I love working in a creative environment, particularly with fashion and make up. I always wanted to be a model and won the Miss Deaf UK competition and entered Miss Deaf World. Following this I was contacted by the BBC via Facebook to enter Britain’s Missing Top Model. I thought it would be a new experience and an opportunity to work in TV so I decided to enter the competition.

Overall, the show was a good experience. I enjoyed meeting all the girls, learning about their individual disabilities and making new friends. I loved having my make-up and hair done for the photo shoots and catwalk. Winning one of the competitions was very satisfying, especially as I received a beautiful hat from Louis Mariette, the famous designer. However, the TV adverts were difficult and I did not enjoy doing them as they relied on my speech. What was most upsetting was being told to get speech therapy by one of the judges. My speech is part of my disability and although it is improving due to my enhanced hearing instruments, it will never be perfect. In retrospect I should have told the judge I would go to a speech therapist if he learned sign language.

I was slightly shocked at the other contestants' reactions toward deafness as a disability. I suppose deafness is not as visible and compared to their disabilities was less of a detriment to a modelling career. For a day I did make the girls wear ear plugs to see what it would be like to be deaf and I think this made them realise that my disability is just as challenging as theirs.

Since the show I have been appointed as a spokesperson and ambassador for Siemens Hearing Instruments. I speak out on important issues surrounding the subject of hearing loss. At the moment I am trying to communicate that people should not be embarrassed about hearing instruments. They are not just for older people and I am living proof of that. I am a fashion conscious, young person and I am happy with my hearing instruments. I am also a role model for younger deaf people, who I hope will follow me in accepting life’s challenges and fulfilling their ambitions.

I think it is important that people know about the changes a good hearing instrument can make to your life. Previously my hearing instruments whistled and I had trouble hearing people clearly when there was background noise. They were also quite unsightly. Now, Siemens have given me pink hearing instruments called REFLEX DSPs that automatically block out background noise and don’t whistle. They have also helped me to develop my speech, as I can hear what I’m saying more clearly.

I would advise other young deaf people to not be frightened to do something new and accept challenges because of your deafness. Stand proud about being deaf and help others see the challenges people with hearing difficulties face.

Don’t let bullying or other people’s ignorance affect you, your education or you career. Talk to your friends, family and those you trust for advice and support. Be yourself and have confidence that if you work hard enough you can do anything.

Read more about Kellie's appearance on Britain's Missing Top Model at the BBC.