Crowns and Sashes Magazine May 24

Interview with Miss Scuba International 2023

with Miss Teen Galaxy

Interview with Miss Petite Global

Photo credit: Grant Foto

Interview

WelcometotheMayIssueofCrownsandSashesMagazinewowit’sbeenabusymonth.IsupportedVATBURN campaignandlauncheditonmysocialmediachannels,completedaMentalHealthColourDashRunand attendedTheThreeQueensEmpowermentDaywhichinvolvedworkshopsandGlassWalkingtheeventwas amazingandIevengottocatchupwithfourofmypreviouscovergirls.NextmonthIhavePrettyMuddy whichIcan’twaitfor.

Social Media Queen

Hieveryone,andwelcometoourMayEditionIssue41

Iwouldliketotakethisopportunityasalwaystothankyouallforyourcontinuedsupport

ItwassolovelytoseesomanyofyouatMissInternational TherearesomanyeventsatthemomentIam lovingtheopportunitiestocatchupwithyouall

Iwouldloveyoualltogetintotouchifyouwouldliketoshareanyofyourcharityeventsorappearanceson myplatformpageQueensofAwareness

@missteenpageantqueenuk @queensofawareness 'Together,wemakeadifference' LoveFaith-Louisex

MEETTHECOVERSTAR

InterviewwithMissScuba International2023

Title:MissScubaInternational2023

Name:HayleyAdlam Age:33

Instagram:@hydro hayles Facebook:HayleyAdlam

Whatmadeyouenterpageantsinthefirstplace?

Pageantsprovidedmewithauniqueopportunitytopush myselfoutofmycomfortzone,tomeetlikemindedwomen inmylocalcommunityandtogetinvolvedincharitywork. Competing in pageants enabled me to do all of those thingsandmore,andnowIamfortunateenoughtohave life-longfriendsfromacrosstheglobe!

Haveyoucompetedbefore?Ifso,canyoutellusabout yourjourney?

Myfirstpageantexperiencewas13yearsagoin2011where IcompetedinMissNorfolkwhilelivingandworkinginthe county. Since then, I have been very fortunate to have competed in a number of local, national and a very special international pageant. All of these wonderful experiencesthatpageantshavebroughtmehaveledto meeting so many incredible new friends from my local area,nationallyandfromallovertheworld!

Titles I have been lucky enough to have achieved and pageantsIhavecompetedininclude:

MissScubaInternational2023-Winner

MissScubaInternational2023-BestinMermaid

MissScubaInternational2023-MissCongeniality

MissScubaUnitedKingdom2023-Jointwinner MissScubaUnitedKingdom2019-Top3

MissEarthEngland(Finalist)

MissGreatBritain2017(Finalist)

MissSalisbury2017(MissGreatBritishfinalist)

MissGalaxyScotland2014-4thRunner-up

MissGalaxyScotland2014-PhotogenicAward

MissGalaxyAberdeen2014(MissGalaxyScotlandfinalist)

MissEngland2013(Finalist)

MissHampshire2013-Winner MissNorfolk2011-2ndRunner-up

What made you decide to compete in your current system?

MissScubaInternationalprovidesawonderfulplatformto meet likeminded ocean ambassadors, in addition to havingtheopportunitytoinspiremorewomentotakethe plungebeneaththewavesbysharingthepassionIhave formarineconservationandSCUBAdiving

InterviewwithMissScuba International2023

IhadcompetedforMissScubaUnitedKingdomin2019too andIabsolutelylovedtheexperience,wehadsomuchfun soIwantedtocomebacktocompeteoncemore! There’sstilltimetoenterfor2024ifyouareinterestedplease reach out via Facebook or Instagram @missscubauk official

Atatimewheretheoceansneedourhelpmorethanever, there has never been a better time to embark on this journeywiththeMissScubaInternationalorganisation.

Whatisthebestthingthatpageantshavetaughtyou?

They have taught me an immeasurable amount of lessons,howeverthelessonthattranscendseveryotheris that friendships are the most important thing to come from pageantry. I am forever grateful for the beautiful souls I have met through the different systems I have competedinovertheyears!

Notonlythatbutseeingfriendsfromoverthelast10years go on to win their dream titles too makes me beyond proud!Thisindustryisallaboutwomensupportingwomen andthatIwhatIlovesomuchaboutpageantry! AdditionallyIhavefoundthatsometimestryingtomakea difference in the world can feel overwhelming, but this pageantjourneytaughtmethatitneedn’tfeelthatway. Tobeapartofanincrediblecollectiveofwomeninthe pageant industry working together towards their respective charity goals, (or in terms of Miss Scuba, a commongoalforsafeguardingouroceans!)ismorethanI couldhaveeverdreamtof.Ithelpsmetofeeloptimistic thatwecanmakepositivechangesallovertheworld. TogetherIfeelthatwecanmakegreatchangeandIfeel truly inspired by the experience I have had in previous pageantsystemsandatMissScubaInternational.

What’syourpageantplatformandwhy?

EversinceIwasalittlegirl,myhearthasalwaysbeenwith theocean-fromwritingletterstogovernmentofficialsto try to ban international whaling, to spending hours watchingforwhalesanddolphinsfromthedecksofferries and the UK coastline, to volunteering for the incredible charity Organisation Cetacea when it was first in its infancy back in 2007 It felt very natural to me to participateinapageantthathasaplatformfocusedon marineconservationandhelpingotherwomenintoscuba diving Myplatformhasevolvedfromtheprimaryethosof theMissScubapageant Spendingmytimeonorunder the sea is where I’m happiest, and I love exploring the ocean through SCUBA, freediving and spending time on mypaddleboard InthewordsofJacquesCousteau,“The sea,onceitcastsitsspell,holdsoneinitsnetofwonder forever” andIamonewhoistrulyunderthespellofthe sea-Ihopethatmanyotherpeoplewillfindthemselves underthatspelltooiftheygivescubadivingatry!

InterviewwithMissScuba International2023

What’syourdreamtitle?

MydreamscametruewhenIwonthetitleofMissScuba International2023 KnowingthedifferencethatIcanmake toouroceansandmarineconservationwiththistitlewas morethanIcouldhaveeverdreamtofandmore

Whatwasitlikewhenyouwon?

WhenIwonthetitleofMissScubaInternationalIwasin complete shock. I remember feeling a wave of deep emotionpassthroughmyentirebody,itwaslikenothingI have ever felt before and I needed to muster all of my energytoholdbackthetears.Wordscannotdescribehow muchitmeanttometobeblessedwiththeresponsibility ofthistitle.

Tobestoodonthatstagesurroundedbysomeofthemost incredibly inspiring women, and to be chosen as the woman to fly the flag for all of our collective marine conservation goals, is a responsibility I deeply honour. EachdayofmytitleIhavetriedtoworktowardsthegoalsI havesetmyselffortheyearaheadbutalsotosupportthe womenIcompetedwithinachievingtheirs.

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

Never give up on your dreams, keep pursuing your pageant goals, keep being inspired by the women you meet on this journey - immerse yourself in the incomparableenergythatcomesfromwomensupporting women.

Your time will come, have faith and always be kind to yourself. One day, when you find yourself the bearer of yourdreamtitle,flytheflagforyourfellowfinaliststoo!

Whathaveyoubeendoingsinceyouwon?

It has been a dream come true and I have had a truly remarkable6-monthswhichhaveseenmetravelallover theworldrepresentingtheMissScubaorganisation IspenttimeshiningthelightoncavedivingintheMexican Cenotes,beforetravellingonmyfirstofficialtourofdutyto South Korea in February where I took part in a SCUBA fashion show in Seoul, met the incredible Jeju female divers(Haenyo)andthenfinalisedmyfirsttourinHong Kong

One of the largest dive shows takes place in Shanghai, ChinainMarchandIwasfortunateenoughtoundertake mysecondtourofdutybyattending!

AtthestartofMaytheMissScubaUKteamwerefortunate enoughtovisittheincredibleRootsRedSeawheremyUK sisterQueen,Cara,andIspenttheweekdivingincrystal clearwatersIqualifiedthatweekasaMasterRescueDiver whilealsoachievingmyDeep40divespeciality!

InterviewwithMissScuba International2023

I havebeenactivelyinvolvedwithanincredibleUKcharity toocalledBritishDiversMarineLifeRescuewhereIamnow aqualifiedMarineMammalMedic RecentlyIhavebeen takingcareofasealwhohashadtobecloselymonitored -atruehonourtobeabletohelpthemarinelifeoftheUK throughmytitle LaterthismonthIwillgoontoLosAngeles and San Diego to the SCUBA Show to meet with my amazingfriendswhorepresentedtheUSA,andtheScuba Queen USA team, while representing the Miss Scuba organisation! Next month I will also be launching two excitingprojects!Thefirstbeinganeducationaloutreach foundationcalledTheOceanMissionandthesecondisin honourofmentalhealthawarenessmonth!Ihaveteamed up with the incredible online yoga brand The Yoga Revolution(https://theyogarevolution.co.uk)todevelopa 7-day‘YogaforDivers’seriesincludingsomeofthemost beautifuloceaninspiredyogaandmeditationpractices!If you’re interested in yoga and would like to be involved pleasereachouttomeitwouldbeincredibletohaveyou onboard!

Whatisyourfavouriteeverappearance?

I have had some brilliant appearances as Miss Scuba International including; speaking at the Surfers Against Sewagepaddle-outprotestforcleanbathingwatersand healthy seas, participating in a fashion show for InterOcean in South Korea, and undertaking a microplasticssurveyalongthecoastoftheRedSea.Ifeel humbledbymyrecentappearanceattheOpenOceans ScienceCentreinEgypt.Aftertakingpartinasuccessful beachcleanup,Ipresentedtothegroupoflocalschool childrenwhohadtakenpartinthecleanuptoteachmore aboutsomeoftheissuesthatourplanetandoceansare facing.Seeingtheirenthusiasmforourplanetinspiredme andIhopetobeabletoundertakemoreappearanceslike thisinthefuture

Whatmakesagoodpageantrolemodel?

EverywomanwhoIhavehadthepleasureofmeetingin thisindustryhasshonesobrightlyandexhibitedincredible qualitiesofwhatIfeeltobeagoodrolemodel ButwhatI value most in a role model is someone who is wholeheartedly themselves and who is hard-working, empathetic,andhumble

What’syourfavouritepageantround?

I had so much fun at Miss Scuba International in the nationalcostumeround!DressedastheQueen’sGuardI couldn’thaveenjoyedmyselfmoreinthatmoment!!Itwas fantastic!

Howdoyoudealwithpageantnerves?

IremindmyselfthatI’mheretohavefunandtocelebrate thehardworkthatmycompetitorsandIhavedonetoget to this point Smiling, laughing and dancing back stage withmynewfriendsisalsoagreatwaytopushbackthe pageantnerves!

AllphotocreditsaretoCactusTeng withtheexceptionoftheunderwater photoshootwhichisbySuzaxAqua Studio,SouthKorea

Interviewwith

Title,name&age?

Emma Garbutt UK’s National Ms Yorkshire29(30on2ndJune!)

Whatmadeyouenterpageantsinthe firstplace?

Honestly? I just wanted to make some friends and find a way to feel a little better about myself. I was a musician growing up and playing shows from a youngagesoIstruggledtokeepfriends becauseIwasneveraroundtodowhat youngpeopledo.SoIreallyjustwanted tomakefriends.

Haveyoucompetedbefore?Ifso,can youtellusaboutyourjourney?

I have competed before! I was Miss Doncaster Great Britain for two consecutive years 1st runner up at Yemi, 2nd runner up at Ms galaxy UK 2023andtop8MsGalaxyUK2023

Whatmadeyoudecidetocompetein yourcurrentsystem?

UKNM Just seems so fun! I absolutely love the pageant girl pageants and I wanted to compete in something different to galaxy. I’m hoping to make some new friends and get some more experience!

What is the best thing that pageants havetaughtyou?

Thatthehappiestandmostfulfilledme isthemethatthejudgeswanttosee

What’s your pageant platform and why?

AfterlosingmybestfriendLuketobone cancer I decided how important it was to talk about early diagnosis, reducing yourriskofcancerandseekingmedical adviceifneeded Iworktocampaignforbetterandfairer supportforthosewithcancer.

everything Thisyearhasbeenahuge yearofgrowthformeandmyplatform anditwouldmeanthatalloftheworkto reallyreachmyowngoalshasbeen recognised

What’sthebestadviceyouhavefor fellowpageantqueens/finalists? Beyourtrue,authenticself Andsmile!!!!

Interviewwith

Whathaveyoubeendoingintherun uptoyourpageantfinal?

I have been working tirelessly to teach those in deprived areas about the importance of knowing how to reduce therisksofcancer

I’ve been working on doing things that make me happy and feel fulfilled and honestlyjustlivingmybestlife!

Me and my best friend Jen were lucky enoughtobeonashowcalledLoaded in Paradise last year and it was the absolutetimeofmylife,itreallypushed me to start doing things outside of my comfortzone

What is your favourite ever appearance?

I always love being able to talk about cancer, so I do love being invited to speakatpanelevents

What makes a good pageant role model?

Arolemodelformeshouldberelatable and real They should show the world that kindness absolutely can get you everywhere.

What’syourfavouritepageantround?

Interview! Always interview Although I amgoingtomissswimwearatUKNM!

Howdoyoudealwithpageantnerves?

Usually by talking way too much The pageantgirlgirlieswilltellyouIamthe girlwhositsoutsidetheinterviewroom talkingtheirearoff!

Sometimes I’ll pop my AirPods in and listen to The Champion by Carrie Underwood.

Interviewwith

Title,name&age?

Title:MissTeenGalaxyAustralia

NameMiaGoodlich

Age:16

Whatmadeyouenterpageantsin thefirstplace?

EversinceIwasalittlegirlIalways lovedtheglitzandglamourthat camewithpageantry.Ifeltthat competinginapageantwouldgive metheopportunitytochallenge myselfaswellashelpoutwithinmy communityandmeetlikeminded individuals.

you tellusaboutyourjourney?

Ihavecompetedlocallybefore,however thisyearwasmyfirsttimecompetinginthe AustraliaGalaxySystem.Throughoutthis journeyIfeltatremendousamountof personalgrowthandselfdevelopment,and ithasbyfarbeenoneofthebest experiencesthatIhaveevertakenon

Whatmadeyoudecidetocompeteinyour currentsystem?

ThemottooftheAustraliaGalaxyPageantis "bethebestversionofyou" Thisis somethingthatIstronglyalignwithand alwaysaspiretobe Thesystemencourages delegatestoenhancetheirpublicspeaking andnetworkingskills,engageincharityand communityworkandraiseawarenessand fundsforcausesthattheyarepassionate about Alloftheseopportunitieswerecrucial inhelpingmebecomemybestversion.

Whatisthebestthingthatpageantshave taughtyou?

Pageantshavetaughtmethatwithhard workanddeterminationyoucantruly achieveanythingyouputyourmindto.You willonlyevergetoutwhatyouputinto something,sogiveityourallandbesureto believeinyourself Onceyoudothat, anythingispossible.

What’syourpageantplatformandwhy?

MypageantplatformBeautifullyminded focusesonencouragingbodypositivity I havedealtwithchallangesofthiskind personally,andthroughmyplatformIgive avoicetomyownstoryaswellasthe storiesofotherswhohavesufferedfroman eatingdisorder,withthehopeoffosteringa safehavenwherepeoplecanrelatetoone another

Interviewwith May,2024

What’syourdreamtitle?

AfterwinningthenationaltitleofMiss TeenGalaxyAustralia,mydreamis tobecomeMissTeenGalaxy International.Becomingthefirst AustralianMissTeenGalaxywouldbe historymaking

Whatwasitlikewhenyouwon?

WinningthetitleofMissTeenGalaxy Australiawasthemostsurreal momentofmylife.HowIfeltthe momentmynamewascalledis somethingillneverforget.Winning theInternationaltitlewouldbehuge. Itwouldgivemetheopportunityto bethevoiceforeveryoneand everythingthatIrepresentonan evenlargerscale.

low pageantqueens/finalists?

Mybestadvicewouldbetobeyourself.Go intothecompetitionwithapositivemindset, havefunandmakememories.

Whathaveyoubeendoingsinceyouwon?

Ihavespentthelastfewweekssortingout wardrobeandflightsforinternationals,as wellasorganisingandgettinginvolvedin communityandmediabasedappearances withmynewtitle

Whatisyourfavouriteeverappearance?

Myall-timefavouriteappearancewasasa nationalfinalistwhenIhostedalunchto raisefundsforthecharitybatyr batyrisa 'forpurpose'preventativementalhealth organisationthatempowersyoungpeople toreachoutforsupport.Throughthis endeavourIwasabletoraiseover$5000for thecharity,anditdefinitelystandsoutto measoneofmyfavouriteappearances.

Whatmakesagoodpageantrolemodel? Compassion

What’syourfavouritepageantround?

Myfavouritepageantroundisdefinitelythe interviewcomponent.Theinterviewround givesmeagreatopportunitytoshowthe judgeswhoIam,whatmypassionsareand allowmytruepersonalitytoshinethrough

Howdoyoudealwithpageantnerves?

Iliketohaveachatwhenthenerveshit I findithelpsdistractmyself,andnot overthinkthesituation Keepinginthat positivemindsetiskey.

Photocreditsforthetwoonstagephotosgo toGeofffromgzeepix

Interview with Miss Petite Global Europe - Emily Joanna Harrison

Title,nameandage?

The first international titleholder of Miss PetiteGlobalEurope.EmilyJoannaHarrison, aged27

Whatmadeyouenterpageantsinthefirst place?

My first pageant I randomly came across and my passion for them just grew The different rounds, the opportunities to achievesomethingnew,ambassadorships, fundraisingandsponsorships,makingnew friendsandhavingthechancetocreatively show personality through fashion! I really caught the pageant bug and wanted to build a reputation for myself as a petite modelinthepageantindustryseeinghow therearenotmanygirlsmyheight,ormany notbrandedthemselvesasapetitemodel whichIreallywantedtodo

Haveyoucompetedbefore?Ifso,canyou tellusaboutyourjourney?

MissEnglandwasmyfirsteverpageanttwo yearsago,beingthesmallestfinalistinthe 95 year history led me to compete internationally as the UK’s first Miss UniversalPetite,somysecondpageantwas straight to internationals When I returned fromFloridaItookpartinEcoPageantsUKas a finalist which is where my platform started Itdevelopedfromanecoplatform intosomethingthathasalotofmeaningto me and still represents being ecoconscious, focusing on sustainability while targeting worldwide issues that relate to women and children, like neonatal death support Ilostasisterwhodiedatbirth,so this is an area I really resonate with. After this, I entered an online pageant which I won, Miss December Darling, then I competedalongsidemyownyoungersister inSupranationalUKFebruaryofthisyearas a finalist! I got asked to do Miss Petite GlobalasthefirsttorepresenttheUKwhich Icouldn’tturndown,andjustcompetedin Malaysia winning the international title of MissPetiteGlobalEurope.Iamsuperproud as it took two years to win a title I have worked really hard for, and straight to international!

What made you decide to compete in your currentsystem?

TherehasbeennoUKrepresentativesforboth UniversalPetite&MissPetiteGlobalpriortomy participation! I wanted to truly be a voice for small women worldwide & felt this was an effectivewaytomakethatimpact Itravelled to Malaysia completely alone, no family or friends,butImadefriendsforlifeoutthereand it was the best experience yet. I felt really connected to this pageant, as it represents everythingIdoandhavedonesinceIstarted competing Iamdedicatedtomakinganame forpetitemodelsevenmoreintheUK Height doesnotdefineus,weareouronlylimitand can achieve as much as a tall model in the industry!Pageantcontestantsareverydiverse Itisbecomingmuchmorecommontoseeplus size & petite models, entrees from different backgroundsanduniquecharacteristicswhich is what I want to continue standing for, diversity,inclusivityandempowerment

Interview with Miss Petite Global Europe - Emily Joanna Harrison

Whatisthebestthingthatpageantshave taughtyou?

To be yourself and love yourself! Being authentically you. We learn from others, inspireandbeinspiredbutalwaysremain true to yourself Embrace who we are, we don’tneedtotrytobeanythingdifferentas being your most unique self is the best thing

What’syourpageantplatformandwhy?

Myplatformhascamealongwayovertwo years. It started as an economic platform advocating for plastic pollution, then developing into a platform that targets many causes I feel don’t get enough recognitionlocally,likemensmentalhealth, autism & breast cancer awareness Through my platform ‘Purposefully Petite’; being petite with a purpose, I have ran differentcampaignstoraisefundsforthese areas. My platforms main focus is helping women and children worldwide, neonatal death support, better women’s sanitation forpovertystrickenareas Ialsocreateda T-Shirt ‘Too Beautiful For Earth’, where 50% of funds are donated to SANDS neonatal deathandbabylosssupportcharity Ialso raised £450 for this cause in my latest campaign.

What’syourdreamtitle?

MydreamtitleisprettymuchthetitleIhave just achieved! Miss Petite Global with a continental twist representing Europe! Also beingthefirsttodothisiswhatIdreamtof doingandachieved Thenextonewouldbe MissPetiteInternational!

Whatwasitlikewhenyouwon?

Winningmytitle,Icouldn’tstopsmilingon stage Iwassojoyfulasittookalongtime tobenoticedintheindustry Ihadn’tplaced inapageantyetapartfromplacingtop3in Miss England talent round in my first pageant, so to be awarded a title immediately at internationals is a huge achievement I am so humbly proud of. I have no history or connection with pageantspriortocompeting,althoughthis week I found out one deceased relative used to compete in beauty contests! But sinceIhavebeencompetingIfeltlikeIhave nevernotknewpageantworld

IamgratefultobetakenseriouslybecauseI haveworkedreallyhardandcompeteformore thanahobby Icareaboutmakingadifference and constantly want to achieve something bigger, hitting more milestones, growing as a person, role model and helping others in the process

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

Overcomefears,bebrave!Ifyoudowhatyou feelafraidof,youwillcomeouttheotherside with more strength each time Also never watchothers,yeslearnfromqueensbuthave your own blueprint, be your own design! Watchingwhatothersdocanthrowyouoffina pageant, whether it’s thinking some one is doing something better, or following the way they walk, take tips but always do what YOU feelisbestforyou.Bedifferentandoriginal!

Interview with Miss Petite Global Europe - Emily Joanna Harrison

Take chances as it is better than having regrets Don’t stress about going to every pageant event, go to what you feel is importantforyouasyouneedeverypenny foryourcompetition!Itiscrucialtomingle andmakeappearanceswithyourtitlebut equallyifnotmoreimportantnottobreak the bank. Same goes for spending on dresses,trytonetworkwithotherpageant queens to borrow/share! Use pageant groups on Facebook for appearances & selling/buying items. It can save so much money which we no doubt spend a lot of whilecompeting Don’tbeafraidtoaskfor sponsorshiptooasyouneverknowwhowill bewillingto!

Whathaveyoubeendoingsinceyouwon?

In the run up to the final of Miss Petite Global,Iwasconsistentlypostingonsocial media, showing everything I was doing as part of the contest. I was arranging Instagram lives with other queens, fundraising for a neonatal death charity, appearingatmanypageantevents Iwas showing how much it meant to me & spreading the word of MPG as much as I could,gettinganewspaperarticlereleased and showing being petite with a purpose Since I won, I have planned numerous appearancestogetwordoutaboutmytitle. I have been getting back into music as a singer&songwriternowIhavemoretime I have a busy year with modelling/walking therunwayforthreefashionevents,Fashion Invasion, Birmingham Fashion Council and athirdIwillbeannouncingsoon NowIam just making the most during my reign, havingmytimetobeaQueen!

Whatisyourfavouriteeverappearance?

Quite a recent appearance a few weeks backvolunteeringatKecharaSoupKitchen Society in Malaysia and donating £40 to them which is a lot in Malaysian Ringgit I prepared and gave out food to homeless and retired members It was so rewarding to see the difference the organisation makes. It also showed me how important the sponsors are, as the organisation weren’tabletoreceivesomefoodthatday beingletdownbyasponsorwhichmeant

they had to quickly think of something else and it meant the people had less food than usualanditdidn’tincludeahotmeallikethey would otherwise get but to see them hugely appreciate what they did receive was so eye openingandIwantedtodomorewhichiswhy I donated They also gave me a box of empowermentcookies&aT-Shirtfordonating -socute

Whatmakesagoodpageantrolemodel?

Agoodpageantrolemodelissettingagood exampletothenextgeneration Givingbackas a part of daily life in any way, not just in pageants,evenifitisjustsomethingassmall asacharitydonationontheendoffoodorder or giving something to somebody less fortunate Someone authentic, honest, trustworthy and caring. Being easily approachableandhumble!

Interview with Miss Petite Global Europe - Emily Joanna Harrison

Favouriteround?

Favourite pageant round has to be swimwearasIfeelreallyempowered.Ithink it’saroundforeveryonetoexperimentwith theirwalk,sassandconfidenceandfeelin controloftheirbody It’sachanceforusto representforanybodytype,petite,plussize, scars, etc. Showing what real bodies are and how we are all different Swimwear makesmefeelalive,sexyandisjustsuper fun!

How do you deal with pageant nerves nerves?

I handle pageant nerves by channelling them into what I am doing, being productiveinmypageantexperiencewhen I compete ensuring I am consistently postingonsocials,butalsopractisingand preparingasmuchasIcan,beingsobusy keepsthenervesatbay!Beingorganisedis really important when competing in a pageantsoplanningasmuchaspossible helpsnervestoo ThemoreIcompete,the morecomfortableandconfidentIfeeleach time, but it’s still always a little nervewrackinggettingbackonstage Itiseasyto put a lot of pressure on ourselves to performourbest,butoftenweneedtotake a step back, relax and just enjoy our moment!

SocialMedialinksandhandles

Instagram & TikTok: emilyharrison2023

https://www.instagram.com/emilyharrison2 023/

https://wwwtiktokcom/@emilyharrison202 3? t=8mhhrbX4A7t& r=1

Facebook

https://wwwfacebookcom/ejoannaharriso n

PhotoCredits

The professional ones with plain background are Charlotte Clemie, the one ofmeinswimwearis@fotoflyfotografiand thecloseupinblueis@abgyusstudio

M E E T T H I S

M O N T H ’ S

C O V E R S T A R

J U D G E S

“Katie is the reigning Miss Atlantic UK 24/25 and her love for pageant started when she was 18 years old. After a 5 year break from pageantry, Katie is so grateful and excited to be backinpageantland.

Katie is continuing her work to help girls in financial need attend their year 11 proms by helping to provide their dream dress. Outside of pageantry, Katie is a country singer and diamondandgemstoneexpert!”

“Libby Smith has been involved in pageants for eight years competing from a junior teen to now a Miss She has previously competed in Miss TeenGreatBritainandwasMissPageantGirlUK2022 Sheisthenewly crowned Miss Intercontinental Scotland and will be heading off to compete at Miss Intercontinental She is an ambassador for UK genetic charities,apodcasthost,futurelawyerandchildren’sauthor”

“Mrs Monique Sawyer, is an award-winning Pageant Queen With a background in law, Monique has had a professional career as a family lawyer and holds a Master of Legal Practice, ANU Monique utilises the best ofher skills andtalents to advocate for those facingadversity and engages in philanthropic endeavours, volunteering and fundraising for various charities She is an ambassador for the charity, Fostering Hope Australia Inc Monique is viewed as an inspirational role model, as she shares her story of triumph over adversity as a teenage mother to an empowered woman serving as a testament to the importance of never givinguponyourdreamstoachieveyourgoals”

Sunscreenisnotaluxury

ThisSkinCancerAwareness

MonthI’maskingyoutosupport #VATBURN

WhyshouldtheGovernmentexemptfactor30+sunscreenfromVAT?

86%ofcasesofmelanomaskincancercanbepreventedbyadoptingsimple sunprotectionmeasuressuchasusingfactor30+sunscreen.

1in10peoplearenotusingsunscreenbecauseitistooexpensive.

Therearemorethan16,000casesintheUKeachyearandratesareincreasingweneedtodomoretopreventcasesofmelanoma.

67%ofpeoplefindthecostofsunscreenhighandwoulduseitmoreifitwas 20%cheaper.

Factor30+sunscreenshouldbeviewedasanessentialhealthcareitemand notasaluxurycosmetic.

Highfactorsunscreensthataremarketed assunscreenscanalreadybeexemptfrom VAT-styletaxesinAustraliaandseveral statesintheUS,makingthemmore affordable

WeneedtheGovernmenttomakethis policychangealongsideanational awarenesscampaignaboutsunprotection. Withtheimpactofclimatechangemeaning increasingtemperaturesintheUK,this measureisbecomingincreasinglyurgent.

spf30

spf50

Sunscreenisnotaluxury

ThisSkinCancerAwareness

MonthI’maskingyoutosupport #VATBURN

Whatcanyoudotohelp?

PleasewritetoyourMPtoaskthemtosupportthisimportantcampaign.There are3stepsyouneedtotake:FindoutwhoyourMPisandtheiremailaddress byputtingyourpostcodeintothiswebsite: https://members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP

CopythetextonthenextpageintoanemailtoyourMPandpersonalisethe emailwiththeirname,youraddress(sotheyknowyouareaconstituent)and withanymoreinformationaboutwhyyousupportthecampaign. Sendtheemailand,ifyourMPresponds,pleaseforwardtheirresponsetoo policy@melanomafocus.org

spf30

spf50

Sunscreenisnotaluxury

ThisSkinCancerAwareness MonthI’maskingyoutosupport #VATBURN

Dear[name]MP,

Iamoneofyourconstituents,livingat[addyouraddress],andwouldbe gratefulifyoucouldsupportthe#VATBurncampaignwhichasksthe GovernmenttoremoveVATfromfactor30+sunscreen.Thiswillmake sunscreenmoreaffordable,encouragepeopletouseitmoreandprevent manycasesofskincanceracrosstheUK.

Asyoumayknow,everyyear,morethan17,000peopleacrosstheUKare diagnosedwithmelanoma,andittakesthelivesof2,300people.However, 86%ofthesecasesarepreventableifsimplesunprotectionmeasures, includingusingfactor30+sunscreen,aretaken.Inthepast25years,skin cancerratesintheUKmorethandoubledand,unlesstheGovernment improvesmeasurestopreventmelanomas,thisupwardstrajectorywill continue.

[Addoptionalpersonalparagraph:Thiscampaignisimportanttome because….]

Withthecurrentcostoflivingcrisis,costislikelytodeterincreasing numbersofpeoplefrombuyingsunscreen.Independentpollingconducted inearly2023showedthathalfofpeopleintheUKthinksunscreenistoo expensiveand10%don’tuseitatallbecauseofthecost.Theresearch foundthat67%ofallrespondentswoulduseitmoreifitwas20%cheaper. Ifmorepeopleusesunscreenproperly,wewillsavelivesandpreventmany ofthesecases.AsmyrepresentativeinParliament,Iwouldbegratefulif youcouldletmeknowifyouarehappytosupportthiscampaign.

Yourssincerely, [Yournameandaddress]

Interview with IJM Miss British IslesScarlett Rayner Hensman

Title,name&age?

ScarlettRaynerHensman,8yearsold

Whatmadeyouenterpageantsinthefirst place?

My Mum and I were watching Miss congenialityoneeveningtogether,Iturned to my mum and said how much fun pageants looked! In that moment we researchedpageantsintheUKandentered InternationalJuniorMissUk,mainlybecause thewebsitelookedsoprofessionalandthe reigningqueensatthattimereallyinspired meandlooksopolishedandbeautiful,we onlyhadthreemonthstoprepareforwhat we later found out is one of the biggest internationalpageants!

Haveyoucompetedbefore?Ifso,canyou tellusaboutyourjourney?

Miss Essex was the title I entered into IJM with.CurrenttitleIjmmissBritishisles

Whatmadeyoudecidetocompeteinyour currentsystem?

Ithinkthefirstimpressionisthatthesocial mediaandwebsitelookedsopolishedand professional IJM UK offer free monthly workshops on there website which we felt wouldbesousefulaswegottomeetother queensandgirlscompetingbutalsoIlearnt somuchfromtheseinitialworkshops,Idon’t thinkIeverwouldhaveplacedorhadthe confidenceIdidwithoutthem!100%worthit, Ruth and Jason are also such a dynamic duo! Ruths the best director she answers emailssuperquickandhelpswithanything youneedtoknowwhichwasneededaswe only had a small amount of time before competing, and Jason takes the most amazing photos, everybody is a family at IJMandtheopportunitiesarereallyendless!

Whatisthebestthingthatpageantshave taughtyou?

Confidence is always going to be number one! But it’s so much more than just performing, for me it wasn’t only about winning,I’velearnttowalkaroundaroom withmanymanypeopleandspeaktoallof them adults and children, speak about what makes me happy and what I’m passionateabout,Ihavelearntalotabout stagepresencemodellingandcatwalkand

sincethepageantI’mtheyoungestpersonin my stage school to have a solo in the next production, I’ve competed in talent shows at schoolwithoutanyfear.I’velearntsomuchin only six months I can’t wait to see what the futurebrings

What’syourpageantplatformandwhy?

My platform is called “rise and shine” it’s relativelynewalso,Ibelieveweshouldwakeup everydayanddosomethingtomaketheworld a little better, whether it’s as simple as a compliment or as important as raising funds forthehomeless,peopleloosingtherehomes isextremelyimportanttomesinceIwasalittle girlmeandmymumhavealwaysboughtfood for the homeless and I wanted to make a difference in this area, especially people who may have lost there homes due to natural disasters

Interview with IJM Miss British IslesScarlett Rayner Hensman

What’syourdreamtitle?

Miss universe! It’s something I’ve spoken aboutsincedayonebutIalsowanttowin IJM uk and IJM international sometime in thefuturesothisisthecurrentgoal

Ifyouweretowinwhatwoulditmeanto you?

FormyfirsteverpageantinAprilIwasthe 3rdrunnerupandinallhonestyIcameoff thatstageandwasjumpingforjoymeand mymumweretrulycelebratingthis,mainly becausewe’donlydonepageantsforthree months but also hearing my name being calledandplacingreallyfeltlikeawin!It’s ultimaterecognitionforyourhardworkand from the second I’ve started, I train and practiseeverysingleday!Sohopefullyone day I’ll be miss United Kingdom! I’m extremely proud of the girls who won and idolisethemtheytrulyputtheworkinandit wasverywelldeserved!

What’sthebestadviceyouhaveforfellow pageantqueens/finalists?

I’dsaypractiseisveryimportantbutmostly trynottooverthinkandgetintoyourhead to much, some of the girls were making themselvessickwithnerves,Ididobviously reallywanttowintoobutIhadfunImade friendsandIgotwhatIneededtosayout there and that was most important! I enjoyed every single moment on stage rather than worrying and this seemed to workforme.Mymumwasalsosocalmand that helped too when your mum or chaperone keeps you calm and doesn’t applytomuchpressure

Whathaveyoubeendoingintherunupto yourpageantfinal?

Ihavetrainingwithmyabsolutelyamazing coach Sophia Mayers, at least every other week, I attended her workshop which was unbelievable, I go to as many IJM workshopsaspossible,Ihavesignedintoa coupleofcharitypageantsforsomestage time to help with nerves, I am helping my local community and raising fund for the homeless, I’ll be attending as many pageants and cheering on my sisters as oftenasIcan

AboveallIpractiseeverywhereIcanthatmay looklikearunway!Supermarketssweetshops orjustwalkingonthepavement.

Whatisyourfavouriteeverappearance?

I was lucky enough to interview my local MP anddiscusschangeswecouldmakewithinmy community,hehasactuallyhelpedmesetup mypetitionformoreparentandbabyspaces inthelocalcarparksandhefullybacksthis, whichreallyfeltlikeIwasmakingadifference? Wediscussedwhatourcommunitywasdoing tostoporhelpwithlitteringalsowhichmeant a lot to me His helped me further in my pageantjourneyandisalwaysverysupportive inviting me to local food drives and allowing metofundraiseatcertainlocalevents.

Interview with IJM Miss British IslesScarlett Rayner Hensman

Whatmakesagoodpageantrolemodel?

Ibelieveaboveallwemustalwaysbekind to each other, I think complimenting your components and learning off each other supporting there platforms and endeavours,helpingyourlocalcommunity is really important as well as international causes,beingawareofissuesintheworld and educating yourself about them And alwayshavefunandenjoywhatyoudo I believe if you can wake up and make somebodiesdaythendothat!

What’syourfavouritepageantround?

This is a really hard question, I love the themed casual wear round and the powerful walks you can do in fun fashion, however I scored most highly on evening wearandfeelreallyconfidentinthisIalso absolutelylovewearingballgowns

Howdoyoudealwithpageantnerves?

Itrynottoapplytomuchpressuremymum is never nervous and stays super calm so thishelpsmesomuch,Ihonestlyenjoythe stage so much I find it more fun than anything

@Ijm britishisles jrpreteen 24 instagram

HOW TO ENJOY THE SUN SAFELY

May is skin cancer awareness month so I thought I would send you some bits and pieces to share on your socials. As you know, so many lives are saved because of early diagnosis. If we get one or two people getting something not quite right on their skin checked, we will have achieved what we set out to. Here are a few signs and symptoms that we all need to look out for:

Skin cancer symptoms

Skin cancers can look very different and the symptoms can vary. Some of the symptoms are similar to other conditions.

Common symptoms of skin cancer include a sore or area of skin that:

doesn't heal within 4 weeks looks unusual hurts, is itchy, bleeds, crusts or scabs for more than 4 weeks

What to look out for:

A sore that doesn't heal - The sore can look see through, shiny and pink or pearly white. It can also look red. It may feel sore, rough and have raised edges.

Ulcer - Look out for an area of skin that has broken down (an ulcer) and doesn't heal within 4 weeks, and you can't think of a reason for this change.

A lump - This might be small, slow growing, shiny and pink or red.

Red patches on your skin - These red patches could also be itchy. This could be due to other non cancerous skin conditions. But get it checked to make sure.

Freckles or moles - A change to a mole or freckle can be a sign of another type of skin cancer called melanoma.

OnSundayIattendedtheThree QueensCharityEventonSunday organisedbythereigningMissGB,Ms GBandMsGBClassic.

ItwasanEmpowermentDayaimed athelpingyougrowinconfidence, getintotherightmindset,meetnew people,andcomeawayfeelingthe bestversionofyou,readyforyour pageant.

Allfundsraisedfromtheeventwere donatedtoCancerResearchUKand Alex’sWish.

IttookplaceonatRingwoodHall Hotel&Spa,ChesterfieldWewere luckytohavesomestunninggroup photosbothinsideandoutsidethe venue.

Three Queens Empowerment Event

TheDayIncluded..

•GlassWalkChallenge

• Resilience Rewritten & Hitting Your GoalsWorkshopbyMaddie

•VisualisingVictory&Achievements WorkshopwithLarissa

• Personal Brand Power Workshop withGina

It was such an amazing event from start to finish and it was lovely to catchupwithsomepageantfriends andmeetsomenewones.

The highlight of my day had to be the glass walk which was hosted by FireWalkEvents.