Minnesota State University Reporter

Issue date: 3/4/08 Section: Speakers and Presentations

Didiayer Snyder is a former Miss Australia and model who is now a designer for the ABC hit show "Extreme Home Makover: Home Edition."

Modeling and carpentry might be polar opposites in the career spectrum to some, but Didiayer Snyder has managed to fit those and many more achievements and contributions into her life.

Snyder is the only former Miss Australia to hold degrees in carpentry and design. She is a designer on ABC's Emmy Award-winning show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." She started modeling as a teenager and has been a part of the fashion industry for 19 years, working with the some of the world's top designers, including Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci and Versace.

"I like to use the modeling industry as a vehicle to be able to get out there and educate, travel the world, meet people and do extraordinary things," said Snyder of her modeling career and the many doors it opened for her. "At the end of the day, though, it's just a small part of who you are, and you should have future goals."

Snyder will be in Mankato Thursday with ProScout for a free open-call interview session. The session times are at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., with everyone ages 4 and up welcome. It will be held at the Country Inn & Suites Hotel & Conference Center. Those interested in pursuing careers in the entertainment industry will have a chance to briefly meet with top scouts from ProScout, in business for more than 15 years.

Modeling isn't the only aspect of the entertainment industry with which Snyder is familiar. She has worked the red carpet for TV Guide, hosted the Travel Channel's "Amazing Vacation Homes" and appeared in many national commercials for companies such as J.C. Penny's, Whirlpool, Michelob Ultra Lite, Buick and Aquafina.

Snyder also travels the world as a motivational speaker, and her ability to connect and inspire others led to her involvement with ProScout. Established in 1993, ProScout is recognized "as the industry's most respected scouting organization for new models and actors," according to Snyder's website.

"Kids tend to go out, experiment and knock on the doors to get into the industry," Snyder said. "We want them to meet the right people and get a foot through the door."

Snyder said she will be at the interview session to inspire people and educate about the business. "They can ask questions about the industry," Snyder said, "and we will give them insight."

"I really believe in the company," she said. "There are websites online that are sucking people in and sucking their money with it. ProScout is legit." Snyder also emphasized people in this area aren't close enough to the market for entertainment, and ProScout can give them the access to the casting directors and agents they need to meet. "Big agencies come to ProScout to get the talent they want to see," Snyder said.

Snyder has also added "author" to the list of her accomplishments with "On Your Mark," an upcoming how-to book that educates young aspiring models on the healthy approach to "tackling the modeling industry," according to her website.

Snyder puts much emphasis on making specific life goals and this is evident in her own life. Although she was a successful model, she always had a passion for carpentry and design. "I was very involved with being a model, but I really believe that you should do what you love," she said.

A graduate of Georgia's Ashworth University and a member of Habitat for Humanity, Snyder also volunteers her skills by helping build and renovate houses for families in need. "I took the natural gifts of carpentry, design and painting, and really wanted to work with them to create positive change," she said.

She also has the opportunity to do this in her new project, working as a designer in "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." In each episode, Snyder works with a team of designers, workmen, and volunteers, including Ty Pennington, to completely renovate in just seven days the house of a family in need.

"When I saw the show for the first time, I was looking to make that change in my career. It was a sign," Snyder said, referring to the moment she made the hit show a goal for herself. "It was who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do, and with the right people. That show was my heart."

"You only get five percent of what we do," Snyder said of the episodes that air on television, noting the effort the team puts forth for one family "ripples throughout the entire community."

"It inspires me to continue to inspire people. This is what this country needs right now: positive change and hope," she said. "Shows like this really put that into motion."

Snyder's fascination with organization and eliminating clutter, as well as her interest in painting and sculpting, has contributed to her thriving career in carpentry and design.

Snyder is also developing a toxic-free, environmentally friendly line of household cleaning products.


Nicole Smith is a Reporter staff writer

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