Model Nadia Forde has been quite open in the past about her family circumstances. She was raised in Clontarf, Dublin by her nana, Bernadette Paulozzi, who Nadia calls “a saint.”
Speaking to The Independent, the 25-year-old has now opened up on what it was like growing up having her nana as her role model, and how she helped shape her life into the one it is today.
“The best way to say it is my nan took over the responsibilities of raising me and my brother when I was eight years old. She’s loving, glamorous, fiercely protective, and stubborn.
“She’s sensitive yet she’s pretty much the head of our family. She’s also hilarious, even when she’s not trying to be funny,” she said.
Bernadette has influenced Nadia in many ways, and the Dublin admits that she’s the main reason that she got into modelling in the first place.
“We were shopping for my communion dress, so I was about seven years old. The lady who owned the shop asked my nan if I could be part of her photoshoot in her shop ads . My nana agreed and from that job I got an agency and that was it.
“I used to model a couple of times a year, all throughout school and then I signed with Assets at 16. It was a great way to pay for my singing and dance classes so I enjoyed modelling at that age. It was like playing dress-up,” she said.
Bernadette also instilled some life lessons in her granddaughter. She taught her to never give up and for that reason is a huge rock for the gorgeous brunette.
“One thing I’ve learnt from her is never give up, professionally or personally. My nana has experienced a lot of highs and lows in her life but she’s never let it stop her. She just keeps going, keeps herself busy, learns the lesson and moves on.
“Sometimes when I reach moments in my life where I could choose to quit, she’s the first one to tell me otherwise. Even if I haven’t discussed anything with her, she’ll call me and already know what’s going on.”
She sounds like a fantastic woman.
