Beauty Queen Runner Up!

As most of you know I won Runner Up Miss Swindon a few weeks ago! I admit I kept the whole thing a secret for a while and to be honest I'm glad I kept my first pageant quiet because it was nice to see the surprise when everyone found out I'd entered and actually gotten somewhere.
I know a lot of people reject the whole idea of pageants which saddens me because most of them base their ideas completely on the American style but the English ones are so different. If people took time to actually look into them they'd realise how different they are and I'm glad my friends saw the positives of this pageant.

I just want to tell you all about my experience and hopefully influence you in some ways!

So I must have entered in Febuary and I honestly can't remember how I came across the pageant but I entered and didn't really think I'd even hear back, but when I did I was shocked and excited. I had my phone interview as I couldn't make the Saturday of the auditions and I felt quite positive after the interview. Once I heard back I read through all the information and started brainstorming ideas for my eco-dress! I decided on receipts in the end.

The first day was the bootcamp and I remember how scared I was about meeting anymore and hearing the rain at work made me worry even more. I can remember the nerves I experienced when I walked through the doors of Kiss Gyms and had to finally meet everyone. I felt part of the group so quickly and the excitement soon took over. I took part in a 2 hour bootcamp, it was challenging but I pushed myself as far as my knees would let me! I felt so more at ease once I'd met everyone.

I came home exhausted but I had a list of things to finish for the finals! I didn't get to bed until midnight. It was an early start but I started the day with a smile and ready to rehearse! We did several run throughs but I made so many friends in the 10 hours I was there. I had my hair and make up done by Goldworthys hairdressers and Bare Minerals make up!

Before

After - No make up at this point!

We started the show in our sportswear and all ran on! We didn't get scored for this, but it made everyone feel a bit better as we'd seen the audience and the judges. It was then eco wear and we all went out and modelled our dresses. I scored highest on my talking in this area and scored highly in the creativity of my costume.

The last round was evening wear, which I wore my prom dress for. I've lost a fair bit of weight since prom so Nan made some adjustments and I felt happy in the dress. I wore my sponsors sash in this round. I was sponsored by Lifestyle Portraits, who I have a free promotional shoot with in a few weeks. After this round we had a break and then came back ready for the results.

Nicole (Miss Wiltshire), Beth and I

The finalists

When it came to the results I wasn't too nervous because I'd done all I could and I was up against some beautiful contestants so I knew the bar was set high. The other results were presented and then it finally came to Miss Swindon Runner Up. As Hannah Golding (The presenter) opened the envelope, I smiled out to the audience because I loved all the girls so whoever got the top 4 awards I would have been happy for. When Hannah said Number 8, I couldn't really accept what I'd just heard and I actually had to watch the moment back to remember my reaction and the song they played. The former Miss Swindon gave me my sash and tiara, which she couldn't get on my head so it was wonky but I can't help but laugh at that. I walked down the catwalk with my trophy and I could hear my mum and her work collegues calling my name and I just cried. I was so overwhelmed and happy! I was so happy with the other winners but in my eyes, we all made it this far so we could all be proud!

Looking back I feel so happy about my experience and I can't wait to enter next year! I've entered so many pageants since because I've got the "pageant bug"! I'm looking forward to taking part in events with my title and work alongside Catissa (Miss Swindon) in her reining year! I've had my feedback so I know where I need to improve and what I need to keep up so I say bring on next year! 

Any regrets? Yes, I wish I'd done some charity work and in the next year I intend to do lots of work in the community because I enjoy helping others!

Jade x