Interview with Ellen Miller – Miss Voluptuous U.K. Finalist

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

Can you introduce yourself ?

Miss Voluptuous UK finalist 2020. Ellen Miller. 29

What made you enter pageants ?

This is my first pageant! I feel like I’m at a point in my life that I can offer more and pageants offer a great platform and support network. I’ve never felt 100% comfortable in my body but I’m learning so by entering it’s pushing me out of my comfort zone and challenging how I view myself.

Can you tell us about your pageant journey so far ?

Last year I was selected as a London finalist for the Rose of Tralee- it’s a festival more than a pageant. I really loved the emphasis on personal qualities and Irish heritage-it felt like home! After that I had such a surge in confidence; I wanted to experience that again and felt pageants offered that.

What made you decide to compete in the Miss Voluptuous System ?

Miss Voluptuous focuses on female empowerment and leadership which resonated with me as that’s the woman I want to be. Being a curvy girl also having that representation felt important to me.

What the best thing that pageants have taught you ?

I’m still very new to this! But so far it’s taught me to be kinder to myself and that it’s OK to say “hey I can be pretty awesome sometimes”. Also just how amazing the support of the other girls has been in such a short space of time. Everyone lifts each other up.

What’s your pageant platform and why ?

My platform is for ending violence against womenwith a focus on awareness of sexual violence. I’ll be raising awareness on the important work that the EVAW (end violence against women) coalition do at government and local level. Currently they have several campaigns ongoing that seek changes and updates to current legislation such as the domestic violence bill and demanding more justice for rape victims/survivors through the CPS (crown prosecution service). I chose this as my platform as I’m one of those rape statistics, 6 years ago I was raped and seeking justice was impossible. I want to be a voice for anyone who has had to go through similar. I can’t change what happened to me or my experience but I hope that in advocating or even just speaking out it could change someone else’s. My charity of choice is the Women and girls network (WGN). They offer a range of services across London as well as a helpline for those experiencing any violence. Without them I don’t know if I’d be here today. Both WGN & EVAW coalition rely on donations to continue their work.

What’s your dream title ?

Miss Voluptuous International!

If you were to win Miss Voluptuous International what would it mean to you ?

I would 100% cry firstly! But to me it would show myself how far I’ve actually come but also that others have seen the heart that lies in my passions

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

Don’t be afraid to ask for help from others. Try not to compare yourself to what others are doing and focus on you!

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

I’ve mainly been working on getting some fundraising events organised. I’ve also started a vlog on YouTube called ‘PPE to pageants’ as a way to document my pageant journey but also to talk about my platform and share information and create discussion surrounding it.

Favourite ever appearance ?

During the London finals of the Rose of Tralee all the finalists got to attend the Irish embassy in London for afternoon tea either the Irish ambassador to the UK that was really specia!

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

Well as an emergency nurse it’s meant that work has been made even more incredibly stressful and everything outside of work put to the wayside. I’ve been wearing scrubs and trainers way more than usual! Hopefully now we are phasing out of lockdown I can make more progress with things like my platform and appearances.

What makes a good pageant role model ?

Someone who shows passion and follows through on that. To me humility and kindness are some of the most important things you can show.

What’s pageant round are you looking forward to the most ?

I’m looking forward to eco wear the most. It’s the most challenging and I like the creative side that it’s bringing out in me.

How do you deal with nerves ?

I normally wear my claddagh ring my Mum got me. So I hold on to it, take a deep breathe and count to 3!

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about your pageant journey. It’s been lovely speaking to you I wish you all the best at the final. I also want to say a huge thank you for your hard work as a nurse during the pandemic. Much Love Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.