'I'd work all day for $20': Miranda Kerr recalls humble beginnings working as a check-out chick before she became one of the world's highest-paid models

By Benge Nsenduluka For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 19:16 EDT, 2 November 2016 | Updated: 03:47 EDT, 3 November 2016

She was named the third highest-paid model in the world in 2014.

But before Miranda Kerr, 33, got her big break, the self-made millionaire was working as a 'check-out chick' earning a measly $20 per day.

'I worked at Crazy Prices as a check-out chick and I also worked at a hair salon making cups of tea and sweeping hair,' she recently told WHO magazine.

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Humble beginnings: Miranda Kerr (pictured here in one of her very first modelling snaps) recently recalled working at Crazy Prices as a 'check-out chick' in her teens, where she earned a measly $20 per day

'... I'd work all day for $20 and I thought that was amazing ... I've always supported myself financially.'

The Victoria's Secret beauty began modelling at age 13 after winning a Dolly modelling competition, but only participated in photo shoots during school holidays and she later began working in retail.

During her early twenties, she moved to New York City where she initially struggled to find her feet.

Not so glam: '... I'd work all day for $20 and I thought that was amazing ... I've always supported myself financially,' she told WHO magazine

'It was hard at the beginning ... I was staying in a model house, it was like, five girls and one bathroom and they really were not clean - and I was a clean freak!' she recalled.

Since the late 90s, mother-of-one Miranda has gone on to model for the likes of international designers including Chanel, Dior and Roberto Cavalli. 

In 2014, she was named by Forbes magazine as the third most highest-paid model, with a reported income of $7.57 million.

Happy: The model, who was once married to actor Orlando Bloom, is currently engaged to billionaire Snapchat co-founder/CEO Evan Spiegel

In addition to her successful modelling career, the beauty has fronted campaigns for Maybelline New York and Qantas as well we writing self-help books, while dabbling in skincare and fine china teaware design.

Speaking of her success, she previously told lifestyle website The Grace Tales that success should not be limited to career achievements and material goods. 

'Success is a funny thing, because I feel like being successful is kind of just doing the best you can do,' she said.

Success: In 2014, she was named by Forbes magazine as the third most highest-paid model, with a reported income of $7.57 million

'Being kind to yourself and others. It's not necessarily about what you have or haven't done, it's more about the way you feel.

She added: 'If you feel you are doing things, which are true to your heart and you are passionate about, then that's successful.' 

The model, who was once married to actor Orlando Bloom, is currently engaged to billionaire Snapchat co-founder/CEO Evan Spiegel.

Opening up: Speaking of her success, she previously told lifestyle website The Grace Tales that success should not be limited to career achievements and material goods. The beauty said: 'Being kind to yourself and others. It's not necessarily about what you have or haven't done, it's more about the way you feel'

For more: The beauty's interview appeared in the latest issue of WHO magazine, which is currently on news stands

 

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