social media and magazines etc.
India Tuersley. Photograph: Camilla Glorioso
by Camilla Glorioso
All photographs: Camilla Glorioso
Casting: Sara Hesikova
India is on Instagram here.