I have been in pageantry since 04 May 2013… so about four years by now. I remember the exact date because that was the day I was crowned Miss Chancellor College 2013.
Then I participated in Miss Valentines Pageant in 2014, and then took a long break contesting till I tried it out again last year for the national pageant of Miss Malawi. I was the best at Auditions, best at the Regionals in the south, and was crowned first Princess (First Runner up) in the final pageant almost a year later. Today I can tell you that I have competed at all levels from a College Pageant to an international pageant level.
Almost Ironic being here in Cambodia for yet another pageant, given I almost quit pageantry after Miss Malawi. I was partially drained from the entire process and was also ready to open up new doors for myself. I fought for a TV Show and eventually struck a Talk Show deal with Zodiak TV Malawi. It was only until a few months ago that I decided to accept the invitation to represent my country and University at the World Miss University Pageant in Cambodia.
I have however coached pageant models since I was 14 (High-school) and my oh my, what a transition. I have grown. I have really really grown. I have had so much to learn, even about pageantry itself, and I am grateful for that.
I am telling you my experience, so if you are a girl considering pageantry, you can decide if pageantry, maybe, is for you. Firstly, let us discuss why pageantry might not be for you.
Pageantry is not for you if you think you are more beautiful than everyone else.
Pageantry is not for you if you generally think you are better than everyone else.
Pageantry is not for you if you simply like competing with other girls.
Pageantry is not:
A way to show off your curves for no apparent reason.
A way to meet blessers and sugardaddies.
A way to get up to no good.
Pageantry is:
A way to show off and impress with grace and composure.
A way to prove your greatest strengths in whatever your field of talent.
A way to get recognition by brands that would love to work with young graceful women.
I could go on, but I think you get the general Idea here. So let me tell you if pageantry might be for you:
Pageantry might be for you if you are go-getter.
Personally I have found pageants to be more a means to an end. Winning a pageant is not the end goal. When participating in any pageant, you have scored yourself to market yourself. This is different from an elevator pitch where you are trying to sell yourself to someone that has absolutely no interest in you. In a pageant, everyone there is there to judge and scrutinize you. Let them, and maximize on this opportunity. Get it get it get!
Pageantry might be for you if you truly believe in sisterhood.
I do not mean that you have to go out and become everyone’s friend. Pageants can actually become very catty because even the girls I have described above are right there, and they cause hell for right about everyone. You do not have to get along with every single person, or pretend to like people that have been mean to you. But in genuine moments, help out a sister. Simple gestures like helping your friends that are stranded, or fixing someones make up… and even reaching out to a friend that looks lonely go a long way. You’re all a long way from home, and could use the friends.
Pageantry might be for you if you like to explore.
Think of it as a business trip combined with an all expenses paid vacation. Pageants are means to o see new places, meet different people and interact with different cultures. You learn so much, oh so much.
If you are ambitious, use pageantry as a means to an end. Once you have that set in your mind, you are no longer in a competition with your colleagues, but rather determined to bring forth your best self. It is not you against anyone, but you against your best self… and believe me; when you are your best self, the world will not miss it for a second. That is the way you sell yourself. Yes I said sell yourself. You are your biggest asset. remember that.
All my love,
Ntha x
Photos by Miss University Namibian, Uiras Jessica