Crowns and Sashes Magazine September 2022

Front Cover Winner –Layla Gordon –Miss Teen Galaxy Europe Photographer –Daniel Gagnon Photo

Inside Cover Winner Carie Michelle

Photographer LisaGArtistry

Letter From the Editor

Hello Everyone and welcome to Issue 21!

Wow what a month it’s been for me since the last issue! I went to London for Mrs. Diamond Suffolk’s 3rd Memory Walk in aid of Alzheimer’s and then I attended the PIA awards where the magazine won the Pageant Media Award! I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for your ongoing support without you it wouldn’t have been possible.

Much love Charlotte Ms Diamond U.K.

from

Assistant

Miss Diamond Curve Wiltshire 2022

Hello, hello, hello!

It’s been a busy month for me, attending various events on the run up to my Miss Diamond UK finals at the end of October, including the second of this year’s Alzheimer’s Memory Walks run and organised by my pageant sister and C&S Sister Queen, Natasha Streatfield (Mrs. Diamond Suffolk).

I also attended the Warrior pageant, which was an amazing event that showcases contestants who live with invisible illnesses every day but are not defined by them. Everyone did an amazing job and are absolutely warriors. Congratulations to the new court!!

I had hoped to attend the PIAs with the rest of the magazine team (where we won the Pageant Media award!), but illness meant I was not able to attend, which was such a shame. But still, we won!! Thanks to everyone who nominated us and for the judges for voting for us.

We hope you enjoy this issue!! Wow Issue 21! Happy ‘21st birthday’ Crowns & Sashes!! Love and Light, Lynz xxxx

Gould

Hi everyone and welcome to our September edition Issue 21

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

WOW! what a month it has been. I have been very busy with appearances this month. I attended Jessica Logan's Charity Warrior Pageant earlier this month. A huge success and I met some amazing new friends.

Of course the PIA's and Miss Pageant Queen UK . Huge congratulations to all of the new Queens. ...and our incredible news that Crowns and Sashes Magazine were the winners of the Publicity award. This means the absolute world to all of our team. You are all amazing and our hard work has paid off.

Next month will be very busy with Miss Great Britain and Miss Teen Great Britain. I can't wait to see you all again soon.

Mrs Diamond Suffolk 2022

Happy October everyone,

My goodness what a month it’s been, another success with another Alzheimer’s memory walk, changed at the last minute to include stopping by Buckingham palace to pay our respects to Queen Elizabeth II, attended the PIA awards and miss pageant queen last night where crowns and sashes won the media award, I am so proud to be part of the team for the magazine and over the moon we won, I also was awarded the Charlotte lister award to my surprise which left me an emotional mess and feeling so proud of myself and so grateful for everyone’s support always.

She said I had a surprise I thought the surprise was her saying come to reception and surprising me by coming but an award to, what a night! Huge congratulations to all the newly crowned queens and finalists it was a fabulous evening.

Right I better start getting myself together to head to finals myself, see you at Diamond everyone

Love Mrs Diamond Suffolk X

Hi everyone !

I would like to say how grateful I am for all the support we have received so far ! It was such an honour for the team to be nominated for a PIA award and then to go onto to win it was just amazing! I had the best time catching up with so many amazing people at the PIA’s. congratulations to the newly crowned queens and everyone who was nominated and won a PIA award

Love Taylor x

Quiz Master Taylor Robshaw

Miss South Yorkshire Galaxy



3 - FEATURE: Meet the Team

 11 - INTERVIEW: Ms Voluptuous Celtic Nations, Rio Cole

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14 FEATURE: Crowns & Sashes Magazines wins the PIA Pageant Media Award

 15 FEATURE: Meet the Judges

 16 - INTERVIEW: Keelie Fowkes - Miss Teen Rugby

 18 - INTERVIEW: Sintija Ribaka

 21 FEATURE: About our Chosen Charity

 22 FEATURE: Pageant Calendar UK

 23 INTERVIEW: Ms Voluptuous England Laura Davis

 25 - FEATURE: About our Chosen Charity

 26 - FEATURE: Meet the Cover Star

 26 FEATURE: PIA Photo Special

PICTURE COMPETITION WINNERS:

FRONT COVER: Layla Gordon – Miss Teen Galaxy Europe

INSIDE FRONT: Carie Michelle

INSIDE BACK: Laura White – Classic Diamond S Glamorgan

BACK COVER: Layla Gordon Miss Teen Galaxy Europe, Michelle Gordon - Mrs West Sussex Galaxy and Aliyah Gordon IJM West Sussex Junior Teen

Interview

Rio Cole

Title, name & age?

Ms Voluptuous Celtic Nations

Rio Cole & 32 Years Old

What made you enter pageants in the first place?

Although it sounds cliche, I always had a strong interest in Beauty pageants from a young girl, I remember being obsessed watching it on television, and it being a huge part of American culture and not the UK.

The glitz and glam of pageantry were aesthetically appeasing to my eyes. It seemed like the ideal form of princess dress up, and a good time where girls/women were allowed to showcase their beauty.

The only issue was, I didn't see anyone who resembled me. A natural black full figured girl/ woman, which shattered any hope, I had in becoming a pageant girl. It seemed like a distant dream or near impossible. Until the years progressed, I realised that the beauty pageants back then perpetuated unrealistic(heavily applied make up and tanning) and rigid beauty standards which lacked diversity and inclusivity.

Now I'm proud to be a part of an era of change, where beauty pageants now embrace features that have not always been celebrated and considered 'beautiful'. It included different types of beautiful, reflecting our society. We are now more inclusive and diverse. More accepting of different Genders, Sexualities, Statuses, Weight, Race and Ethnicities. As a sense of belonging is just as important as visual representation.

I have also always had a fulfilling feeling when giving back to others and contributing to society. However, despite achieving my dream career caring for others as a Registered Nurse, and after enhancing my healthcare professional role as an aspiring dual registrant Midwife. I realized my purpose in life, was bigger than my career. I was in my early 30's, with low self esteem and confidence. I was on a new quest to find my purpose in life, and I randomly stumbled across Miss Voluptuous Pageants when searching for all these things. It was almost like a spiritual sign from God/ the universe. to show the diverse range of people in society. It should not be specifically for any particular type of person.

What made you decide to compete in your current system?

I decided to compete in my current system Miss Voluptuous Pageants (MVP), for its strong Inclusivity message. It was like no other beauty pageant I had read about. Firstly, Its entry criteria was much different, it catered for all walks of life, from plus sized women over 18 years old, size 14 and above, and were accepting of women from the LGBTQIA+ community (from drag queens and beyond). This was important, as it showed me it was a system not objectifying us. When promoting beauty, systems need to show the diverse range of people in society. It should not be specifically for any particular type of person. MVP were for people who did not fit the box, people like me. I DEFINITELY have never fit the box!

What is the best thing that pageants have taught you?

Competing in my first pageant, winning on my 32nd birthday and being a part of a historic win as the first joint woman of colour. It has been an immeasurable experience, and a huge learning curve. It taught me to always put my best foot forward. The value of trusting in your own decisions, and to believe in myself.

What’s your pageant platform and why?

1.Mental Health: Being the voice of those living with mental illness, by listening, speaking up, standing up for them and fighting alongside. This may be done by Increasing awareness surrounding mental health disorders on social media/news outlets/magazines/online platforms and aiming to tackle stigma and discrimination. Increasing support with issues relating to their mental health care and treatment.

Future projects: Mental health and wellbeing in the workplace/specialising in healthcare/NHS. Racial based and general mental health support.

2. Racial and Health Inequalities:

Highlighting the challenges and impacts of racism, stigma and inequalities on how it can affect mental health and healthcare outcomes overall. A key factor in the increasing disparities in health, especially for marginalized groups such as people from Black and Brown communities ( Afro Caribbean and African communities).

What’s your dream title?

I had already won my dream national title as Ms Voluptuous Celtic Nations, representing various regions. One being Ireland, which runs through my bloodline, and it is a complete honour to represent. I'm competing in the internationals next year, so my next dream continental title would be either Ms Voluptuous International or Ms Voluptuous Europe.

What was it like when you won?

When I won, I felt like it was my breakthrough year. It was a historic win, being the second /first joint woman of colour to win! I automatically cried, as it was a win for all. A meaningful change occurred, I felt something had shifted, promoting equality and breaking down racial barriers that many people of colour had experienced across pageantry prior. Our victory left me feeling exceptionally happy, humble and grateful. It felt so surreal, winning for all means I give hope to communities that look up to me from the Black and Brown community (Afro Caribbean/African Community), Dyslexic community, Parenthood community, communities within Celtic Nations, Locality: Cambridgeshire and those who feel inspired by me overall. I cried joyous tears for so many reasons, and one of them being despite any personal obstacles. I never gave up, even if I felt close to and as a result I was able to achieve my goals! My loved ones helping me to celebrate this achievement, will always remain a huge part of my memories.

What’s the best advice you have for fellow pageant queens/finalists? It’s never too late and Never give up!

Whatever part of yourself has been lost, you can call it back. When you feel unworthy, remember that you are. You can also achieve anything you put your mind to, but you have to believe in yourself!

What have you been doing since you won?

Since winning, I have been working on a few queen legacy projects, I'm finalising the launch of my online support group using an internationally recognised support platform called 'Circles Up'. Accessible via Apps (and Online, users have the option to remain anonymous if they wish). There are various circles of support on there, I have created my own room called 'Diverse Converse'. I cannot wait to share further details, once we are fully up and running.

I have made a few public appearances, via magazines and was selected as the National Treasure I also have been successful in becoming a COOP Members pioneer (community support for Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire) supporting a number of local charitable causes, national campaigns and projects. I will be specialising in community mental health support.

What is your favourite ever appearance?

My favourite appearance was the Miss Voluptuous Pageants Christmas party, for queens and finalists in December 2021. It was the first official appearance, where I met my fellow pageant sisters/finalists (class of 2022), the reigning 2021 national queens, our sponsor Apples and Pears Clothing, our Director & her beautiful family. It was a joyous occasion, which our director carefully planned and organised. We ate, drank, laughed and joked with music and quizzes.

What makes a good pageant role model?

Someone embracing their true identity and cultivating courage and confidence. Someone who dedicates their time, wisdom and resources in an aid of helping others.

What’s your favourite pageant round?

Evening wear round was by far my favourite, as it's one of the most iconic rounds in pageantry. It’s the round most people in pageantry look forward to seeing, you tend to spend a lot on purchasing or hiring your gown and chose it carefully.

In evening wear you really are a Centre of Attention, it was like a real princess moment!

How do you deal with pageant nerves?

I previously had an extreme fear of public speaking, how I try to overcome this when experiencing debilitating nervousness, is by thorough preparation of the topic. This increases my odds of recovering quickly if any mistakes occur.

I also exercise the power of silence, to help gather my thoughts and to avoid losing track momentarily . Lastly, by having fun! Trying to enjoy the moment and by not overthinking and adopting a more positive attitude. Making a conscious effort to have more gratitude, allows me to have a more positive emotion.

Webpages:

Rio's fundraiser for London’s Air Ambulance charity, abseiling 284ft from Europe's tallest helipad rooftop at Royal London Hospital. On National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11th, 2022, which commemorates the tragic 2001 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.

Helping London's Air Ambulance charity, to save 30,000 lifesaving missions a year (approx. 80 lives a day). Fundraiser sponsor page: https://fundraising.londonsairambulance.org.uk/fundraisers/riocole/abseil 2022

Raising money to support Rio's road to Miss Voluptuous Internationals in Denver, Colorado in 2 7th April 2023: http://gofund.me/27b31be3

Rio's Instagram page: msvoluptuouscelticnations

Rio's Facebook public figure page: RioColexx

( Rio Cole : Ms Voluptuous Celtic Nations 22/23)

Picture credits: Style and Story International Pageants

@styleandstorypageants

Ant Bradshaw for on stage photos

Queens headshot photographer credit

Martin Higgs

Last year we were nominated for a PIA award, Pageant Media to be exact and at the end of September we went to the incredible event which was the PIAS and Pageant Queen. Wow what an amazing night it was not only was it an amazing chance to get together with the fellow pageant community, but it was also full of giggles thanks to Kat the host and we were even wowed with Jen Atkins incredible singing, and we can’t forget Jen’s backup dancers, Kat, Laura and Debbie can we!

I am truly overwhelmed to tell you that we won the Pageant Media Award, I started the magazine in lockdown to try and raise money for charity and it has been a huge success over £2200 raised for charity and 21 Issues released.

I would like to thank the whole team as without you it wouldn’t be possible and also a huge thank you to the whole of the pageant community for their continued support.

Even though I was a judge for this year’s PIA’s I wasn’t a judge for the Pageant Media Award so I would personally like to thank the judges for choosing Crowns and Sashes Magazine.

Congrats to everyone that was nominated, competing and to the winners.

MeettheJudges

My name is Libby Smith I am 20 and I am the reigning Miss Pageant Girl UK. Libby Fern Smith Miss Pageant Girl UK. I have been competing in pageants for six years now and I have competed in Jr, Teen and Miss competitions.

My platform is raising awareness for speech and language delay. I created the campaign #timefortalk to help remove the stigma surrounding children with SLCN (communication needs) and share my little sister’s speech delay story. Since 2019 my campaign has been recognised by Parliament and MP’s Will Quince and Bill Esterson. I also created the time for talk podcast to create a safe place for individuals to share their personal experiences with speech delay. As of May 2022 I self published my own children’s book called “Little Miss Speechless”

I’m Saffron Corcoran, I’m 26 and I’ve been involved in pageantry since 2012. My current title is Miss Northamptonshire Galaxy 2022, and I will be competing at Miss Galaxy UK 2023 in March.

My past achievements in pageants are winning Miss Teen Galaxy England 2015 and placing runner up at Miss Teen Galaxy 2016 and also placing runner up at Miss Universe GB 2017.

My goals have changed throughout the years as my personal live has developed and now I’m committed to inspiring mothers not to allow their dreams to fade, whether this be pursuing a career they’ve always dreamed of, travelling the world or competing in pageants.

Sasha Shelton is the Iconic 32 year old Entrepreneur, Humanitarian, Philanthropist, Licensed Medical Massage Therapist and Covid Nurse currently Reigning as Ms. Arkansas Regency International 2022 for The Regency International Pageant Organization.

She is no stranger to the pageant world having competed and judged pageants since 2004 on the local, state national, and international levels

Interview with Keelie Fowkes

Miss Teen Rugby

Title, name & age?

My name is Keelie Fowkes , age 17 , with the current title of Miss Teen Rugby , where I will compete in Miss Teen Great Britain in October.

What made you enter pageants in the first place?

I have struggled with confidence for years and building confidence is always something I wanted to improve.

When I saw a pageant friend do the competition last year I instantly knew that teen GB was the one I needed to enter and really give it a go.

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

Miss teen Rugby is my first ever title meaning teen GB will be my first pageant and I am so excited.

What made you decide to compete in your current system?

I love how teen GB is a 2 day event , holds the workshop beforehand to and the location is an amazing to visit. The system really is amazing and is a brilliant way to get to know other contestants first, which could relieve nerves for people who struggle to communicate or have nerves when meeting new people.

What the best thing that pageants have taught you?

The best thing pageants have taught me is to be yourself everyone is unique, be confident and don’t let other people’s views put you down.

What’s your pageant platform and why?

My platform is raising awareness towards mental health and bullying. This is because unfortunately I have experienced bullying for the majority of my life.

Unfortunately, nothing was done about the bullying which caused me to move to another school . I now model and have a title which I would have never thought I would have been able to achieve a few years ago. I also now raise awareness about bullying by sharing my story with other people hoping it helps them to not give up and dreams come true if you keep going !

What’s your dream title?

My dream title is miss teen Great Britain. This is because teen GB has been the first ever pageant for me to enter and I love how the system goes. I would love to hold more events such as brunch and meet ups and travel around representing the system and talking publicly about my story and my journey if I was to be crowned Miss teen GB. I raise money for a charity called bullies out. The first place I would visit would be wales to meet the bullies out team and hold a coffee morning with them.

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

If I were to win , this would mean the absolute world to me . To hold a crown on my head and then to be able to finally say I did it would be an amazing opportunity to have. I would be so proud to have done it and overcome the bullies I faced

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

My biggest advice is to be you and block other people who tell you to change out. So far the people in my pageant journey have been just so amazing and so lovely, they are always there for advice or support when you need it. Make the opportunity count as much as you can and make the most of it.

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

Since I became a finalist wow I have had the best experience. The first thing I did was create a box for the people in Ukraine unfortunately in the war where I sent loads of supplies to help them. I then was in my local newspaper the Rugby observer talking all about my bullying experience. I held a cake sale at work to raise money for together for short lives and soon there will be another one to come as I got a new job ! I then climbed Snowdon in order to raise money for bullies out which took 2hrs 30 mins , I have now raised £250 and £206 for together for short lives. I attend the spring pageant girl brunch which was so amazing to meet some lovely girls and I then attended pageant girl finals and watched the gorgeous Libby and Naomi be crowned , this was so nice to speak to some lovely girls and get me more into pageant world. I also did the race for life to raise awareness for cancer where I completed it in 35 minutes . I have also been doing campaigns and online interviews to support other platforms.

What is your favourite ever appearance?

I think my favourite appearance has been either climbing Snowdon to raise money for bullies out as I really felt so proud after and I felt so emotional when I got to the top. Another of my favourite was being in the newspaper inspiring others with my story.

What makes a good pageant role model?

A good role model is someone who can be supportive towards other people and be kind . Also making a change or being inspirational towards the community and supporting any charity’s.

What’s your favourite pageant round?

I am yet to find out however I think interview or evening wear maybe my favourite

How do you deal with pageant nerves?

To deal with pageant nerves I like to think back to all the work I have done running up to the finals and just really looking back on my journey.

Interview with Sintija Ribaka

Title, name & age?

My name is Sintija Ribaka, and I am 33 years old and currently a finalist of a “World International Royalty” 2022 and competing as Mrs Latvia in this pageant.

What made you enter pageants in the first place?

I love trying a new things and this seem to be something interesting, so I have decided to enter pageant land and find out myself what it is all about. To be honest, I was so surprised, when I found out about community and charity work, what so many ladies are doing. It is a very hard work and so inspiring, so much dedication and passion.

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

I have competed in many small charity pageants and only in one national one “Miss Mystic Beauty”, where I won a “Mystic Eco Beauty” award 2021 . It was interesting experience.

What made you decide to compete in your current system?

I have 3 main reasons why I have entered exactly “World International Royalty’’, so reputation around pageant, same values and moral beliefs as I do and of course diversity. I am very proud to be a part of this system and would like to recommend it to others too.

What the best thing that pageants have taught you?

I think the best thing is pushing me out of my comfort zone, so in that way I have improved my communication skills, started to more express my views and ideas, fulfil my dreams and meet interesting people or see places or organizations, what I would never dare to see if I was not doing pageants.

What’s your pageant platform and why?

Every year we dump a 2.12 billion tons of waste and only 19% undergoes materials recovery through recycling and composting. To me 19% worldwide is not a high number, so I have chosen to talk about recycling importance, how we can help to improve, reduce reuse recycle scheme, zero waste lifestyle and how to recycle in a correct way to avoid cross contamination.

What’s your dream title?

It certainly is “Mrs World International Royalty” 2022/2023.

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

If I would win firstly it would mean my hard work has been recognised and valuated. Secondly, I have a little book, where I am writing down all my ideas and plans, so if I win, you will see what secrets I have got planned.

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

Do not compare yourself to another people, because things what we see on a social media very often is not a full story. Focus your attention to your work and challenge yourself to come out of your comfort zone in the best positive way you can.

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

I have been talking about my platform ,what is all about recycling and created a campaign to remind and help people to recognise recycling symbols, what we see daily on items or products. Also I have taken a part in community events, supported other people campaigns, donated to different non profit organisations and had my own fundraising events.

What is your favourite ever appearance?

This year I think it is “Wigan Pride” 2022, because I had plenty of positive emotions, did enjoy a day, met wonderful people and weather was gorgeous too.

What makes a good pageant role model?

A good reputation and manners, heart of gold and a passion to improve this world for a better. Definitely empathic person, who is caring and friendly, but at the same time is confident to speak out about problems in a world or society.

What’s your favourite pageant round?

I think it is national wear, because you can never predict what you will see, it is everyone’s creativity and fantasy fulfilled in live. Especially, when we are watching big international pageant systems, every country is so contrasting.

How do you deal with pageant nerves?

Well, I do not know, always feel so nervous, but sense of responsibility takes over and I just do it even if I am so frightened.

Additional information:

My Instagram name pageantgirlsintija

My Facebook page Sintija Ribaka and beauty pageants

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

Interview with Ms Voluptuous England

Laura Davis

Title, name & age?

Laura Davis, 40, Ms Voluptuous England

What made you enter pageants in the first place?

My mum was a pageant queen in the 70s, her glamorous pictures and amazing stories fascinated me from a young age. I never fit into the traditional pageant girl aesthetic, and therefore assumed I couldn’t do pageants in the same way. I quickly found out there is no such thing as pageant girl aesthetic, and it was my own insecurities that had decided it was a thing!

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

Miss Voluptuous uk 2017. I was delighted to be crowned in my first ever pageant, sadly part way through my reign I had to relinquish my title to an ambassador as I very suddenly lost the sight in one eye, I was rushed through several emergency surgeries to save my eye and just could not give the title the time, effort and love it deserved. I competed again in 2020 with a new platform of sight loss awareness and was humbled to be crowned as 1st runner up for Ms Voluptuous England. And then again this year where I was crowned as the new Ms Voluptuous England. The sisterhood and system of miss Voluptuous Pageants have been so supportive of my journey, I’m incredibly proud to be given another chance at my reign.

What made you decide to compete in your current system?

The sisterhood, incredible women who understand how being plus sized is day to day, our lives and struggles, their friendship and love is second to none. The directorship is wonderful. I adore the full inclusivity of the system, being a queer beauty queen, with a more alternative aesthetic I needed a system that was diverse, inclusive and supportive, and I found that here.

What is the best thing that pageants have taught you?

A little self love, I’ve hit my 40s feeling more confident and self assured of my talents, I’ve learned to shout about them and not hide them for modesty.

What’s your pageant platform and why?

Sight loss awareness, I mentioned previously I’d lost my sight very suddenly, I found that absolutely terrifying, I’d like to be the reason someone else doesn’t have to feel the way I did. Also, supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, as a fully fledged member of the Queer Cheer Squad, I want to support our community, especially LGBTQIA+ parents.

What’s your dream title?

Ms Voluptuous International! I’m so excited to compete for this next year

When you won, what did it mean to you?

I was utterly shocked, I stood on stage as part of the Top 3, with some of the most incredible women I’ve ever met, to be chosen out of such perfection was a true honour.

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

Practice, practice, practice. Especially in your shoes. Scuff up those soles! Be yourself, you are absolutely perfect.

What have you been doing since you won?

I have been setting up with numerous sight loss charities. I’m going to be working with RSBC as a guest speaker of inspirational women to young ladies suffering sight loss. Sight loss Wiltshire have accepted me as an event host for their charity and information days, I’m working with RNIB to join in their ‘See Sport Differently’ campaign, as I am a partially sighted rugby prop. I’m organising an autumn fayre and continuing with my own brand of charity merchandise for my ‘Light Amidst the Dark’ campaign, which benefits Bristol eye hospital.

What is your favourite ever appearance?

Working with amazing Hollywood and TV actors to create a charity raffle. Bit star struck for a moment!

What makes a good pageant role model?

Someone who elevates others, someone who empowers, has a loud voice, will not see inequality or injustice and someone unapologetically themselves.

What’s your favourite pageant round?

Eco! I am a true creative and building an outfit from recyclable items is a challenge I love and usually do well at.

How do you deal with pageant nerves?

I’m quite a calm person, but I get nervous before interview, so I use breathing exercises to combat last minute nerves.

Social Media Links

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.

Meet the Cover Star – Teen Galaxy Europe

Layla Gordon

Layla has been involved in pageantry since late 2019. Beginning her journey at the galaxy pageants as a junior with no placement, she was determined to come back and be the youngest Miss Teen Galaxy UK to date; and sat here today, she is.

Over Layla’s pageant journey, she’s raised over £3000 for several different charities including Mind UK, Kakembo Street Children’s Charity and Faron Alex Paul who funds in aid of knife crime.

Layla’s aim is to travel to Africa and volunteer abroad to teach in schools as she believes education is the positive pathway to lead away from crime. She also aims to get self defence taught in schools across the UK to help influence safety in the streets.

At the beginning of August, Layla competed in the internationals of the Miss Galaxy pageant and walked away with Teen Galaxy Europe and Best in Interview! She plans to go back for a second time at the chance of winning the internationals hopefully alongside her mum who is currently competing in the Mrs Galaxy UK finals!

Inside

Winner

–

Laura White

Photographer Charlotte Clemie

Inside Back Cover Winner – Layla Gordon Miss Teen Galaxy Europe, Michelle Gordon Mrs West Sussex Galaxy and Aliyah

Gordon IJM West Sussex Junior Teen Photographer – Charlotte Clemie