It’s hard to imagine that the exquisitely beautiful Sanya Hughes won the Miss Jamaica Universe title in 2002 – a decade ago. Fact is, she was a mere teen but a determined one who has over the last 10 years added acting to her modelling career, and Los Angeles as her place of abode. SO caught up with Sanya who shares 10 special moments.

1) Specially selected actress as in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Starring Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz (she played the role of ‘Mermaid’. The movie grossed over $1 billion worldwide.

2) Invited to host a party at Chateau Nightclub in Las Vegas.

3) Celebrity promo shoot for Sugar Factory in Las Vegas.

4) Beauty campaign for Bare Minerals featured in US Sephora stores, and Selfridges in London and other major UK department stores.

5) National US TV commercial for Honda, Budweiser and Corona.

6) Fashion Show in Trafalgar Square for London Week Of Peace.

7) New York Fashion Week and Miami Mercedes Benz Swim Fashion Week.

8) Cover shoot for BlackHair magazine.

9) Trophy model for MTV Video Music Awards.

10) Styled by celebrity stylists Charlene Roxborough and ‘Fidgy Fab’ (who are both Jamaican) and Nicole Miller LA.

(Photos appear in SO courtesy of Sanya Hughes)