Not only is Grace Dempsey hitting all the right notes as a jazz singer, she is also on her way to becoming one of the UK's top black models.
The striking 25-year-old, who is the lead singer of Grace And The Flat Boys, is now the darling of the fashion world with brands like Schuh and Trespass queuing up to use her in their campaigns. Grace, who performs with her band all over the UK, has also appeared on the covers of magazines and is one of Scotland's most sought after e-commerce models.
And as if being a top-class musician and model wasn't enough, the talented singer also has a day job as a youth worker - educating teachers and school pupils about anti-racism. Grace, who lives in Leith said being insanely busy is the secret to her success and believes all three of her careers fit together perfectly.
The 6ft Edinburgh University graduate, who is also the face of National Trust Scotland, said: "I just love performing, whether it is on stage, in front of a camera or when engaging a class full of kids. I don't like sitting still and the more I have to do, the more I get done and the happier I am. Modelling, singing and teaching all go hand in hand and complement each other.
"All three careers allow me to celebrate my multi-cultural background and I'm hoping I can inspire young black people to follow their dreams and achieve all their goals in life."
Grace, who was born in Birmingham and moved to Wallyford, East Lothian , when she was 14, is signed to Scotland's top agency Colours and f e l l in to professional modelling by chance.
The former St David's RC High School pupil, who is shooting a campaign for Virgin Hotels later this week, said: "I had no intention of ever being a model. When I was at uni, a friend who was studying photography asked if he could take pictures of me for one of his assignments. After that, more and more students asked if they could photograph me for their projects.
"I posted some of the pictures on my social media and in 2019 I ended up accidentally entering myself in the Scout Me Scotland competition, which is run by Colours and the Sunday Mail .
"I didn't win but I did get instantly signed to the agency and I have been modelling ever since and I love it. I've done everything from campaigns for Schuh, Trespass and M&Co to shoots for National Trust Scotland and Miller Homes.
"I've even appeared on the covers of magazines Tie The Knot and the Scottish Wedding Directory - my mum bought so many copies. I've also done lots of e-comm."
Grace, who would love to land a campaign for Virgil Abloh's high-end streetwear brand Off-White, added: "I'm definitely a commercial model but I have done some runway work, including a show at Dumfries House in Ayrshire for the Prince's Trust. I 'd love to do more. I'm 6ft so I have the height.
"Covid kicked in just as I was starting out but, now everything has calmed down, I would love to do catwalk shows all over the world. New York, Paris, Milan - I'm up for it all."
Grace, whose mum's family hails from Jamaica and whose dad is of English and Irish descent, admitted that, although the world of modelling has become more diverse, it still has a long way to go.
The outdoor pursuits instructor, who would love to walk for Alexander McQueen, said: "There are a lot more black models than there used to be and more and more brands are hiring people outside the usual model stereotypes but there are still changes to be made.
"I've always looked up to models who are abnormal, quirky and different. Those with untameable hair or those who are super tall or super dark-skinned. I love that I am now breaking the stereotypes like they are.
"I haven't encountered serious racism in modelling but there have been little things, like hairdressers who don't know black people's hair. I think stylists should be trained to tackle all hair types."
Grace, who works for Intercultural Youth Scotland as an anti-racist pro-black education practitioner, works in Queen Anne's High School in Dunfermline and Edinburgh's James Gillespie's High School.
The singer, who has an honours degree in biology, said: "I was studying to be a teacher but I put that on hold because I wanted to see real change and real conversations being had about racism in schools.
"There is a lack of understanding about what racism is. A lot of people think it is just name-calling or police brutality but it's also the little things that are systemic in society and certain privileges we don't have .
"There is still a long way to go when it comes to dealing with racism in schools but there is recognition that something needs to be done. As a mixed-race person, I can speak about these things from an educational and a personal perspective. The kids appreciate I know what I am talking about."
Grace, who is looking forward to festivals in the summer with her jazz band, only started singing when she was at uni and is shocked and delighted the group are doing so well.
She said: "I did piano for a year at school and started making up my own songs - that's when I caught the singing bug. When I went to Edinburgh Uni, I started jamming in The Dog House and Henry's Cellar Bar and that's where I met the rest of the band. There are five of us and we have been together since 2018.
"We play two gigs a month and we are getting asked to play at festivals all over the UK. This summer we are playing the Kelburn Garden Party, Fyne Fest and Otherlands at Scone Palace. It's crazy. We also have an EP coming out later in the year. Life really is good at the moment and I wouldn't change a thing."
Alison Bruce, of Colours, said: "We hope Grace's success will help inspire more black and Asian girls to follow in her footsteps and enter the world of modelling. Grace has a brilliant work ethic and is a great role model. She will go far."
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