Ever dream of becoming the next Nicole Kidman or Vera Wang? Ever aspired to someday have your own boutique? These four exceptional young ladies prove that you can make your dreams come true. No magic stones or fairy godmothers here—just a handful of people who believed in them through and through.

The truth is, behind every successful person is a long list of people who have helped. (Why do you think the Oscars take so long? It's because of all the people the winners end up thanking.) And among that list of people, there's always one who stands out.

Amanda and Isabel

Amanda Griffin is every bit the model with her towering height, clear skin, and that elusive X-factor. But what few people know is that aside from strutting her stuff on the catwalk, mugging for magazine covers and ad campaigns, and co-hosting F, she also possesses considerable business savvy. She co-owns Tabu, a shop in Greenbelt 1, that sells the latest in swimwear fashion.

"I sort of just fell into modeling. I did my first Rejoice commercial when I was 13, and it sort of continued from there." She stopped modeling for a while to finish her degree in Australia. After university, she picked up modeling again. "Modeling has provided me with enough capital to start my own business. I chose to open a swimwear boutique because I was frustrated with the lack of variety in swimwear here."

Amanda never dreamed of becoming a model, but admits that putting up her own business was something she always wanted to do. "Owning my own store has been a bit of a dream for me. I just didn't think it would happen so soon!" And if there was one person she could thank for her success, it would be her best friend and business partner, Isabel Engwa. "We have a pretty successful business because we work well together and support each other."