Glitz and Glamour: The Truth Behind Beauty Pageants

Written by: Ali Parnell

Glitz, glamour and beauty: These are words one might think of when they hear the word ‘pageant’. Some may even say ‘superficial’ or ‘vain’. But, what most people don’t see is the immense work that comes with it. I learnt this in my very first pageant: Miss Universe Turks and Caicos 2024. 10 years had passed since the last competition that sent young women from the country to the globally renowned ‘Miss Universe’ competition, propelling them into one of the largest competition’s internationally. When I saw that for the first time in a decade, this was making a comeback in my home country, I knew that I had to get involved. I was experiencing a range of emotions after signing up: excitement, anxiety, joy, anticipation… and the list goes on. When I was accepted as a contestant, I didn’t fully know what to expect. As a person who enjoys trying new things, I was eager to dive in. Although I didn’t win, I learnt some important lessons that will remain with me throughout my life, and I hope will inspire other young women facing uncertain territory.

Handling Pressure, Critique and Self-Doubt
Walking across a stage with a smile isn’t sufficient. I learnt that you have to be able to command attention from the audience, especially from the judges. Confidence should be something that radiates through your every move. That was a challenge for a person such as myself, who has been described as shy and reserved for the majority of my life. I had to learn to block out the pressure, criticism and noise — not only from myself, but from other’s. It wasn’t just a choice that I made, it was a necessity. I did this by finding an outlet: writing, drawing and meditation. Without these coping mechanisms, I am not sure how I’d have handled myself throughout the process. Finding an outlet, and remaining centred within yourself isn’t only applicable to this type of setting. I believe it’s something that we all need. Change, uncertainty and hardship are aspects of life that we all must face. Finding our center— that ‘thing’ that calms us down and helps us cope, is essential. It isn’t always easy, but life becomes more manageable when an outlet is present.

Whether you’re met with praise or criticism, being okay without anyone else’s validation is key. The world has never been a good critic — everyone perceives life differently. Two people from the same background can have widely varying opinions. Traditional notions of ‘success’ and ‘failure’ aren’t to be taken too seriously. Get up, dust your feet off, and keep trying. Always.

It Takes A Village
This well-known phrase is more than just a saying. I was met with a glaring truth: I couldn’t do it all by myself. As an independent individual who rarely asks for help, I found myself having to ask for it more times than I’d care to admit. I can recall bubbling with anxiety every time I asked someone for assistance. The scoring area of competition included: a 1-1 interview with the judging panel, an evening gown and swimsuit catwalk, and a final answer based on a current affairs related question (on any unpredictable topic). Additionally, we had a costume presentation that was not scored. This meant that my preparation list was extensive. In addition, we had a list of public appearances to attend, many with government officials, members of the community and with the Miss Universe management team, including the Vice President Olivia Quido and Miss Universe 2024, Sheynnis Palacios.

I understood that it’s okay to ask for help, especially when I need it. I’m grateful I received very generous support from my family, friends and sponsor Rochelle Brown, CEO of Global Capital Ltd.— who provided me with way more than financial assistance. Ms. Brown gave me encouragement, coaching, styling and much more. This was an immense contribution to me as I was navigating my way through. All of the contestants were also blessed to have trained with Fabian Chacone, an international catwalk coach, and I also privately trained with Miss Universe Great Britain 2024, Jessica Page.

I was also fortunate enough to have had co-contestants, or as I like to say, pageant sisters, who were amazing. Through this unique, shared experience, I learnt the importance of camaraderie. At the end of the day, there was only one crown (although we were all queens) and I was focused on ensuring that I was kind and well-mannered to whoever that person would be — whether that was myself or a different contestant.

Personal Growth
Many people believe that pageants are frivolous. And, in some aspects they can appear that way. However, it takes an incredible amount of dedication, determination and will power. Pageants tend to attract intelligent women. Just to name a few: Alma Cooper, the reigning Miss USA, has a master’s degree in data science from Stanford University and has served as a US Army officer. Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, she has actively been involved with ending food insecurity. Zozibini Tunzi, Miss Universe 2019, the third South African to win the title, has used her fame to promote issues such as gender inequality and women’s empowerment. With a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Image Management, she has used her platform to communicate issues of vast importance.

For myself, I had habits included in my daily and weekly to-do list that would assist with this process. All while maintaining a job and being an undergraduate student (luckily, the competition took place in the summer!)

For example, I spent allocated time each and every day practicing my catwalk and I had a consistent fitness and diet regime that I followed. I also practised tongue twisters everyday to improve my speech, and answered randomised questions on a variety of current affairs in a timed manner. Additionally, I had to prepare for the 1-1 interview, and as this was the highest scoring area, I had to make sure it got sufficient attention.

Shortly after the pageant, I found myself going to a birthday party. As I walked up to the entrance, I felt that little pest bugging me — anxiety. I was reminded that I would be flooded with a sea of strangers. I thought, wait a minute, just a week ago, I was on a stage, strutting in a bikini, evening gown and sharing my thoughts on social issues in front of a large audience. Why am I nervous to go to a birthday party?! That’s when I realised that in order to stay courageous, you have to keep putting yourself in uncomfortable positions. Courage requires consistency (and so does confidence). This is a phrase that I constantly repeat to myself.

The skills and habits that I practiced will last well beyond my pageant days. Staying fit and healthy, as well as working on public speech and overall physical presentation. Additionally, I developed resilience and adaptability as I was faced with challenging and uncertain circumstances. As a recent graduate in Business Psychology, I have applied all of this to my life post-pageant. Through navigating post-grad interviews, to remaining healthy, positive and resilient, this experience has stayed with me.

Although I didn’t win, I learnt invaluable lessons that will stay with me for a lifetime. I encourage other young women like myself to venture into new and uncertain territories. I promise, you will grow and learn things about yourself you wouldn’t have otherwise known. Be brave, be bold, and be you.