17 minute read
Interview with Ms Regal World 21/22 Hayley Parker
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Now you’re no stranger to pageants, but this was slightly different as you competed virtually. How did you find competing virtually compared to a live pageant?
Honestly, I felt all of the same feelings as if I was competing live. I was a bundle of nerves for more than a week before. After interview, I calmed down and talked to a few of my sister queens to share notes on our experience. For crowning, I loved that my husband was next to me, holding my hand. I really wanted to hear my name and with each call, from 4th-1st, I still wasn’t sure I would hear my name. My heart was racing and then I heard my name and just started sobbing. It was a moment that has been viewed over 4,500 times and, forever, I will be Ms Achievement World 2022 - the uglier crier - lol!
Did you feel more under pressure by competing virtually?
I don’t think there was more pressure. I feel super comfortable on camera, which I know a lot of people do not. I think being the host of PageantryNOW and doing over 1000 live interviews probably made me feel right at home, virtually - pun intended ;)
You have already done so much to change the misconception of pageantry, which is incredible, but what do you have planned during your reign?
My biggest plan is to build the Ms. Achievement World system and Dr World Productions up. I want to be a mentor for my sister queen both MAW and Dr World. Plus, keep changing the world using a crown and a sash and my platform, Smart with a Heart. Currently, I am in the running to become a Real Woman of 2022 which is an official ambassador of Go Red for Women for the American Heart Association. It would be a dream come
Title, name & age? Cynthia Linnet Lau Age: 25 Miss Earth Cuba 2021
What made you enter pageants in the first place?
Pageants offered me a platform to speak my voice. For me, being able to raise awareness on a national and international level has been the honour of a lifetime. From the first to the last, my mission will continue.
Previous titles
• Miss Cuba Queen of the Continents 2016 • Queen of the Continents International 2016
• Miss Art Deco 2018
• Miss Intercontinental Cuba 2018
• Miss Earth Cuba 2021
What made you decide to compete in your current system?
The current environmental issues impacting our planet and my country's (Cuba) fight for freedom. As Miss Earth Cuba, I fight for environmental awareness on a global scale. I have a belief, a mission, that through one action, whether small or big, change will occur. Competing in Miss Earth means being an ambassador and educator, but overall, an integral part of the mission to reinstate the Earth's health.
Email: connie2020dream@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/constance.seddon.92 Instagram: @constanceseddon Additional: I represented two countries. I was born in Zimbabwe, but I am a citizen of UK. I have lived in UK for the past 25 years. I love both countries, and my charity work is completed in both, as I can conduct some things virtually for Zimbabwe.
What made you decide to compete in pageants?
I like the spotlight. I have always wanted to be very much involved with the stage - either acting, singing or pageantry - then use that to give something to the community. I had to choose between a career in healthcare and modelling when I finished my A-levels. I chose the profession of radiography, and I did that for 34 years. I am now flexi-retired and have the time to do other things alongside my job in the NHS. When I got signed as a model by a few agents, I listened to what they said to me at my interviews and started to believe there is something they see in me. I went to a few photoshoots in London and Manchester, and the comments I got were strengthening my momentum to go for something in the line of a pageant. So, HERE I AM. Some skills I acquired through drama club and debate club at school.
What made you decide to compete in the Regal World Pageant?
Regal World appeared on Star Now, where I am registered as a model. There were many others but, after I had read about the background and saw that the values and positivity in the message that the founder was trying to reach out and spread, it was just what I wanted to be part of in my own small way. Regal World is the newest international pageant and has the inclusivity of the Classic division for my age range. Victoria looked at my intro and when I was invited for a phone chat, I was excited and nervous. I was so encouraged by the warmth she came across with. That represented the system not only professionally, but very respectfully and encouragingly. By the end of the call, the questions I had were answered and I was sure I really wanted to embark on this system.
What’s the best thing that pageants has taught you?
I have had a chance to explore my own strengths during the tasks that I had to carry out. I feel more confident, but the biggest thing for me is I now view pageants as more of a learning journey than a competition. That way, if one does not get the crown, they can focus on other benefits of the journey. Winning is great, but no one leaves emptyhanded - you get friendships, sisterly love and sharing, mood lifting and being bombarded with positivity, enough to train your own mind to appreciate others and be kind to yourself, which is an ingredient of building a strong woman. Never take anything for granted.
Title, name & age? I’m Jessica - your Miss Royal International United Kingdom Junior Teen and I’m 15 years old.
What made you enter pageants in the first place? I saw Misha Grimes' YouTube video and was inspired! It looked so fun and exciting. Then, I did more research and looked into it and realised that you could gain confidence and help thousands of people through the volunteering and charity work you complete as a finalist.
Have you competed before? If so, can you tell us about your journey? I have competed once before, in Galaxy UK. As this was my first pageant, I didn’t really understand what they were, so didn’t really come prepared but, after Galaxy was over, I caught the pageant bug and I saw Royal Miss UK. I fell in love with the system, so I entered, and I was given the Leicestershire title (as this is my hometown). I worked so hard to gain the UK title, and all the hard work paid off.
Title, name & age? Ms Regal World 21/22 Hayley Parker 36 years old
What made you enter pageants in the first place?
I decided I needed to challenge myself with something new. I also wanted to find a way to be heard and really make a difference in my community. I wanted to be a strong role model for my two daughters and all of the students I teach, to show them how to be empowered and positive women in their community too.
Have you competed before?
This was my first time competing and it was such a positive experience - I am now absolutely hooked. I can’t believe that I have made friendships and connections that span continents and timelines, while also walking away with a title! It all seems like such a dream come true.
What made you decide to compete in your current system?
After seeing videos, speeches and testimonials from other candidates and participants, I decided this was where I needed to be - in a system that recognises all women and truly celebrates who they are.
What's the best thing that pageants have taught you?
To be confident! If you embrace who you are confidently, and with purpose, others will surely lift you up and celebrate with you. Confidence is a key tool, in all areas of life, to succeed and has certainly been an incredible thing I have learnt. I'll always carry it with me.
• Miss Manchester Galaxy 2020/21 • Emily Gibbins • Age: 20
What made you decide to enter pageants?
I decided to enter pageants because it is a platform where individuality is celebrated, and you can just be yourself. Pageants also give you the opportunity to meet other incredible young women from around the country that, ordinarily, you may not have met if you had not entered a pageant. The main aspect that has brought me into pageantry is the opportunity to start new projects and fundraising for various charities, in particular The Christie Charity, helping to make a difference and a positive change. It is not about perfection but being a role model to those around you.
Have you competed before if so, can you tell us about your journey?
Previous title: Miss Teen South Yorkshire 2018. I competed in Miss Teen Great Britain in 2018 and I had the most incredible experience. This was the first pageant I ever entered, so I was not sure what to expect however, after placing in the Top 15, I fell in love with pageants and knew I wanted to compete again. Over the past few years, I have been able to gain confidence and leverage results, aiming for excellence in everything I do.
What made you decide to compete in the Galaxy UK System?
I made the decision to compete in the Galaxy system as it is a system that embraces individuality and gives you the opportunity to just be yourself which, I feel, is extremely important, as we can celebrate who we are by empowering ourselves and showing strength and resilience to be the best version of ourselves. Cultural appreciation is an important aspect that makes the galaxy system incredible. Women empowering other women from different areas on both a national and global scale, creating a community of young women who all want to make a positive change with meaning and passion with incredible opportunities from a career perspective.
Interview with Nicola Kirkpatrick Miss United Kingdom Rose Finalist
Title, name & age?
Nicola Kirkpatrick, Aged 33 Miss United Kingdom Rose Finalist
What made you enter pageants in the first place?
I decided I wanted to enter into a pageant to help boost my confidence and, after reaching many pageants, I decided that the Miss United Kingdom Rose Pageant was a good fit.
Have you competed before? If so, can you tell us about your journey?
I have completed in Galaxy many years ago, but at the time I didn't really understand pageants or what they were about.
What made you decide to compete in your current system?
The reason I entered the Miss UK Rose Pageant was because my son entered it a few years ago and the support the directors showed was amazing. All the girl/boys we're amazing and the pageant, as a whole, was ran fantastically. The directors definitely put everyone's needs first.
What the best thing that pageants have taught you?
Pageantry has tough me to believe in myself again and not to be so hard on myself. It's been tough for me to find the real me again and to follow my dreams.
What’s your pageant platform and why?
My platform is Mind / St. Adrian Orphanage Junior School - Jjongoza, in Uganda. The reason for my platform being Mind is because I was a serving soldier in the military, and I saw many of my friends suffer from mental health issues. I myself suffer from anxiety. The reason my platform is St. Adrian Orphanage Junior SchoolJjongoza is that I look at the children and think no child should suffer in this this day and age. Children are born innocent and don’t ask for this life. I will continue to do everything within my power to support the children and bring them happiness.
Hello everyone! My name is Michelle Livingstone and I’m 44 years old. I first started pageants nearly three years ago, through my cousin Natalie, to help me with my confidence and nerves. The first pageant I competed with was Miss Scotland Charity in 2019, where I placed first runner up. I then went on to compete with Miss Saltire in 2020. I placed first runner up and was awarded ambassador. Then I decided to compete with Face of Scotland. It was the first ever pageant I went to watch, and I loved everything about the system. Everyone was absolutely lovely and welcoming, and I love the charities - Headway and the Les Hoey Foundation. The best thing pageants have taught me is that you can achieve anything you want in life. You need to believe in yourself work hard and stay focused. My pageant platform is mental health. I recently became an ambassador for Beard Clothing who support mental health. I also have done challenges and charity walk for Unmasked Mental Health. I love raising awareness for mental health, as I have suffered from depression and PTSD from a young age, so it’s something close to my heart. I raise goods and money for my local Edinburgh PDSA. I love to get out in my community too, but lockdown was hard, so I handed out food bags to anyone in need of them. My dream title would be Face of Scotland. I’d love to hold a title representing the place I was born and, if I were to win, it would mean everything to me as I’ve worked really hard as a finalist. So, to win would be amazing - to be recognised for all your hard work is a massive achievement. The best advice I’d give would be to just be you. Remember hard work does pay off and believe in yourself - you can achieve anything in life. In the run up to my finals I have held my own online pageant two years in a row. I've also held charity card raffles, pet competitions and there has been so much more! My best appearance was at Royal International Miss. It was so good to see everyone again since lockdown. My pageant was put back a few months due to Covid restrictions. I’m competing on the 3rd of October. I cannot wait! Covid has made fundraising so difficult, but I’m so proud of how well I’ve done.
My favourite pageant round is evening. I absolutely love evening I love the slow walk the beautiful evening gowns.
Interview with Patricia Celan: Mrs. Canada International 2020-2021 Mrs. International People’s Choice Winner 2021 Mrs. Universe Canada 2022
Title, name & age?
Patricia Celan, 28 years old: Mrs. Canada International 2020-2021
Mrs. International People’s Choice Winner 2021 Mrs. Universe Canada 2022
What made you enter pageants in the first place?
When I was a teenager, one of my closest friends was in a pageant in our hometown. She told me about everything she was learning through the many workshops. I was intrigued, so I signed up as well. I’ve learned so much from pageants and I’m very grateful I got involved.
Have you competed before? If so, can you tell us about your journey?
I have competed on and off since 2008. My previous titles include New Westminster Princess and Miss Charity BC. An interesting part of my journey is that I shaved my head for a cancer fundraiser on stage as soon as I won the Miss Charity BC title! We fundraised from the audience in addition to all the fundraising I had done before the pageant - my total raised was over $10,000.
What made you decide to compete in your current system?
After taking a six year break from pageants, I missed the sisterhood, the community involvement, and feeling a sense of purpose. I started competing in pageants again to regain what I was missing!
What the best thing that pageants have taught you?
I have learned a lot from pageants - from the workshops, community service, or social interactions and sisterhood involved in pageantry. I have become a wiser person, a more empathetic person, and a stronger person as a result of pageants.
Title, name & age? Anna Hoang Aged 11 Miss Junior Regal World
What made you enter pageants in the first place?
Pageants have always been something I wanted to try out. Originally, when competing in my first pageant, I decided that I wanted to try something new and different. I even promised myself that this would be a ‘one-time’ experience! It is rather ironic that the pageant that I competed in fully for fun started my whole career in the fashion industry. Perhaps, fate decided that this is the path I should’ve taken as it still seems right to me!
Previous titles
My past pageant titles are: Little Miss Eurasia Grand Silver Pix 2017, Little Miss Asia 2017 and 2nd Runner-Up Miss Junior Regal World 2020!
Have you competed before? If so, can you tell us about your journey?
Yes, amazingly enough, pageants itself started my career in the fashion industry! The first pageant I competed in was Little Miss and Mr Eurasia, in 2017. It was a pageant taken part by 10 countries in Europe and Asia. The pageant itself required an additional skill, so my ‘special skill’ was a ballet performance! It was incredible, as there were contestants from different age groups and there were both males and females competing. I also remember quite clearly that I had a close partner, also in the Vietnam division, who was extremely successful in the pageant! Along with the first-place winner being in that division, too. It truly was incredible as the first placer is now very well-known in Vietnam, and globally, so it was an honour to meet her before her success arc!
