Miss Petite South Africa 2013

Competition:     Miss Jnr South Africa

Venue:                ACPP Hall, Pretoria
Date:                   26, 27 & 28 April 2013

My biggest competition finally arrived! It was going to be hard work and long days but I’m ready.

But let me first tell you how I got here... In December 2012, Mom entered one of my photos for the preliminary round of Miss Jnr SA.  From the photo entries, the judges then selected the ones that would go on to the second round.  I was so excited and couldn't wait to hear whether I was one of them.

This is the photo that mom entered:

Mom called me into the room and showed me the e-mail that she received from Pageants SA.  I was selected and going to the next round yay!!!  It was so amazing to think that I'm one of the finalists for Miss Jnr SA.

In preparation for the finals in April, I attended the "Modelling & Pageantry Workshop" hosted by Pageants SA.  I learnt so much and I'm sure all the handy tips would be useful.

Ta-da!  Four months of preparation and here I am ...

 The daily schedule for the Miss Petite South Africa event: 

 

Day 1:  26 April

The day started very early and mom woke me up at 04h30 as we had to leave for Pretoria by 05h00.  My first appointment with the hair stylist was at 06h15.  There were so many girls and the sports arena was packed.  Just bags and dresses all over the dressing rooms!  Wow, much bigger than any of the other pageants I've attended.

Our first ramp was Casual Wear and all the girls had to wear jeans and the special Pageants SA t-shirt.  After our ramp, all the girls in the Petite division had to go for photos. 

I was looking forward to lunch with mom and to take a little break before going to rehearsals.

Our second ramp was Evening Wear.  Another appointment with the hairstylist to change my hair for evening wear.  Couldn’t wait to wear my new dress!  I felt like a real princess with my new dress and my beautiful Swarovski earrings and necklace (Thank you uncle John and aunt Natasja!).  After the ramp, all the contestants have to line up for the judges.  The judges will then do an inspection and that includes looking at our dresses, check the condition of our hair, if our nails are tidy and clean and look at our overall appearance.  Photos after the ramp and then some more rehearsing.  We only finished at 19h00 and I was so tired and fell asleep on the way home!

Day 2:  27 April

Another early day for us.  Bit nervous as we started off with interview rounds.  For this we had to wear a smart casual outfit.  I had to prepare an introduction and it had to include your name, age, where you from, what school you go to, sport or any other activities you do, hobbies etc.  After the introduction, I had to answer questions from the judges.   

After interviews, we had to take our gifts to the main hall for distribution.  There were so many gifts!  The judges will have a look at the gifts and will awards will be given for best chaperone gifts, best winner gifts as well as best judges gifts.

Mom had to go to the airport and couldn’t stay for the Carnival Costumes but aunt Gerda helped me to get ready for the ramp.    I liked this outfit, it was so bright and colourful.

After the photo session we had another rehearsal session till 19h30.  Couldn’t wait to get home to see mom’s friend that she picked up from the airport.  Well, did I get a surprise when I got home.  The friend that mom picked up from the airport, was actually my uncle John!!! He came all the way from the UK to watch my Jnr SA finals.  Thank you uncle John!!!

Day 3:  28 April

I was so excited because uncle John came to watch the finals!   We had rehearsals most of the day but at least it was also "Slipper Day" which meant we were allowed to do rehearsals in our slippers.  Thank goodness!  The awards ceremony would start at 15h00 and all the girls had to change into the carnival costumes.  Auntie Yanke also arrived and I was so happy to see her! 

After the awards ceremony, we quickly had to change into our evening wear for the crowning.  All the Petite contestants stood on stage and they were going to announce the Top 10.  I didn’t even realise that they called my number!  I was so overwhelmed and happy.  I was so happy that I made it to the Top 10, especially with all the talented girls in my group.

Wow, what an amazing experience.  I learnt a lot and made new friends.  Big thank you to everyone who supported me, you guys are awesome!!