Saint International supermodel Tami Williams has catapulted to the major leagues of the beauty industry with the October 1 announcement from cosmetics powerhouse Maybelline that the stunning Jamaican is the brand’s newest global advertising face and spokesperson. This major Maybelline moment is a first for any Jamaican model.

This, according to her management, has cemented Williams’ status as the most successful Jamaican model in more than 40 years. “Multiple magazine covers, record appearances for American Vogue, a runway résumé second to none, major catalogue clients, a Victoria Secrets fragrance campaign, the first black model since the legendary Iman to appear for the Calvin Klein main collection global campaign, and so many other fashion firsts, put her in a league of her own,” the man who engineered her global ascent, Deiwght Peters, Saint CEO, shared with The Sunday Gleaner.

While mum on the dollar value of the contract, which traditionally runs multiple years, the value added of a Maybelline ‘ambassador’ contract to a model’s career is undeniable. This means Williams will be appearing front and centre around the world in every media execution for the mega make-up brand. Maybelline has been outstanding in making its models into real supermodels. Adriana Lima, Christy Turlington, Jessica White, Gigi Hadid and others have become mainstream legends.

“I’m beyond happy and can’t wait to take everyone along this journey with me,” a justifiably excited Williams shared with The Sunday Gleaner on the phone from her New York apartment, having had to keep her history-making make-up contract under wraps for some time now. “To be chosen to represent Maybelline on a worldwide platform is a major accomplishment for me, and I’m humbled by it and certainly don’t take it lightly as a black Jamaican model working in the international industry.”

Speaking to The Sunday Gleaner exclusively were Tami’s international agents. Jon Ilani, of the chic Society Model Management of New York, the architect of the deal, stated: “Starting at the age of 15, walking every top runway and shooting for every major publication, she has grown to be an ethical and ambitious young woman. Tami’s passion for educational initiatives and scholarships fundraisers is exemplary. Her character and kindness are what keeps her at this level of the business.”

Her Milan agent, Marzia Bava from Why Not Models, Milan, shared: “From day one, Tami has been caring, genuinely nice, professional and determined.”

Paris-based agent Helene Bodet of Elite Paris, who has booked Williams for career-defining assignments in the French market agreed. “Tami deserves it. She is the perfect ambassador.”

Williams has steadily ascended to the upper echelons of her profession with an impressive profile working on global advertising campaigns for fashion’s elite, including Balmain, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi and Valentino.

Williams’ freshly inked Maybelline deal has already seen her appearing in previously filmed and photographed advertising spots for the brand’s Lifter Gloss, Color Strike eyeshadow, and a limited collection with Marvel which ranged from lipsticks and mascaras to highlighters.

“Tami had ‘it’. From the moment I met her at age 13, she was an extremely rare gem,” a proud Peters recalled. “Her amazing work ethic and strong sense of self-actualisation were evident even as a teenager when she first went to New York and made her debut for Alexander Wang in 2014. She’s laser-focused and knows that hard work brings results, and, while I’m truly happy for her, we have eyes set on Hollywood and that’s where we are heading,” a confident Peters outlined.