INTERVIEW: Miss Voluptuous 2022 Finalist, Chantelle McSharry

Title, name & age? Miss Voluptuous 2022 Finalist, Chantelle McSharry, 28 Years old

What made you enter pageants in the first

place? I always admired the girls in the beauty pageants and I said to myself that one day that will be me and I wanted to really grow my confidence and motivation to get out of my comfort zone and just do something for me and feel proud.

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

This is my first ever pageant and I already want to do more!

What made you decide to compete in your current system?

I always wanted to showcase my curves, but I also wanted to gain more confidence along the way and with Miss Voluptuous being an empowerment programme and not just a competition I felt this was the best pageant for me. It has showing me that regardless of shape, size, weight or height that it doesn't matter you can be whoever you want to be as it doesn't change what's in the inside and beauty comes from being yourself and the sisterhood within Miss Voluptuous has helped me be my true self.

What the best thing that pageants have taught you?

It has brought out attributes I didn't know I had, for example it has giving me things to think about like where I see myself in 5 years’ time and a timeline of goals I want to achieve and put into action and giving me the strength to carry on regardless of what life has thrown me, it has taught me that I can struggle sometimes but it has also pushed me to get back out there and be strong at the same time.

What’s your pageant platform and why?

My platform is bloods clots as this is very close to my heart, literally! I found out I had clots in my lungs 5 days after finding out I had been accepted as a Finalist for Miss Voluptuous. I couldn't believe it and with blood clots and information being so sparce in the UK and my own country Scotland I wanted to be the person to change it. I want people to know that it's okay take the mask off on how they are feeling as-well because I am not afraid to admit it, but I struggle with my health condition because it affects me mentally however on a positive note, I have become the first UK Ambassador for the National Blood Clot Alliance and will be working very closely with this American built organisation. I want people to know that when their body is telling them something is wrong to go with their gut instinct and go get checked because you are most important in your life. I want to make a change and be that girl who is remembered for starting her own support groups and helping raise awareness and embracing having blood clots.

What’s your dream title?

Miss Voluptuous International, I want to go all the way and be my own competition and set the bar high for myself and empower others to do so. If you believe you can then you will.

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

It would mean the world to me, winning the title would not only make me ugly cry no doubt but it would also help me to further my platform and be a role model for other people who want to do something for themselves and feel empowered and unleash attributes they didn't think they had either and use them to their best ability not only within the pageant world but out.

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

Focus on yourself and don't compare yourself to other queens/Finalist because when you start focusing on what they’re doing you forget how amazing you are so don't take away your own spotlight and chances to shine like the diamond you are. Do one thing at a time and prepare because when you have everything in order you can feel proud and confident, and it also helps you see what you need to work on.

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

I applied for Miss Voluptuous in February this year and my final is in July therefore as you can imagine panic mode set in, but I made a list of everything I want to achieve by July and the end of this year also as I am a true believer in carrying on and not stopping what I want to achieve. I have been shopping for each of my rounds and can happily say they are all ticked off my list and I have them. I have been networking throughout different social media platforms and building relationships with fellow sisters both in Miss Voluptuous and different pageants because I want to get myself knowing and it means when I want to get people involved, they will be up for it and have more buy in which is think is important and will also help boost my own platform as well. I have been promoting our lovely sponsors, and taking part in charity events, volunteering at one of my own charities Beloved Rabbits which I just adore and setting up and planning my own support groups for my platform blood clots and getting contacts. As you can imagine I have a never-ending list but the reason for that is because I have set my own goal and I know what I want and how I am going to do it but unfortunately, I will not be sharing, you will all just need to follow my journey and see for yourselves.

What is your favourite ever appearance?

My favourite appearance ever has to be when I was doing my training for my platform because I feel so passionately about it and knowing what I am doing could potentially save someone's life and help others in the long run.

What makes a good pageant role model?

Being humble but not scared to be the voice for those who may not be as confident and speaking out. Always having a professional outlook but having fun at the same time and leading by example because I always say if you can't lead by example then how do you expect others to do it? Being able to handle good/bad controversy and knowing how to respond because sometimes it's not always easy if a personal remark is made. Lastly, being yourself and not changing for anyone.

Social Media Usernames-

Facebook: Shaz Mx Instagram: mcsharc Linked in: Chantelle McSharry

What’s your favourite pageant round?

I'm not sure but I will find out in July when I compete in the finals!

How do you deal with pageant nerves?

I haven't competed yet, but a wise woman told me to think of your favourite song in your head and be your own star up on stage and treat it like your concert!