Interview with Cerys Hewson – Miss Teen Pageant Girl West Sussex

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

Can you introduce yourself?

Hello! My name is Cerys Hewson, I am 18 years old. My title is Miss Teen Pageant Girl West Sussex.

What made you enter pageants ?

When I was around 13 years old I competed in a glitz pageant just for fun! My mum and I had absolutely no clue what we were doing but we still enjoyed the whole day anyway!

I struggled with bullying a lot in school after taking part in the pageant as it was something different. Many of the girls hadn’t heard about pageants before which is what sparked the nasty names I was called in school. I gave up pageants and struggled to enjoy my other hobbies such as dance because of the backlash with the other kids in my classes. However, now I’m older, and a little wiser, I decided to apply for Miss Teen pageant girl UK as I had remembered how much I enjoyed taking part in pageants. Although pageant girl is very different from a glitz pageant as it involves charity work and fundraising, I am so excited to attend finals and compete for my dream title of Miss Teen Pageant Girl!

What made you decide to compete in the Miss Teen Pageant Girl System ?

So I saw an ad on Instagram leading to the pageant girl website. I browsed all the different systems such as Galaxy and Teen Great Britain and came across Pageant Girl! I got more and more excited as I read on about the finals and I saw they were taking applications. I decided to enter Pageant Girl because this is a new and unique system. The motto “beautifully inspiring” also means so much to me and it really describes a pageant girls personality. So I went for it! And I am now honoured to be competing in the finals.

What the best thing that pageants have taught you ?

Although I am yet to compete in a national pageant, I believe pageants have taught me so much about myself! I have worked so extremely hard in the lead up to finals that I’ve realised how truly inspiring I am!

What’s your pageant platform and why ?

My chosen platforms are Cancer Research UK and Kakembo Street Children’s charity. I have chosen to support Cancer Research UK as it’s a charity that is close to my heart and really means a lot for me to help raise money and awareness for the incredible work they do. I am also a humanitarian volunteer which is why my second platform is Kakembo Street Children’s charity. This charity is founded and run by Steven Kakembo himself. He has none of the infrastructure a typical organisation has apart from his phone. Steven has taken in children of the streets, he feeds them and ensures they have a roof over their head and a safe place to stay. Him and the children rely solely on donations to buy essentials and pay rent which is why I’m choosing to help such a worthy and incredible charity.

What’s your dream title ?

My dream title would be Miss Teen Pageant Girl UK. I absolutely love the morals and ethos of this inspiring pageant. I believe I could set the standards high for the next girl crowned and leave a legacy for being hardworking, motivated and inspiring!

If you were to win Miss Teen Pageant Girl U.K. what would it mean to you ?

If I was to win the title of Miss Teen Pageant Girl UK I don’t think I could even put it into words how truly grateful I would be! Having the title would boost the recognition I got meaning I could inspire and motivate so many women all across the UK to help charities and platforms like my own, so we as a team could really change the world for the better!

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

The best advice I have is to believe in yourself. In pageantry there are so many amazing, beautiful girls and it’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. I have actually been keeping track of all my progress and making notes of my goals, this way it’s easy to see how motivated I am! It’s making helping me believe in myself and see my true potential.

What have you been doing in the run up to your pageant final ?

In the run up to my pageant final it’s actually been a little different than most girls journeys as lockdown was announced shortly after I found out my title! However, I have not let lockdown ruin my plans to be successful and reach my goals in pageant girl. I have created two campaigns, one called Grateful to be Me, about empowering women and being proud of who we are. And my other campaign is Zero Malaria starts with me, to raise awareness on malaria and how it is widely affecting third world countries. I have also taken part in the 2.6 challenge and raised over £200 for Cancer Research UK. Shortly after this I created my own fundraiser and did a 2 mile 3 legged walk! I raised £160 for the Kakembo Street Children’s Charity.

What’s your favourite ever appearance so far ?

Unfortunately because of lockdown many of my appearances have been cancelled or postponed. However, I have taken part in so many online campaigns and charity fundraisers. My favourite appearance from home was when I took part in the 2.6 challenge! I started the day off with a 26 minute workout, followed by a 2.6 mile walk. In just a day I raised over £200 for my chosen charity and I am so proud!

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

Lockdown has effected my pageant journey due to many of my appearances and charity events being cancelled or postponed. But I wouldn’t say it is a negative impact because I have overcome this issue and been more creative than ever to raise awareness and funds for my platforms!

Has your reign been extended due to COVID19?

Fortunately I get to be Miss Teen Pageant Girl West Sussex for just over a month longer! I am so honoured to have my regional title and hope I am making everyone so proud for the hard work and dedication I am putting into my dream.

What makes a good pageant role model ?

I believe a good pageant role model is someone who can represent a system with pride and poise. When you take on the job role of pageant queen so many girls are looking up to you and watching your journey. A good role model is someone who takes pride in everything they are doing and helping other young women become the best that they can be!

What’s your favourite pageant round ?

My favourite pageant round is evening wear. I absolutely love the beautiful gowns you get to wear and show off. I love the elegance and poise I can portray, all while my personality shines too!

How do you deal with pageant nerves ?

Pageant nerves are normal! I have been dancing since the age of 2. I have competed all across the country, danced in the West End, Ireland and Disneyland Paris. Throughout my whole career I was taught that nerves are completely normal, nerves show your really passionate about what you are doing! I say embrace those nerves and do your best!

Social Media Links

Links to my Pageant Instagram- www.instagram.com/missteenpgwestsussex

My personal Instagram – www.instagram.com/ceryshewson

Support the Kakembo street children’s charity – https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kakembocharity?utm_term=5MnKR2w3p

Support Cancer Research UK – https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/ceryslouisegivingpage

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions it’s been lovely getting to know you and about your platform. I wish you all the best in your first ever pageant. Much Love Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.