Interview with Brooke Smith – Miss Intercontinental U.K. Finalist Representing Norwich

Firstly thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about your pageant journey for my pageant lockdown blog it’s lovely getting to know fellow pageant queens and more about the systems that they represent.

What made you enter pageants ?

I had always wanted to enter pageants but never had the courage to do so, I was always worried about what my peers and other people would think about me. After speaking with some girls who had done pageants before they told me how amazing they were and how much they boost your confidence, and they were right! I love competing now and I’m so glad I took the step 3 years ago and never looked back.

Can you tell us about your pageant journey?

The first title I won was Miss Suffolk, I then went on to compete in the Miss England finals. The next year I competed in Miss Universe GB which was truly incredible! This February I competed in Miss Great Britain and now I am going on to compete in Miss Intercontinental UK.

What made you decide to compete in Miss Intercontinental U.K. ?

I had heard so many amazing things after the final that Lily Rogan (pageant director) organised last year that I just had to enter! It’s such an amazing system and I’m so pleased and proud to be apart of it.

What’s the best thing that pageants have taught you ?

The best thing that pageants have taught me is to always be yourself, work hard, and know who you are as a person.

What’s your pageant platform and why ?

My pageant platform is the Childhood Wellness Campaign which I recently set up. My campaign sets out to help educate and raise awareness to childhood illnesses and diseases. As a student paediatric nurse this is something I feel very passionately about, but also having a medical background means that I am able to spread my knowledge to those who need it.

What’s your dream title ?

This year I have my eyes on the prize of winning Miss Intercontinental England! It’s such an amazing title and I would love to be able to represent my country and this amazing pageant system.

If you were to win Miss Intercontinental U.K. what would it mean to you ?

If I were to win Miss Intercontinental UK it would allow me to bring my platform and campaign internationally! I like to believe that I am an incredible role model to others, showing that you can do and achieve anything you set your mind to just like I do, I am an intelligent young woman at university studying a medical degree, something I didn’t think was possible until I worked hard and pushed for what I wanted, but I’m also a pageant queen who raises money for charity and spreads awareness for vital campaigns. If I won Miss Intercontinental UK I would show the world that women are powerful, we have brains and beauty and we aren’t afraid to show it.

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

The best advice I have for fellow queens is to always be yourself and let yourself shine! Know for what you stand for, know your platform, and never be afraid to ask for tips or advice from other queens, after all, we are all in this together, and true queens lift each other up.

What have you been doing in the run up to the final of Miss Intercontinental U.K. ?

In the run up to the Miss Intercontinental I have been completing my 150 mile bike ride to raise money for Women’s Aid! News about my cycle ride got out and travelled fast and I even had an interview with the BBC! I also put on a charity raffle and I’m planning many more amazing fundraisers for the future! I’m also trying to keep fit and healthy in the run up to the final!

What’s your favourite ever appearance ?

My favourite appearance ever was delivering Christmas presents to children in hospital on Christmas Eve, it was so special and amazing to see how happy they were and I felt so happy know I had brought them some happiness and joy for the festive season despite their circumstances.

How has the lockdown due to COVID19 affected your pageant journey ?

So far Covid-19 hasn’t really effected my pageant journey which is very lucky. But being a student nurse in the hospitals it has been very busy and I have felt honoured to be able to help during these difficult times.

What makes a good pageant role model ?

A good pageant role model to me, is someone who inspires, someone who is relatable, and someone who makes you believe you too can achieve anything. I have many role models who I look up to, and one day would love to be able to emulate and make proud.

What’s your favourite pageant round ?

Copyright Miss Great Britain

For me, I would have to say the Evening Gown, because who doesn’t want to dress up and be like a princess for a little while!

How do you deal with pageant nerves ?

I always channel my nerves into thinking about how badly I want to achieve my goals and win that grown. Push your nerves to the side, think about all that hard work and preparation you did to get where you are and just imagine that crown on your head.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions it’s been lovely getting to know you, your system and your platform. I would also like to personally thank you for all your hard work during this pandemic. I wish you all the best at the final. Much Love Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.