But boy was she wrong.

"My mum and I made a special trip to Melbourne and I was scouted in the shopping centre," the Sydney-based model said.

"Within six months, I went on my first international trip to Milan and continued full-time from then.

"Modeling is a limited career time wise and I wanted to make the most of it while I had the opportunity - which I did, so I ran with it."

Born in Daylesford, raised in Creswick and schooled at Ballarat Secondary College, Ollie is a true local. But her feats extend far beyond the borders of the central highlands region.

In addition to her modelling career, the 26-year-old last year founded House of Riot - a project combining fashion and art to raise awareness about social justice issues.

"House of Riot came off the back of what I see in retrospect as somewhat of a protest. 

“I was living in New York … and was frustrated at the political climate in Australia. I decided when I came back I would do something about it," she said.

Upon her return to Australia and as part of Fashion Week in Sydney, Ollie hand-painted 100 t-shirts branded with political slogans.

The t-shirts were sported by models, photographers, and stylists alike.

"Each of the slogans was developed with the individual wearing them in mind. We wanted this movement to be about individuals voicing their opinions rather than jumping on a bandwagon of something trending."

The success of the t-shirts well exceeded Ollie's expectations. Soon she was flooded by calls from local and international stores wanting to stock her clothing. And so House of Riot was born.

Now Ollie's t-shirts are not only used to raise awareness about topical issues but her organisation also donates sales proceeds to charity.

A portrait of Ollie by Kim Leutwyler was selected as a finalist in this year's prestigious Archibald Prize.