Crowns and Sashes Magazine April 2022

Front Cover Winner: Scarlett Ray Photographer: Charlotte Clemie

April 22 Edition

Inside Cover Winner – Brooklyn Tippett Photographer – Cook Photography Studio

Letter From the Editor

Wow what a month April has been ! I started the month in Portugal on a little family holiday which was lovely. Then I was selected as a baton bearer for the 2022 Commonwealth Games which is such an amazing and exciting opportunity to be part of history. I’ll be holding the baton on the 12th of July !

This month I also made a donation of 100 Easter eggs to my local children’s ward, and I have been nominated for a local award !

April has been an incredible month I can’t wait to see what May brings Much love Charlotte - Ms Diamond U.K.

Thoughts from your Assistant Editor: Lyndsay Mizen Miss Diamond Curve Wiltshire 2021/2022

And we’re back! Spring is in the air for this issue and things are starting to warm up outside.

Things are also starting to warm up in pageant land with many finals taking place physically this year for the first time in two years. Having attended Miss Atlantic UK at the weekend I can say that physical pageantry is back with a BANG!!

It was so good to see so many familiar faces supporting their Queens, Sisters and contestants from other systems. It really affirmed to me that pageantry is an inspirational place to be.

Enjoy your April issue of Crowns & Sashes!

Love and light, Lyndsay xxx

Social Media Queen: Faith Gould – Junior Miss Atlantic UK 2022

Hi everyone and welcome to our April edition, Issue 16!

I would just like to take this opportunity, as always, to thank you all for your continued support.

I have been very busy this month continuing to share all of your amazing achievements. You are stars!

It's Miss Atlantic UK month. So excited to see who my sister Queens will be!

Also, very excited to have booked Crown Camp... hopefully see lots of you there!

Keep shining!

Love Faith-Louise

Social Media Host: Natasha Streatfield – Mrs Atlantic 2021

Hi everyone, what can I say other than thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my amazing year as Mrs Atlantic!

As I write this, I am packing ready to leave for handover. I can’t wait to see who my successor will be and wish them so much love and hope they truly magical year.

I have enjoyed interviewing so many gorgeous queens and I cannot wait to continue to do so with Crowns & Sashes.

I have set up @theplatformdigest for everyone to get to know about each other’s platforms and chosen charities. If you would like to get involved, please pop me a message. I hope for your continued support for my ongoing pageantry journey.

Lots of love and kisses...

Mrs Atlantic 21 xxxx

CONTENTS ê 3 - FEATURE: Meet the Team ê 11 - INTERVIEW: Dawn Knuff - Ms. Achievement Canada ê 12 - FEATURE: Beauty Queens Supporting Ukraine ê 13 - FEATURE: Beauty Queens Easter Donations ê 16 - FEATURE: Are you due?' SMEAR FOR SMEAR campaign 7 ê 17 - FEATURE: Meet the Quiz Winner ê 18 - FEATURE: Meet the Judges ê 19 - INTERVIEW: Miss Beauty UK Queen of Queens 2021/2022, Carla Zayas ê 22 - INTERVIEW: Miss Beauty UK Teen 21/22 - Georgia Concarr ê 25 - FEATURE: UK Pageant Calendar ê 29 - INTERVIEW: Hibaq Ahmed- Miss Elite Somalia 2022 ê 32 - FEATURE: Meet the Cover Star

PICTURE COMPETITION WINNERS: FRONT COVER: SCARLETT RAY INSIDE FRONT: BROOKLYN TIPPETT INSIDE BACK: BECKY FARRAN BACK COVER: CHARLOTTE

MAGAZINE LINKS https://www.facebook.com/Crowns-Sashes-Magazine

https://www.instagram.com/crownsandsashesmagazine /

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJU2Sh402_cmoX 8X

Interview with Dawn Knuff – Ms. Achievement Canada

Title, name & age?

Dawn Knuff - Ms. Achievement Canada, aged 39 What made you enter pageants in the first place?

I entered pageants as I saw how empowering they were to the woman who were involved and how they give you a space to be able to educate and bring awareness about your platform.

Have you competed before? If so, can you tell us about your journey?

I was top ten in the Mrs. Division at Canada Galaxy in August 2021 representing my town of Barrie, Ontario. This was a two day in person pageant and my first one ever. I entered at the age of 38 and was so proud to be a "late bloomer" and place top ten.

What made you decide to compete in your current system?

I decided to compete in Ms. Achievement World with Dr. World Productions because what they stand for, I believe in. That is "Smart is Beautiful" They combine education, alongside pageantry and I was drawn to that.

What’s your pageant platform and why?

My pageant platform is to educate and bring awareness on the affects Alopecia has on those affected by the disease. Alopecia is an auto-immune disease that causes your hair follicles to go against your body and not allow hair growth. I have had this disease since I was 7 years old.

What’s your dream title?

My dream title is to be Ms. Achievement World. This title would showcase not only my pageantry background and skills, but also my education. Two things I have worked, researched and am proud of.

What have you been doing in the run up to your pageant final?

I have held the title of Ms. Achievement Canada for almost a year.

I have used this title to be able to bring attention to the pageantry world and showcase anyone can enter a pageant it does not matter how you look. I post many empowering uplifting things on my social media and have had the opportunity to judge several pageants virtually and in person.

What’s your favourite pageant round?

I love fun fashion within a pageant. I find this round the contestants let loose and are able to showcase their own personalities.

Beauty Queens Supporting Ukraine

Miss Voluptuous Finalist donating goods for Ukraine at a nearby drop-off point to me in Trowbridge (I live in Bath).

I have given toiletries, sanitary protection, dried pasta, basic medication and a selection of children's toys and colouring books.

Miss South Yorkshire Galaxy donating items to Ukraine

Mrs Atlantic UK 2021 helping to sort donations which are being sent to Ukraine.

'Are you due?' - SMEAR FOR SMEAR Campaign

By Rio Cole - Miss Voluptuous United Kingdom Finalist 2022

'Although the @joscervicalcancertrust #smearforsmearcampaign is (20-26th June). I thought I would still highlight the importance of cervical smear tests in advance and mental health Implications that may impact on decision making & booking for a test!

1 in 4 women do not attend their smear test appointment! on average cervical screening helps save the lives of approximately 4,500 women in England every year!!

Cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of your cervix in woman 25-64. Is your test due??

It looks for a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV); precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately (sadly approx. there are 850 cervical cancer deaths in the UK every year).

Breaking stigmas: not everyone who does not make an appoint is oblivious! Most may think it is as simple to book with a GP, however it is common for many to struggle with cervical screening due to the speculum used to take the test, and a general fear of penetration. And it may not be just fear that gets in the way of a smear test.

Vaginismus is a condition where the fear plays out in the sufferer's body.

Some women can also experience anxiety, making attending a smear test very hard. There are many triggers for anxiety , including health anxiety, fear of the unknown, body dysmorphia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or experience of sexual violence.

Did you know you can ask for a smaller speculum? speak to the healthcare professional about your concerns.

Can bring items to distract such as a media player with headphones? Have a chaperone of the preferred gender.

Or visit @joscervicalcancertrust on: https://www.jostrust.org.uk/get-involved/campaign/cervical-screeningawareness-week

Hello my loves! I'm Taylor, Miss South Yorkshire Galaxy I am the new Crowns & Sashes Quiz Master! The quiz is all about pageant land and raising money to support the amazing work of the Samaritans. I wanted to start this quiz as it is an amazing way to showcase different systems and celebrate queens' achievements. Thank you so much to everyone who has already taken part in the Quiz - it means the world to me. This month I have been extremely busy collecting easter eggs! I am so grateful that I was able to donate over 100 eggs to my local children's hospital!

Congratulations to this month’s Quiz Winner

Carie is the current Ms. Mexico Regency International. An avid pageant fan since childhood, she competed in her first pageant at the age of 11. Her biggest pageant inspiration is Crystal Stewart (Miss USA 2008), who showed that with perseverance and belief in your dreams, anything is possible. She enjoys photography, reading the Bible, traveling, musical theatre and visiting Disneyland. Carie supports the Samaritans because of the invaluable, lifesaving work they do to help those going through their toughest moments.

Meet the Judges

Larissa Nicole Rodriguez is the current Jr Miss Regency International. She is an All “A” honor student at B. Garza Middle School where she is enrolled in Algebra I, English I, and Spanish I. She is the BGMS KATZ Cheer Captain and Student Council President. She is also a member of the Lady Katz volleyball, soccer, and track teams. In 2020 she donated 2 blessing boxes to the city that provide free food to residents. She has collected over 2500 pairs of flip flops for charity, and over 1600 pair of socks for local residents through her annual “Socktober” drive. She is a 2020 and 2021 Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award Recipient for her 600 hours of service. She enjoys volunteering at Palm Valley Animal Center, making meals for the homeless, promoting recycling and working with local non-profit organizations such as Super Rami and Friends and Recycled Rovers No Kill Animal Shelter.

Beth Rice is a current Eco Pageants UK finalist and competed in her first pageant, Miss Galaxy UK, in November 2021 where she placed in the top 16! 👸 Beth has a degree in Biomedical Science and works for a clinical trial organisation to ensure patients testing the drugs are safe! She enjoys volunteering with young people and works for a youth group. Beth likes to spend her weekends on conservation projects, taking direct climate action 🌈👩🔬 She recently founded @the_climate_scientist, a platform to educate young people on the science behind our planet and encourage positive climate action. She aims to reduce climate anxiety and provide solutions for young people 🌍🌿

Grace is the reigning Miss Elegance of the World UK 2021/22 and will be competing internationally in Florida USA this July in Miss Global United States 2022.

Grace has a degree in Dance and has had a successful career as a professional Dancer having worked in 9 different countries performing on stage, photoshoots, music videos, films and in documentaries including on the BBC. During the covid 19 pandemic Grace wanted to help others and joined the London Ambulance Service and is currently training as Emergency Ambulance Crew.

Grace advocates for Cancer Research UK and has raised over £3000 so far. Grace is also the founder of Graceful Pageant Interviews which is an interview system to promote the positivity in pageantry and give finalists and title holders a place to voice their platforms. (www.Instagram.com/gracefulpageantin terviews)

Interview with Miss Beauty UK Queen of Queens 2021/2022 – Carla Zayas

Title, name & age?

Miss Beauty UK Queen of Queens 2021/2022, Carla Zayas, 38 What made you enter pageants in the first place?

I wanted to be a role model for women my age that think competing in a pageant is only for younger women or girls. I want to be seen as an example of no matter of age, disability, or race; opportunities can be presented in life at any time.

Have you competed before? If so, can you tell us about your journey?

• • • • •

Ms South Wales Inspiration 2015/2016 Miss Charity Woman Inspiration 2016/2017 Miss Beauty UK Charity Woman 2016/2017 Miss Beauty UK Inspirational 2018/2019 Miss Beauty UK Elegant Woman 2019/2021

My first pageant was Miss Fashion Vs Beauty in October 2015, representing Cardiff where I didn't place. In November 2015 I entered the regional heat Miss South Wales Inspiration representing Cardiff in the Ms category. I won the regional heat as Ms South Wales Inspiration 2015 and Ms Charity Woman leading to Miss Inspiration UK in April 2016 as a free placement. I won Miss Publicity and Miss Inspiration Charity Woman 2016.

My 4th pageant was Miss Beauty UK in November 2016. I won best hair, Miss Publicity and Miss Beauty UK Charity Woman 2016. Then I returned to Miss Beauty UK in January 2018. I placed 1st runner up and won Miss Inspirational Beauty UK 2018/2019. I thought I'd give Miss Beauty UK another shot in May 2019. I won Charity Elegant Woman and Spokesmodel Elegant Woman and I took away the title Miss Beauty UK Elegant Woman 2019/2021. In November 2021 I returned to Miss Beauty UK a fourth time to hand over my national title and I took away the title Miss Beauty UK Queen of Queens 2021/2022.

What made you decide to compete in your current system?

Miss Beauty UK looks for more than on stage work but appearances and charity work, so I entered in 2016.

After I experienced what Miss Beauty UK was like I just wanted to go back to the same pageant as I never felt like I was part of a family as a finalist till I was a Miss Beauty UK national queen. I couldn’t ask for anymore in a pageant system as my director, co-director and sister queens are so supportive.

What the best thing that pageants have taught you?

Pageants has improved my confidence and I believe that anything is possible if you try. I have met a lot of people through pageants from all walks of life and made new friends.

What’s your pageant platform and why?

My platforms are autism and mental health. I was diagnosed with autism at 3 years old and I'd like to inspire individuals on the spectrum to never give up on their dreams. Also, mental health can be more common for people on the spectrum. I'd like to fight against related forms of discrimination, empowering individuals and transform communities.

What’s your dream title?

Miss Beauty UK Queen of Queens What was it like when you won?

I was very happy that my hard worked paid off, after competing in Miss Beauty UK for the third time in May 2019, my dream finally came true as your Miss Beauty UK Elegant Woman 2019/2021. In November 2021 my dream came true for the second time as your Miss Beauty UK Queen of Queens 2021/2022. As an added bonus I'm the first ever black Miss Beauty UK Queen of Queens.

What’s the best advice you have for fellow pageant queens/finalists?

Do research before entering a pageant to decide if it's the right system for you. Practice walks in all outfits and heels before competing. Fundraise for the chosen charity along with making appearances with a finalist sash or titleholder sash.

What have you been doing since you won?

I often donate to charity clothing collections and attend pageants and charity events when I can. I also support a lot of online campaigns on my Facebook page Miss Beauty UK Queen of Queens 2021/2022 - Carla Zayas.

What is your favourite ever appearance?

During my reign as Miss Beauty UK Elegant Woman 2019/2021 I attended Miss World in London in December 2019.

What makes a good pageant role model?

As a Miss Beauty UK national queen, I feel it's so important to be a good role model. I will not let me crown and sash sit on the shelve as I want to represent my system well. I want to inspire and educate others. Actions speak louder than words.

What’s your favourite pageant round?

My favourite round is evening wear as this is my time to shine on stage and perfect opportunity to grab the judges' attention. I love wearing evening gowns which doesn't happen often.

How do you deal with pageant nerves?

Nerves often get the better of me during the walk. I had a lot of personal coaching on myself and finding what works best for me. As a result, I feel calm and confident.

Social Media Links: https://www.facebook.com/Missbeautyuk/ https://www.facebook.com/Miss-Beauty-UKQueen-of-Queens-20212022-Carla-Zayas143987679592195/ https://www.facebook.com/carla.zayas83

Interview with Miss Beauty UK Teen 21/22 – Georgia Concarr

Links Instagram as missbeautyukteen_2021_2022: https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=17yn1dk5 dv5d2&utm_content=n158xxl https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=10006367824 5618 Title, name & age?

Miss beauty uk Teen 21/22 Georgia Concarr , age 17 What made you enter pageants in the first place?

I entered them by accident as mum thought it was a modelling job which she thought would help with my confidence at first Have you competed before? If so, can you tell us about your journey?

Miss beauty uk Role model 19/20 Miss beauty uk junior teen 19/21 I began my pageant journey in 2015 when I competed in face of globe, after my 3rd heat I made top 5 and won a place at the internationals. Since then, I have competed in 4 national pageant systems: Face of the globe, Catwalk Perfect, Miss diamond uk and Miss beauty uk, However it wasn’t until 2019 when I competed in MBUK I won my first title - an attaché then in November that same year I was given the junior teen national title which I held up till November 2021. I also competed this year and won my current title.

What made you decide to compete in your current system?

Since starting pageantry I became close friends with Stephanie Rees, she and her mum, Julia Meager, were the ones who introduced me to Miss beauty uk (when Stephanie held the junior teen title in 2018) after looking into it and seeing what the system stood for and having the chance to travel to wales to compete I made the decision to compete may 2019. Another factor in which helped make my decision to compete and stay when the system is the true inspiration that is our director , Tracey Madwards, she truly has a heart of gold is the most loving lady who cares so much for her girls and spoils us rotten all while struggling herself . Not only Does she look after her girls she supports queens from all around and helps those in need through our linked charitable organisations Great Minds Pathways in which those who don’t have anything are supported and are given donations of items needed to get them back on their feet.

What the best thing that pageants have taught you?

Pageants have taught me a lot about helping the community in all different ways and have shown me an insight onto issues around the world What’s your pageant platform and why?

My platform is Alzheimer’s dementia as my grandad is affected by it , i want to educate and inform about the signs of someone with dementia and side effects which not only effect the person who suffers with the disease but also their family. I’m hoping that educating people I can people acknowledge how to help those suffering.

What’s your dream title?

I’m not sure what is my “dream” title, but I aspire to one day win am international title What was it like when you won?

It was a very surreal feeling as it was my first time winning a national title on the date of the pageant, incredibly emotional has about 30 minutes before I had handed over.

What’s the best advice you have for fellow pageant queens/finalists?

Enjoy your time as finalist and act how you would as a queen with or without a crown What have you been doing since you won?

Since finals I have been developing ideas behind the scenes for fundraising and ways to push my platform What is your favourite ever appearance?

There’s too many to choose from! I would probably say Canterbury pride as I saw so many amazing acts What makes a good pageant role model?

Respectful of all systems and supports others as much as possible Being compassionate and genuine What’s your favourite pageant round?

I truly am a sucker for the glamour of evening, but I do adore fun fashion! All the fun colours and sass How do you deal with pageant nerves?

I try my best to not leave things till last minute as that adds extra stress, I also find talking with my fellow queens and pageant sisters definitely takes the nerves off

About Samaritans

Whatever you’re facing, a Samaritan will face it with you.

Every seven seconds, Samaritans answer a call for help.

We’re here, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement, or pressure.

Samaritans is not only for the moment of crisis, but we’re also taking action to prevent the crisis. We give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others. And we encourage, promote and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can save lives. We offer listening and support to people and communities in times of need.

In prisons, schools, hospitals and on the rail network, Samaritans are working with people who are going through a difficult time and training others to do the same.

Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide.

That’s why we work tirelessly to reach more people and make suicide prevention

©April 2022 © êPageant’s Got Talent - 30th April (Donna Hanks) in Burntwood Staffordshire ©May 2022 © êFOEW International Finals - 6th & 7th May êMiss Wales - 6th - 8th May êMiss Northwest and Wigan - 14th & 15th May êDiamond Southern Heat - 14th May in Crawley êFemale Icon Ball 2022 - 14th May in Hartlepool êMiss Celestine - Charity Pageant - 15th May êMiss Paragon UK Pageant - 20th & 21st May in Basingstoke êNatural Beauty International - 30th May - 4th June ©June 2022 © êMiss Inspiration Beauty Pageant - 11th June ©July 2022 © êNatural Beauty Wales - 9th July êNatural Beauty England - 16th July êMiss Voluptuous Pageants - 16th July êMiss Flawless - 30th July êNatural Beauty Scotland - 31st July ©August 2022 © êCrown & Glory European Pageants - 13th August êMiss Sovereign GB - 13th August êRoyal UK Miss Pageant - 20th August ©September 2022 © êMiss Pageant Queen UK - 24th September in Crewe ©October 2022 © êMiss United Kingdom Endeavour - 1st October in Warrington

©May 2022 © êEndeavour 2022 Charity Pageant - 22nd May in Warrington êKay Wookey Double Header - 22nd May in Bristol êCharity event hosted by Roberts Abby and Jessica Mary Logan TBC - 28th May in West Midlands êFabulously Fashionable Afternoon Tea - 28th May Aimée Whitton-Model êMiss English Beauty 2022 - 28th May êNatural Beauty International - 30th May - 4th June ©June 2022 © êMiss Grand United Kingdom - 10th June (Provisional date) êMiss Inspiration Beauty Pageant - 11th June êPhoenix Gala - 11th June in Birmingham êMiss / Mr Moonstone - 25th June in Rhyl êConfidence reboot retreat - 26th - 27th June held by Tessa Wenn and Clare Worton ©July 2022 © êUK's National Miss Pageant - 2nd July êPageant Girl - UK Pageant Organisers - 3rd July êMiss Celestine - 3rd July in Sunderland Tracey Tait êNatural Beauty Wales - 9th July êMiss Universe Great Britain - 9th - 11th July êNatural Beauty England - 16th July êMiss Voluptuous Pageants - 16th July êMiss Eco UK - 16th July Hilton at East Midlands Airport êTexan Hoedown BBQ - 23rd July in Wales Danielle Latimer êDouble header - diamonds are forever & shimmer and shine - 24th July êMiss Elegance of the World - 24th July in Blackpool êMiss Flawless - 30th July êNatural Beauty Scotland - 31st July ©August 2022 © êPure Schedule TBC - 5th - 7th August êMiss Glamour UK and Miss British Beauty - 7th August in Kent êCrown & Glory European Pageants - 13th August êMiss Sovereign GB - 13th August êThe Roaring 20s - 13th August in Bristol êMiss Global Hope - 14th August in Derry

©August 2022 © êCharity Fashion Show Jessica Ingham PT - 19th August in Hartlepool êRoyal UK Pageants - 20th August êFancy wear by Donna - 27th August ©September 2022 © êMiss Britannia Crystal - 3rd September in Wrexham êMISS ELITE UK - 4th September in Kent ê2022 Warrior Charity Pageant - 17th September in Burntwood Staffordshire êMiss Exquisite World - 17th September in Buckinghamshire êMiss Pageant Queen UK - 24th September in Crewe ©October 2022 © êMiss Fab and Fierce TBC êMiss Sparkling Beauty UK - 1st October in Swindon êMiss United Kingdom Endeavour - 1st October in Warrington êFace of Scotland - Foew.Uk - 1st October in Coatbridge êMiss Mystic Beauty - 2nd October in Worcestershire êRoyal Sapphire - 9th October êMiss European Global. - 9th October êMiss United Kingdom Rose - 14th and 15th October êLittle Miss Teen GB and Miss Junior Teen GB - 16th October êMiss Teen Great Britain - 18th October êMiss Diamond United Kingdom - 28th & 29th October ©November 2022 © êMiss International TBC êMiss Beauty UK TBC 19th and 20th November êGalaxy Pageants êMs and Mrs - 25th November êJunior and Teen - 26th November êMiss - 27th November ©December 2022 © êWelsh Pageant Awards - 3rd December in Caernarfon (Donna Hanks) êMiss Christmas star awards and pageant - 11th December

About our new chosen charity: Coppafeel

We are the first breast cancer charity in the UK to solely create awareness amongst young people, with the aim of instilling the knowledge and tools they need to get to know their bodies. We like to talk about a serious message in a light-hearted way, empowering people to start healthy habits for life

We want everyone to have the best possible chance of surviving breast cancer. Ideally, we want to live in a world where all breast cancers are diagnosed at the earliest stage possible, at which treatments are more effective and survival rates are higher.

Although our main focus is on breast cancer education, we also instigated the #RETHINKCANCER Campaign, as we strongly believe young people should be taught about all cancers and how to lead healthy lives from a young age.

To ensure all breast cancers are diagnosed early and correctly by…

•

Encouraging you to check your boobs and pecs regularly from a young age.

•

Educating you on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

•

Empowering you to seek advice from a doctor if symptoms persist.

Interview with Hibaq Ahmed – Miss Elite Somalia 2022

Title, name & age?

Hello! My name is Hibaq Ahmed- I am the Miss Elite Somalia 2022 and I am 25 years old.

What made you enter pageants in the first place?

I entered the world of pageantry in order to optimise the Somali community involvement and to spread awareness on the beauty & brains of Somalia. It is a known fact that pageantry is not celebrated in Somalia, but I want to be the one who changes it. I have always watched Miss Universe and Miss World growing up and I wanted to be just like the women I saw on the television. They’re such strong beautiful and powerful women.

Have you competed before? If so, can you tell us about your journey?

Miss Elite World is the first competition that I will be competing in. The competition takes place in Somabay , Egypt (June 3rd-11th) Miss Elite was founded in 2021 by Stefano Douaihy. Miss Elite is an International Beauty Pageant in the Middle East / Africa. We will be staying in the Cascades Golf Resort Thalasso & Spa (one of the top 10 thalasso & spa hotel in the world), Somabay , Red Sea , Egypt The Grand Finale will be on the 10th of June. Special Guests include, Golden Star Nawal El Zoghby, one of the most famous female Arab singer in the Arab world. Their female host, Carla Haddad, one of the 3 most famous female hosts in Arab world hosting Dancing with the stars Arabia. Their Male Host is Aiman Kaissouni.

Their jury includes: • • • •

Wissam Hanna, Mr World 2006 Nabil Younes, a renowned French designer of Arab origins who collaborated with chopard, dressed Paris Hilton, and dressed miss universe France.

Amir El Masry , British-Egyptian renowned actor who acted in Star Wars and several international movies.

Best actress award winner, Ghinwa Mahmoud, Lebanese actress, recently ranked #6 most trending Lebanese actress.

And many more.

What made you decide to compete in your current system?

My reason for competing for Miss Elite World is because I am their first representative of Somalia and I strongly believe that I am the perfect fit to showcase my beautiful homeland. This is because I aim to celebrate the totality of being a woman, that is to be courageous, kind, resilient, intelligent, confident, and graceful. I’m excited to empower my young Somali girls and teach them to take the present opportunities to them and make the most of life. My aim is to help others feel enlightened and empowered. I hope to continue doing this through my pageant journey and it is because of all the love I receive from my supporters that I’ve reached this stage. I also think Miss Elite is a fantastic pageant to begin with, it has an amazing itinerary, and they spare no expense at executing a fabulous event. The hotel (The cascades) is fully inclusive for the contestants and Stefano has created a great system that puts the contestants aspirations, experience and wants at the forefront! I can’t wait!

What the best thing that pageants have taught you?

Even though, I have not competed in any competition, yet pageantry has already taught various useful skills- for example, I am able to articulate myself in a more confident manner, I am now bringing my advocacy and of book production (Functional tips to become a better critical reader) into fruition through the help of my amazing management team; Her Pageantry; who have made me realise my potential and fully immerse into it.

What’s your pageant platform and why?

My pageant platform is providing underprivileged children educational resources and building their confidence through reading. My Quote is, “Education is the most powerful tool for life and the best gift for a child”.

I strongly believe that all kids deserve an education and a fair shot at life- we must prioritise bringing free education to kids not just in 1st world countries but everywhere around the world because it is a right. As a teacher I feel like I have a responsibility to make a change here. Children should be able to believe in themselves, have confidence and be equipped with tools to help them through life.

Education brings opportunity and with opportunity there comes change. There are many underprivileged families who do not have the means or resources to make ends meet and provide for their children- there needs to be a better support system for underprivileged kids. My platform creates support for this problem through educational means, I conduct communal classes to help children between the ages of 5-16 strengthen their educational abilities. I have a Home tutoring business and I’m in the process of publishing my first book, hopefully one of many.

In the next five years I am aiming to set up an orphanage for kids and provide free education, in Somalia and England.

What’s your dream title?

Winning Miss Elite would be a dream come true, however after Miss Elite, Miss World or Universe would be my next biggest dream come true. I love what Miss World Stands for and the ethos of the pageant. That’s a huge accomplishment !

If you were to win what would it mean to you?

Winning will allow me and others who share the same refugee story as I do believe that we are capable of doing anything that we put our mind to. I myself have won against numerous negative stereotypes associated with being a 1st generation Somali refugee and I now want to teach fellow other females how to conquer their fears, break into the modelling and pageant industry successfully whilst utilising their platform to make changes in society.

What’s the best advice you have for fellow pageant queens/finalists?

One advice I’d like to give pageant queens/finalists is to remain consistent and disciplined when working on your brand. This is because your brand is what sells you and allows others to part of your pageantry journey especially through social media. Social media is a huge tool, use it!

What have you been doing in the run up to your pageant final?

I have been focusing on my catwalk, poses and pageant decorum heavily towards the led up of Miss Elite finale. And I’d like to thank my national directors Chenay and Kia ‘HER PAGEANTRY’ for assisting and guiding me from the very beginning of my pageant journey to ensure that I emerge into the queen I am destined to be.

What is your favourite ever appearance?

“Tapped in” was my very first podcast, and one that I will cherish forever. I have to thank my childhood friend for believing in me and to watch her grow her platform into the success it is now is inspiring. I want everyone to check out “Tapped in” their episodes are available on YouTube. They discuss insightful, real-life topics whilst featuring phenomenal guests with amazing stories to tell. The episodes are entertaining and comical. I loved every moment she made me feel so comfortable as a guest.

What makes a good pageant role model?

To be a good pageant role model a queen must possess the following characteristics: - Exude charisma - Likeable and relatable energy - Patience - Embraces all people irrespective of their background, race, or religion - Influential - Empathetic - Intelligent - Genuine, authentic, and clean hearted - Determined - Confident - A leader - Courageous What’s your favourite pageant round?

Question and answer as it gives great insight into the Queens thought process and the beauty of her intelligence. I think it’s a fascinating round.

How do you deal with pageant nerves?

My calming techniques for pageant nerves has been going for walks, taking deep breaths, and speaking to my national directors whenever I have felt overwhelmed.

Social Media Links: All social media @hothibaq

Meet the Cover Star

Scarlett Ray Hi, I’m Scarlett Ray, I’m 14 years old from Sheppey, Kent. I started entering pageants when I was 12 years old placing in the top 5 of Little Miss Teen Great Britain 2021 and 2nd runner up in Jr Miss Atlantic 2022. I am currently Miss Jr Teen East Kent 2022 and am so excited for the finals in October.

My favourite part of pageant’s are the people you meet along the way and the confidence you get on stage. I love promoting awareness of my mental health platform and encouraging others to be proud of who they are!. I have spent the last two years raising funds for my chosen charity Together for Short Lives.

Outside of pageants, I go to Westendkids where I sing, dance and act for a termly revue. I also love to play netball at school, read and spend time with family and friends.

Want to be featured?

CONTACT US VIA: EMAIL: CROWNSANDSASHESMAGAZINE.COM INSTAGRAM: @CROWNSANDSASHESMAGAZINE FACEBOOK: CROWNS AND SASHES MAGAZINE

Get your sparkle on with us!

Inside Back Cover Winner – Becky Farran Photographer – Charlotte Clemie

Making!!

Back cover winner: Charlotte Photographer: Krisann Binetti