Lucy Evangelista is our kind of gal.

The former Miss UK and Miss Northern Ireland has proved she's got brains as well as beauty by setting up her own modelling school, Voodoo IMS, along with fashion photographer, Ciaran O'Neill.

Rather than go down the model agency route, Lucy decided to set up a school in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter to help aspiring models at the first stage in their career.

"I started modelling at the age of 15," Lucy tells Sugahfix, "but I had no guidance and no idea who to talk to or where to start. I set up Voodoo International Modelling School to give girls the advice and security that I didn't have.

As well as fulfilling the role of model school boss, Lucy is still forging a career in front of the camera herself.

"I've just finished doing Spring/Summer shows at Belfast FASHIONWEEK and now we're on tour around Ireland for a number of weekends with Appletiser Stylefix.

"A lot of girls want to be models, but to be a successful model you need a sharp business brain.

"You need to be able to communicate with clients and promote their products to the required target market."

The idea to set up the school came to Lucy a number of years ago, but rather than rush into it, she waited to find the right location and the right team.

"I spent some time researching all the areas involved with opening a modelling school.

"I worked a lot with Ciaran and Simon O'Neill, another photographer in the team - both of them are award-winning photographers and members of the Professional Photographers Association of Northern Ireland (PPANI) - and was very comfortable with their relaxed attitude with clients."

Working on model portfolios is just one aspect of the school.

"Different people attend the classes for different reasons," explains Lucy.

"There are people looking for a confidence boost and others who just want to get beautiful and funky pictures for their Facebook page.

"The day involves real-time professional photo shoots, with hair and make-up changes.

"Many of the students have become great friends and Voodoo IMS has a private network where students keep in touch and pass on information about jobs and castings, and we can also offer help and advice where we can."

A Voodoo class costs £195 and the team also includes a make-up artist and a hairdresser.

Students start with hair and make-up, for close-ups and full-length shots, then Lucy teaches catwalk moves and has one-on-one time with students to see what each one would like to get out of the day.

"We then make things more exciting with themed photo shoots, from bridal to rock star, often mixing contrasting themes for a cutting edge look."

The day ends with a group shot in true Next Top Model style.

So far, the school's successes have included three Miss Ireland 2009 finalists, two Miss NI 2009 finalists, one Miss Earth Belfast 2010 and Laura Warke, who won Maiden of Mournes 2009.

Rather than counting trophies though, Lucy is more pleased about the changes she sees in formerly shy students, new mothers and girls who have suffered a tough time in their lives and lack confidence.

"Other students have wanted to learn how to stand in front of a camera to make the most of their wedding photographs, or to get better photographs to boost their business profiles.

"We see people feel much better about themselves by the time they leave," says Lucy, "the feedback we get on our Facebook page is fantastic."

The success of the school is a testimony to both Lucy's professionalism and her skill in tapping into what people want from the courses.

As for the future, there are exciting plans in the pipeline, but, for now, Lucy's keeping them to herself.

"Voodoo is now in a competitive market, as other modelling schools have set up recently.

"But," she reveals, "we are always looking for exciting new angles and ways to move Voodoo forward.

"I'll keep modelling myself for as long as I can, but I think it's time for a change and I'm enjoying watching the new up-and-coming talent that's coming through the school.

"Watch this space for the Voodoo girls and guys hitting the catwalk!"

Lucy, we couldn't have put it better ourselves!

Voodoo International Modelling School, 52 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB. Visit www.voodooims.com , email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone (028) 9023 7299. Become a fan on facebook by clicking here.

West Coast Cooler FASHION WEEK catwalk images by Jessica Weber for Sugahfix.com