Roots in Worcester, South Africa

Born and raised in Worcester, South Africa, Inge Carolus has always carried her heritage close to her heart. At just 28 years old, she has already built a career that spans healthcare, fashion, acting, and humanitarian work.

“No matter where I go in life or what I achieve, my cultural roots will always be part of me,” Inge reflects.

Her story is not just about glamour but about grit, determination, and using her platform to inspire women and children worldwide.

A Passion for Healing and Helping

In 2019, Inge graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational Therapy and began working in orthopaedics, paediatrics, and surgical rehabilitation. From babies with developmental challenges to patients recovering from brain injuries, she found meaning in helping people rebuild their lives.

“My patients inspire me to live each day to the fullest. Healing others has taught me that every day is truly a gift,” she says.

Her healthcare background gave her a deeper purpose, one that would later influence her approach to fashion and advocacy.

Ballet, Wellness, and the Power of Fitness

Before medicine, there was ballet. Inge danced on world-renowned stages, even performing with the Australian Ballet and the National Theatre Ballet in Melbourne. Yet, behind the curtain, she faced the immense physical and psychological demands of the art form.

She battled injuries, eating disorders, and setbacks—but ultimately found strength in fitness and wellness.

“The gym gave me power, strength, and beauty again. Fitness saved me during my darkest moments,” she shares.

This resilience became the foundation of her philosophy: that women can be strong, multifaceted, and limitless.

Breaking into Acting and Modelling

Alongside her work as an occupational therapist, Inge stepped into the spotlight as an actress on New Zealand’s iconic drama Shortland Street and in several Netflix productions. But her biggest ambition was modelling—particularly on the global stage.

With determination, she trained under professional model coaches, walking numerous runways before landing major brand campaigns and features in over 20 international fashion magazines across New York, Los Angeles, and Milan.

“People told me I didn’t fit the height requirements or the beauty standards, but I refused to let their opinions define me. Persistence always wins,” she explains.

Making Waves in New York Fashion Week

In 2025, Inge achieved a dream she once thought impossible: walking the runway at New York Fashion Week. She was hand-selected as an official model for Marc Defang New York, one of the city’s most prestigious designer brands.

“Walking in New York was a dream come true. It proved to me that with faith and hard work, any dream can become reality,” she says with pride.

Her appearance cemented her status as not just a model, but a voice of change in the fashion world.

Humanitarian Impact: Beyond the Runway

Inge’s mission goes far beyond fashion. She is the founder of the Inge Carolus Global Impact Movement, working with World Vision to fight poverty and support children across Africa.

She has raised funds for nutritious food, clean water, disability resources, and life-saving medical care. Through initiatives like “A Touch of Class”, she combined ballet with charity, raising over $6,000 for children’s mental health programs.

Her work earned her honorary recognition for humanitarian aid, further cementing her role as a changemaker.

“Beauty means nothing if it’s not used to impact lives. My purpose is to spread love, hope, and healing in the world,” Inge emphasizes.

A Voice for Women and the Next Generation

As a motivational speaker, Inge regularly addresses schools, dance academies, and global audiences. She encourages young girls to embrace their uniqueness, reject limiting beliefs, and dream fearlessly.

“I want to represent every woman who has been told she’s not enough. We are more than one thing—we are powerful, multifaceted, and unstoppable,” she declares.

Looking Ahead

With plans to continue modelling across Europe, Africa, Australia, and the USA, while also expanding her acting career, Inge shows no signs of slowing down. Her dual role as a healthcare professional and international model challenges stereotypes and inspires women worldwide.