Her story begins with a no. Scouted while working a retail job, the tall architecture student from Thunder Bay initially turned modeling down. The idea felt foreign to someone more comfortable in casual clothes than couture.
Opportunity knocked again with an audition for a reality competition. This time, she said yes. Standing five-foot-ten with a tomboyish ease, she represented pure, untapped potential.
She became the winner of Canada’s Next Top Model cycle three. The victory was more than a title. It was a launchpad.
That win opened a door to a 14-year international career. Runways in London, Sydney, and New York followed. Her face appeared in the pages of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
This journey charts a path from shy novice to seasoned professional. It’s a story of resilience built across continents, proving true success is forged long after the final applause.
Early Life and Foundations
Long before the glare of runway lights, her world was defined by the sprawling prairies of Manitoba. This environment, far from fashion’s hubs, shaped a grounded perspective.
Childhood in Thunder Bay and Winnipeg
She was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, in 1989. At age two, her family moved to Winnipeg.
This prairie city became home. Here, she grew tall and tomboyish, unaware her height and features were future professional assets.
Her heritage blended Scottish, Polish, Ukrainian, and Icelandic roots. This mix created a distinct, timeless look.
Family Heritage and Early Education
Education was a priority. She attended Ecole Dieppe, Charleswood Junior High, and graduated from Oak Park High School.
Her plans were academic, not artistic. She enrolled at the University of Manitoba to study architecture.
This training honed her eye for proportion and balance. These skills would later unconsciously inform her posing and composition in front of the camera.
The scout for Canada’s Next Top Model found her working a retail job. It was an unlikely start for an international model career.
Initially, she said no. The industry felt intimidating. Only after reconsideration did she agree to preliminary photos for the canada next top model audition, a decision that changed everything.
Canada’s Next Top Model Experience
Among thousands of hopefuls lining up in Toronto, one unpolished contestant stood out immediately. Richard Campbell, Olsen’s assistant, pulled her from the crowd. This early recognition signaled something special.
Audition Journey and Selection Process
Meaghan traveled from Winnipeg with her mother for the audition. Over 6,000 applicants competed for a spot. She was the only finalist without prior modeling experience.
The judges saw raw potential despite her shyness and braces. Her timeless look and height were clear assets. They believed she could transform into a true top model.
| Competition Phase | Key Challenge | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Early Auditions | Standing out among 6,000 applicants | Selected as finalist |
| Episode 5 | Photo of the week challenge | Major breakthrough moment |
| Final Weeks | Bottom two placements | Survived elimination twice |
| Finale | Versace dress runway | Proved runway readiness |
Breakthrough Moments on the Show
Episode 5 delivered her first major success. She earned photo of the week, showing she could translate direction into compelling images. This glimpse of potential kept judges invested.
The finale tested her severely. Back-to-back bottom two placements against Maryam Massoumi and Nikita Kiceluk hardened her resolve. Each survival built mental toughness.
Judges ultimately chose her over Linsay Willier. Her effortless beauty and perfect fit in the yellow Versace dress sealed the victory. The next top model winner was born from doubt into confidence.
Meaghan Waller: From CNTM Winner to Global Runway Star
One week after the final applause, she was already on a plane to China. Trading celebration for catalog shoots with ESEE Model Management, this immediate transition proved crucial for building career momentum.
Transition from Retail to the Spotlight
China became her professional proving ground. Editorial work for Marie Claire China taught her to adapt to different markets and photographers. Language barriers required learning through gestures and observation.
Print Work, Fashion Weeks, and High-Profile Campaigns
Her fashion week debut came quickly with London Fashion Week in 2009. This was followed by LG Fashion Week in Toronto the same season. The dual-continent appearance signaled her arrival as a serious model, not just a reality winner.
Runway credits accumulated across three continents. She walked for Giorgio Armani, J. Mendel (as an exclusive house model), and Oscar de la Renta. Each designer showcased her versatility with different fashion styles.
Print work included two Fashion magazine covers and campaigns for Capezio. Editorial spreads appeared in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle. Commercial work with Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue provided steady income between high-fashion bookings.
International Modeling Milestones
Her 14-year career spanned multiple agencies across continents. Representation included Wilhelmina Models in New York, Storm Models in London, and Joy Model Management in Milan. This global network supported consistent international work.
The model’s career demonstrated geographic range and professional endurance. From Sydney Fashion Week to e-commerce work for Amazon Fashion, she adapted to industry shifts. This versatility sustained her long after the Canada’s Next Top Model victory faded.
Legacy, Impact, and Future Endeavors
The true measure of a model’s career extends far beyond magazine covers and fashion weeks. Meaghan represents the quiet professionals who build lasting careers through consistency and craft.
Her time in fashion taught invaluable life skills. Discipline, adaptability, and cultural fluency became second nature across international markets.
This top model winner also faced significant personal challenges with remarkable courage. She navigated online harassment and real-world threats while maintaining her professional standards.
Her impact on Canada’s modeling scene demonstrates that sustainable success comes from substance. The next top model narrative gains depth through her honest perspective on the industry’s realities.
Future endeavors remain private, reflecting the same grounded approach that defined her fourteen-year journey. Her legacy proves that transformation happens when potential meets perseverance.
