Interview with Lauren Wigley – Miss Chesterfield International

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.

Title, name & age?

Miss Chesterfield International Lauren Wigley Age 26

What made you enter pageants?

My boyfriend actually got me into modelling as he was a model himself. He wanted to get me out of my shell so he entered me into my first pageant as a surprise; even though I was shy and unsure, I fell in love with pageants.

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

My first pageant was back in 2014 and I haven’t participated for the past 5 years so it kind of feels like I am starting right from the beginning. But pageants and simply watching other pageant girls has taught me to find where my passion lies.

What made you decide to compete in the Miss International system?

I fell in love with the Miss International UK system when I took part 5 years ago. I watch it every year religiously. It is a pageant system that I feel so comfortable in and the girls taking part are always so lovely! I’m glad I have found the time for myself to take part again.

What the best thing that pageants have taught you ?

Pageants have taught me to find who I am as a person and what my passion is. They have taught me to not care what people think of me as long as I keep doing what makes me happy. I have also learnt to be confident in what I am doing and to just be myself and that’s okay.

What’s your pageant platform and why?

Mental health is my main campaign as I have struggled with mental health for many years. It has stemmed from being involved with an abusive ex-boyfriend so I also want to raise awareness for charities supporting domestic violence too.

What’s your dream title?

Miss International UK! The first time I took part in this system I fell in love with it. I would love the experience of representing my country

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

If I was to win, I would be grateful to the fact that I have been given a job to represent the UK on an international stage. I would love that I would be an official part of the Pageant Girl system.

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

Just enjoy the ride and any opportunities that are given to you. But remember, always be yourself, be a role model, even if it is to one person.

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

I have been taking part in campaigns and raising awareness for Mental Health Awareness Week, which I have really enjoyed. I’ve been doing a lot of pageant preparations too. I had registered to do several 5k and 10k runs for charity which unfortunately have been cancelled due to the pandemic.

Favourite ever appearance ?

I went to the 2020 United Kingdom Galaxy Pageants for the first time. It was amazing meeting new girls from different pageant systems. Just seeing the sisterhood that joins so many different girls together was amazing.

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

It has stopped me from going to events that I thought I could meet new people. I feel it is a little difficult getting to know people properly over social media.

What makes a good pageant role model?

Being yourself! As cliché as it sounds, I think it’s the best way to be a role model to others. Just to show what your passions are and to channel that into pageantry is a good way to stand out.

What’s your favourite pageant round?

My favourite pageant round is evening wear. It is such a good chance to show your personality and style.

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