8 minute read
INTERVIEW: Interview with Mrs Diamond Suffolk - Natasha Streatfield
Title, name & age? Mrs Diamond Suffolk Natasha Streatfield Age 36
What made you enter pageants in the first place?
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I first entered into this crazy pageant world in 2019 and competed for the first time in early 2020 right before lockdown, I knew instantly that would not be my last time competing. I had always thought about pageantry but not really done anything about looking into anything as I always thought pageants was a very American thing, but wow my eyes were opened for so many reasons firstly how hard everybody works, my Grandad sadly passed away in July 2019 and I thought ok it’s time to start doing things life is a gift so take risks and opportunities, I am so glad I send off that application late 2019 I haven’t looked back since.
Have you competed before? If so, can you tell us about your journey?
My first time competing was in Galaxy and what an incredible experience I had, I came away with new friends amazing memories and ideas on how to improve and what I wanted to achieve, I done a little research and found Miss Atlantic United Kingdom who’s chosen charity is MIND I have a few connections with mental health from different aspects that I knew it was going to be a great experience and system, I was right I became the reigning Mrs Atlantic 21 and had an incredible year i achieved more than I expected and had some fabulous opportunities come my way, I handed over to the lovely Dionne in April who is the new reigning Mrs Atlantic and I have no doubt will have an amazing year.
What made you decide to compete in your current system?
I went to watch Miss Diamond last year and really enjoyed the weekend and how the system works, I am the media host for Crowns & Sashes so I have been helping to raise money and awareness for the Samaritans the last couple of years and the connection still being mental health but once Coppafeel was added to their chosen charities I knew instantly i needed to apply, Breast cancer is close to my heart having a Nan loose a breast to the disease and also a close family friend who was very young at the time, I’m a very happy to say both ladies are strong fighters and are living life to the full and in remission, I also knew I would love to compete in an international pageant and try my hardest to make it to an international stage and Miss Diamond is international, I cannot wait to head to finals in October I have had a couple of my outfits for months.
What’s your pageant platform and why?
My platform is all thing mental health but mainly I focus on Alzheimer’s it’s been a huge part of mine and my families lives when my Grandad was diagnosed, I am so happy to say that I have managed to raise a lot of awareness by starting my #iamme campaign last year I have organised two very successful Memory walks which have raised nearly £1000 between them both and have made several magazines and newspapers which is incredible getting the message out there about Alzheimer’s, I am now a proud owner of a Coppafeel bra bin to so we have lots of bras turn up at our front door, if you have any you no longer need please send me a message.
What is your dream title?
Mrs Diamond 22
If you were to win what would it mean to you?
f I was lucky enough to be one the newly crowned Mrs Diamond it would be a dream come true all my hard work and dedication to my platforms and everyone’s support means so much so to be able to say Mrs Diamond instead of Natasha to get my voice heard even louder about things like Alzheimer’s, Coppafeel all things Mental Health would be incredible.
What’s the best advice you have for fellow pageant queens/finalists?
Be the best version of you, don’t compare yourself to others you are you and that is enough.
What have you been doing since you became a Diamond Finalist?
I have been busy planning my next memory walk on 10th September and becoming a Coppafeel bra collection point, along with making appearances in person I also have been filming podcasts for Crowns & Sashes.
What is your favourite ever appearance?
I have just attended Sofia’s Self-defence workshop that she arranged and wow it was amazing we learnt so much, little stuff the next day ha-ha but totally worth it, if you can get to the next one, make sure you go.
What makes a good pageant role model?
Someone who committed and believes in themself and the system they are representing, And a friendly and approachable, who is consistent with what they are doing.
What’s your favourite pageant round?
I always say fashion when I get asked this but I might of changed my mind to evening wear, I absolutely love showing personality and I think fashion you really can do that, but evening Is all about elegance and class when wearing a dress you are totally in love with it makes you feel a million dollars, Ahh I love all rounds for different reasons I can’t pick one hehe.
How do you deal with pageant nerves?
I grew up performing on stage so my nerves might be a little different to someone who isn’t so used to being on a stage, I was always used to bam bam bam one outfit change to running back to the side of the stage to go on again I didn’t have time to get to nervous luckily, so although I still feel the butterflies in my tummy before I go on stage and the little nerves kick in I take a deep breath and put on a big smile and think it’s now or never, before you go on just think deep breath it’s your time to shine go and show everyone how fabulous you are
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Social Media handles IG: MissPhenomenalAfrica21 Facebook: Tshukudu Tshiamo
Title, name & Occupation Miss Phenomenal Africa 2021/22 Tshiamo Tshukudu Environmental Science Graduate
What made you enter pageants in the first place?
I entered pageants because they serve as a platform that showcases women's empowerment, diversity, intelligence, and leadership.
Have you competed before? If so, can you tell us about your journey?
I started pageantry in 2018, my first pageant was incredible, and I won 1st Princess Miss Villa Rosendal Student Accommodation. The following year I did not take part in any competition then continued in 2020 till to date. I have 9 tittle.
1)1st Princess 2018/19 Miss Villa Rosendal Student Accommodation 2)2nd Runner 2020/21 up Miss Pretoria West best women award 3)Miss Photogenic 2020/21 4)Miss Tshwane Regions 2nd Princess 2020/21 5)Face of Model SA 1st Princess 2020/21 6)Face of Model SA Ambassador 2020/21 7)Miss Soshanguve Public choice 2020/21, 4th Runner up 2020/21 and Best dressed 2020/21 8)Miss Personality TUT Pretoria Campus 2021/22 9)Miss Phenomenal Africa 2021/22.
What made you decide to compete in your current system?
I entered Miss Soshanguve 2020/21 and came 4th runner up. In my current system I was given an opportunity from Miss Soshanguve 4th runner up to Miss Phenomenal Africa finalist. They are within the same modelling agency.
What the best thing that pageants have taught you?
The best lesson I have acquired from pageantry is discipline and respect, but most importantly is having a good self-esteem. Facing my fears and never doubt the capabilities I have within me. To always appreciate myself the way I am because I'm Phenomenal.
What’s your pageant platform and why?
My pageant platform is my advocacy. I advocate for taking a boy and a girl child to work. I teach them that they can co-exist with each other. Through my advocacy I empower a young women and teach a young boy to accommodate an empowered young women.
What’s your dream title?
My dream tittle is Miss Philanthropy Africa because I'm a philanthropist.
What was it like when you won?
When I was crowned the first Miss Phenomenal Africa 2020/21 it was a dream come true. I have always wanted to be crowned queen and at that time I have lost hope in everything, but I kept going. It was a very emotional moment for me. God does make things possible. Tata Madiba once said, it always seems impossible until it is done. With that I learned to be patient.
What’s the best advice you have for fellow pageant queens/finalists?
The best advice I can give to queens/finalists is to be firm in their beliefs and they should not compare themselves to anyone.
What have you been doing since you won your title?
As a finalist I was visiting early childhood developments as I advocate for taking a boy and a girl child to work. Since I won my tittle I have been collecting old clothes to donate. I have also visited Godisanang One programme which we were having a GBV programme with secondary learners.
What is your favorite ever appearance?
My favorite ever appearance is my natural look with a simple outfit.
What makes a good pageant role model?
A good pageant role model is inspiring, respectful, resilience and confidence, a women who is aiming to make a difference in their community.
