For nearly a decade Jamaican supermodel Jaunel McKenzie has been working the runways and fashion glossies of the world.

A product of Pulse’s Caribbean Model Search and the winner of the Fashion Model title in 2002, Mckenzie has gone on to creating records with her body of work which includes Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Essence, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, GAP and Lord and Taylor.

There is a defiant “No!” from the other end of the telephone when Splash puts the retirement question to the 25-year-old. She states that she has no plans to stop modelling, citing supermodel Naomi Campbell who is still making moves into her forties. Her latest accomplishment, and a major feat for 2011 was a 12-page spread in Italian Elle — a first time appearance in that publication. The charming model says she has also kept herself in the ‘biz’ by doing commercial work with appearances in catalogues for high-end clients Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Macy’s.

However, with all McKenzie’s success one major model milestone still eludes her.

“I would really love a make-up contract — it’s what all models dream of.” But how close is she to achieving this signature of a bonafide supermodel? “I believe I have as good a chance as anyone out there. I have come to realise that in this industry everything is possible,” she states.

For 2012 McKenzie says she is remaining current in a bid to maintain her status. As a result she is changing her agency — moving to Muse — and constantly reinventing her look to catch the eye of new clients. “As a model you must stay current, Now I am more into the gym — which I don’t like, I prefer to play a sport, but it is something I must do. I am also wearing my hair different, and changed the colour. I have cut my hair in the past, but I won’t be doing that again.”

Modelling aside, the question of marriage and a family came up, to which McKenzie shrieked with laughter, “you’ll have to ask my boyfriend about marriage!”

She has been in a six-year relationship with New York businessman and radio personality David ‘Squeeze’ Anakie, and the model says she is enjoying the relationship, as they are both comfortable with each other and the demands of each other’s careers

But there seems to be a burning desire to start a family. ” I’m dying to start a family, but, I am a firm believer in getting married before starting a family, so it has to come in that order.”

The model is mindful of the pressures that a family of her own can have on a modelling career. She states that one does have to sacrifice one for the other, “with time management and a strong sense of priorities it is possible to have it all,” she adds.

Her strong ties to her own family comes across in the interview when she describes her closeness with her siblings. She explains that her Christmas holiday in Jamaica is dedicated to spending time with her younger brother and sister. Evenings at the movies and just overall down time with her family have formed the major part of her nearly two-week stay on the Rock.