Interview with Jodie Frost – Miss Diamond Kent

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 my Diamond Sisters.

So what made you enter pageants ?

I had a really difficult year last year mentally, so I decided to enter pageants as a way of distracting myself from all of the negative aspects of life and focusing on the positive. Not only that, I know so many girls that are part of different systems who recommended giving them a go to help continue to build my self-confidence and social life. Since entering Miss Diamond UK, I haven’t looked back since.

Can you tell us about your pageant journey so far ?

In October last year, I entered my first charity pageant through the Miss Diamond UK system and won Diamond Charity Winner and Miss Diamond Charity Princess. Prior to this I was a part of the Kent’s Carnival Association where I held the titles of Teynham Princess, Miss Teynham and Deputy Miss Teynham. Being part of the Kent Carnival Association was just a stepping stone to the beginning of my pageant journey!

What made you decide to enter the Miss Diamond System ?

I decided to enter into the Miss Diamond system because I have heard so many amazing things about it. I know a number of girls who have been with the system and have really enjoyed being a Diamond girl, they couldn’t recommend it enough.

What have pageants taught you?

One of the things that pageants have taught me is to be true to who you are and accept yourself. Previous to pageants I really struggled with my self-image and myself as a person, but being a Diamond girl has given me the chance to begin to accept myself for who I am and that I am beautiful in my own way.

What’s your pageant platform and why ?

My pageant platform focuses on Breast Cancer Awareness and HSD awareness. Since I have been raising money for CoppaFeel I have tried my best to continue to raise awareness of the importance of making sure we check our breasts for any unusual lumps and seek medical advice as soon as a lump is found. HSD/EDS awareness is another part of my platform. I suffer from Generalised Joint Hypermobility (GJH) which is part of the Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD). So for me raising awareness of HSD is incredibly important because it is an invisible chronic illness with so many misconceptions surrounding it. I feel as though it is my responsibility to help educate others what it likes to live HSD and what they can do for someone who lives with it.

What’s your dream pageant title ?

Every pageant girl dreams of a being able to hold a national and international title! It would be amazing to be Miss Diamond UK 2020, but even so, representing my amazing county of Kent as Miss Diamond Kent 2020 has been a dream come true in itself.

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

If I were to win it would the world to me! It would show me how far I’ve come as an individual and that I can do anything when I put my mind to it. A national title would also give me the opportunity to have a more public platform to continue to raise as much awareness for both Breast Cancer and HSD, and to generally be a role model to younger girls who may be sceptical or feel as though they are not confident enough to enter pageants, as I was that young girl once.

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

Be yourself. There’s nothing better than being true to who you are and exuberating a personality and a confidence that comes from you and you alone.

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

Since October I have been planning and organising a number of fundraising events that were due to take place this year. I had events such as pub quizzes, cake sales and sponsored walks planned, however due to COVID they were all cancelled earlier on this year. I have also been posting as regularly as possible on my socials about different campaigns and raising awareness of my platforms.

What’s your favourite appearance so far ?

My all-time favourite appearance would have to be my pub quiz that I did in October last year. Although the number of teams were small, it was an amazing atmosphere.

How has COVID-19 effected your pageant journey so far?

COVID-19 has had a massive effect on my pageant journey. As I mentioned earlier I spent months planning a number of fundraising events that were due to take place from February onwards but they have unfortunately been cancelled! So it was hard having to cancel these events when I had put so much hard work and effort into organising them. It has also been very difficult trying to plan things to do online and make appearances. However I have manage to organise and online pageant which is currently underway and I am currently doing the EDS/HSD Awareness Month challenge as well to help with appearances.

What do you think makes a good pageant role model ?

Young girls look up to county, national and international title holders, so it is important that you carry yourself with grace and elegance, but also be kind, caring, considerate, charitable and confident.

What’s your favourite pageant round ?

I love the evening wear round! It’s a round that allows us to show off our beautiful dresses and to walk the stage with so much grace and elegance.

How do you deal with pageant nerves ?

I put myself into a little focus bubble. I distract myself by focusing on something, whether that’s touching up my hair and make-up or talking to someone about something completely random! The key for me is to distract myself and go into a focus bubble.

Social Media links:

Facebook: Miss Diamond Kent 2019/20 – Jodie Frost

Instagram: @jfrostdiamondkent2020

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions it’s been lovely reading about your Diamond Journey so far I can’t wait to meet you at the final. Much love, Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.