Interview with Ebony Allison-Brown – Miss Caribbean U.K. 2020 Finalist

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 think my number one reason for entering Miss Caribbean UK was to push myself out of my comfort zone – nothing good ever comes from your comfort zone and I am always looking for ways to better myself. The most important thing is to enjoy your life, take chances and be happy – it’s really all that matters! I also feel like there’s so many things I will learn from this as well, not only about myself but also about my country and culture, developing communication skills, leadership skills and getting further interview practice on the run up to the final.

Have you competed before if so can you tell us about your journey?

No this is my very first pageant! It feels so surreal, I’m nervous but excited.

What made you decide to compete in the Miss Caribbean U.K. system ?

I think young women of Afro-Caribbean descent are often underrepresented in pageants so actually finding one that is dedicated to celebrating us and our culture has made me feel so comforted and happy. Im excited to share this journey with my fellow pageant queen’s from similar backgrounds to me, so to be honest I don’t really see this as a competition but more like a learning experience, especially because the aim of this pageant is to inspire, promote and educate others on the cultural impact that our Caribbean countries have within the UK.

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

Entering the Miss Caribbean UK pageant has taught me that no vision is unattainable, I’ve been putting this off for a while now, every year I’ve wanted to enter, I ended up talking myself out of it at the very last minute. This year I went ahead with my application without overthinking anything and was made a finalist… when it’s your time, it’s your time!

What’s your pageant platform and why ?

My pageant platform focuses on young people and mental health, it means so much to me. I’ll be doing my best to support Young Minds charity along the way. I’ve chosen this as my platform so I can raise awareness about the importance of children’s and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. I work with young people who often battle with their emotional wellbeing and mental health, I love being there for them to listen and remind them that they’re not alone. Even more so because mental health is not a topic that we discuss openly in our community and I’d like to help with changing this, we need to challenge and eliminate the stigma attached to mental health. It’s okay to not be okay and it’s okay to talk about your feelings!

What’s your dream title ?

Miss Caribbean UK winner of course!

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

It really would mean so much to me if I won, honestly! Other than the fact that it would prove to me I can achieve anything I put my mind to, but also i’d have the platform to positively promote my island Jamaica as a British-Caribbean queen. I’d use my title to continue increasing awareness on mental health in children and young people and also encourage young girls to be comfortable in their own skin, be brave and dream big.

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

My best advice to other pageant contestants would be one of my favourite quotes: “Love yourself, be fearless and remember you are destined for greatness”.

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

I have been practicing everything from my walk to mock interview questions and trying to find a nice evening gown for the night. Also familiarising myself with pageant life by reading and watching YouTube videos from other pageants.

How has lockdown due to COVID19 affected your pageant journey ?

The lockdown has definitely made prepping for the finals a little bit more difficult working every day means my time is quite limited, however I am thinking of ways to fundraise for Young Minds charity from home and virtually as my original plans I had in mind are going to be difficult to go through with. Also as finalists, we have had to rely on virtual meet up’s and game nights which has been nice but I am ready for things to be back to normal so we can get ready for the finals properly.

What makes a good pageant role model ?

In my opinion, a good pageant role model is someone who isn’t afraid to be unique and encourages other people to be their best self. It’s someone who should aim to think positive and show passion in encouraging and inspiring other people, as well as showing an interest in their uplifting their community and show consideration and acceptance of other people.

What favourite pageant round are you most looking forward too ?

I’m definitely looking forward to the evening wear round the most, I cant wait to get dressed up in my gown & seeing everyone looking elegant!

How are you planning on dealing with pageant nerves ?

Mindfulness meditation!! I do this regularly anyway as it helps me whenever I feel anxious or stressed! I’ve also been listening to podcasts & reading articles for tips on how to calm nerves & control pageant anxiety, I’m only really nervous about the interview part to be honest. It’s difficult to be confident when you don’t know what to expect from the interviewing process. I’ve also tried preparing myself by watching the interview section from past years Miss Caribbean UK shows and its helped! I can’t wait for the big night.

Social Media

Instagram: @msebsrose_x

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