Interview with Darcy Davies-Williams – Miss Intercontinental U.K. Finalist

Copyright Nigel Torrens Photography

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 first discovered pageants back in 2017 when I met Lauren Parkinson at one of her charity events and after following her Galaxy journey, I became hooked and watched it every year. I got to watch queens such as Misha Grimes and Joanna Johnson and I admired the girls so much and the confidence they had and I knew it was something I wanted to work on and improve myself. Last August I built up the courage to enter and I’ve never looked back since.

Can you tell us about your pageant journey?

Copyright Nigel Torrens Photography

My first title was Miss Wrexham Galaxy 19/20 and I was so proud to have it. Being able to represent my area in nationals was something I dreamed of doing for years and to actually take that leap and make it a reality meant so much to me. Galaxy gave me everything I was looking for and more. Not only did I discover my true self and become the best version I could be, I also gained self-confidence, social skills and most importantly;- friends for life.

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

I first went to watch Miss Intercontinental last September as one of my first appearances for Galaxy. After watching the UK finals, I loved the rounds and the fact they crowned Wales, England and Scotland as not only can you have the opportunity to represent your country, but you’d have two amazing queens to share the experience with too. After competing in Galaxy last March, I knew I wanted to be back on the pageant stage. I did a lot of research about Miss Intercontinental and spoke to their current queen Miss Intercontinental Scotland, Catriona. The beliefs and aims of Miss Intercontinental were something I agreed with and knew this was a system I would be obligated to represent.

What’s the best thing pageants have taught you and why?

Pageants have taught me so much and more than I can ever imagine. I have met so many incredible girls who all support one another and encourage each other to do well. I’ve gained pageant sisters from this and even a pageant girl holiday with Miss International Hertfordshire; Amy who has been my rock every since meeting her. The best thing pageants have especially taught me is to be, and love myself. This whole experience has given me the opportunity to discover who I am and to be the best version of myself. I’m able to celebrate my achievements and present them proudly.

What’s your pageant platform and why?

In fact I have two pageant platforms which are crucial to me and ones I hope to be able to continue raising awareness and funds for. My first platform is Women’s Aid which is a Charity aiming to stop domestic violence against women and children as well as being able to give victims the right support first time. They work alongside over 300 lifesaving services across the UK and have over 40 refuge services providing safer environments for women and children.

My second platform is one very close to heart which is the Esclusham Fete which is an annual event that brings the community I live in together every summer. The fete consists of a parade, fair, dog show, mascots, games and competitions and it’s an important event for all of us villagers as the Government have started cutting the budgets down for these type of events therefore we all work effortlessly to raise funds to keep it going every year.

What’s your dream title?

My dream title would be Miss Intercontinental Wales/England. To have the opportunity to represent my country in internationals is something I’ve been working extremely hard for and will continue to strive for in the lead up to the finals.

If you were to win, Miss Intercontinental England or Wales what would it mean to you?

It’s hard to put in to context how much it would really mean to me. Not only would my dream become a reality, but it would give me the opportunity to present my platforms on a higher level and to continue raising awareness for. I feel that I’ve worked exceptionally hard this year in the lead up and feel that I would be a good role model to represent the crown both nationally and internationally.

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

Prepare, prepare, prepare. In the lead up to your finals, do as much as you possibly can to make sure you’re ready. If this is a new system to you, do your research. If you’re fundraising, set up a Justgiving page. Do your appearance book as you go along if it’s applicable. The last thing you want when you get to the event is stressing about things that aren’t done or aren’t complete. You want to be able to enjoy the whole experience and stay calm and collected. My favourite thing to do is mind map and brainstorm whether it’s outfit ideas, my platforms or about the system I’m representing, not only is it something fun, it also helps you get an idea down on paper of what you want and this helps you work towards it a lot quicker.

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

I’ve been doing a lot of planning and preparing ready for the pageant finals in September. I was expecting to already be very hands on at this stage of the lead up but due to Covid19, some of this hasn’t yet been possible. I’ve been working with what I can so I’ve set up my online fundraising page for people to donate safely as well as creating an online campaign called #WorkOutForWomensAid which is an interactive campaign whether you’re walking the dog, going for a daily jog or a sponsored bike ride. I’ve also got a few raffles and fundraisers planned that will be announced shortly and I’m really excited for so watch this space.

Me and all the other Miss Intercontinental UK Finalist girls have been keeping in touch daily which has been really amazing and makes the experience 100 times more exciting. A lot of the girls have already made a Don’t Rush Challenge which was incredible and we’re hoping to do a second take of it, as well as making an NHS appreciation collage. We’ve got a couple of surprises for when it’s safe to do so after lockdown so definitely keep your eyes peeled!

What’s your favourite ever appearance?

My favourite ever appearance will still be the Pageant Pyjama Party hosted by Heather Hopkins, Miss International Cardiff. It was the first time I’d travelled so far by myself and I was really apprehensive about it, especially since I’m awful with directions however this turned out to be my all time favourite and one I’ll remember in years to come! The best part about this for me is definitely the fact I met two of my best friends here who I have shared this insane experience with! Heather if you’re reading this, this is a HUGE hint to please host another one!

How has the lockdown due to Covid19 affected your pageant journey?

The lockdown due to Covid19 has definitely delayed a lot for me from charity fundraisers, to appearances however I refuse to let it stop me and have been looking at the upside from this! It has given me a lot more time to think about my pageant plans in the near future whether I win or not. It’s also given me time to support other pageant girls and to get involved with their online campaigns and raffles as I feel that these are just as important.

Has your reign been extended due to Covid19?

So far the finals are still going ahead in September, however it’s just a waiting game at the moment. I trust our director Lilly has best interests at heart for our safety and will if necessary for us finalists and I’ll fully support her decision!

What makes a good pageant role model?

There’s a quote from Venus Lamey I live by, which was the definition of a beauty queen – “So beautiful on the inside that it radiates on the outside” and I really do think this is a quality of a good pageant role model. In my personal opinion, a role model should be someone who others including younger girls can look up to, aspire to be like and encourage them to become the best version of themselves which is what other queens have taught me. I think qualities such as being responsible, open and kind are important as well as self confidence and self love. Lastly, I think it’s incredibly important for a good pageant role model to be dedicated to representing their title and the system. Be proud of your achievements, who you are and who you are representing.

What’s your favourite pageant round?

This is a hard one for me as I enjoy all aspects of pageants! If I had to choose one it would have to be swimwear. After the swimwear round in Galaxy, I felt incredible. The self confidence it gave me was unbelievable and I love the energy and engagement from the crowd. I’m really excited for this round in the final of Miss Intercontinental UK.

How do you deal with pageant nerves?

When I was last backstage before going on stage for the first time for the opening number, I felt really overwhelmed and couldn’t believe I was doing it. It was a huge thing for me, as for years I’d only dreamed of having the opportunity to go onto that stage after watching it since 2017. I feel that pageant nerves are natural to get as it’s something you’ve worked hard all year for and it’s something you really want. I always think beforehand of how far I’ve come so far, so why stop now, go out there and enjoy what I love doing!

Copyright Nigel Torrens Photography

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