Interview with Millie Dorian – Mental Health Shining Light Ambassador & Miss Teen Diamond

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 ?

The reason I entered the pageant system is to prove to young people around my town and further that you don’t need to be a certain way to enter pageants. I wanted to show girls and boys around my area that you can be comfortable in your own skin and everyone is beautiful in their own skin, any size , any colour , any height and weight. I also entered patents to boost my own self confidence and to support the charity’s that the system raise funds for.

Can you tell us about your pageant journey so far and what the future has in store ?

The Miss Shining Light Pageant was my first ever pageant and what can I say other than it was the best Experience of my life. I met so many amazing women and found myself pageant sisters for life. The next pageant that I have entered and am excited to compete in is Miss Diamond U.K. I am representing Ireland as Miss Teen Diamond Derry.

What made you decide to enter the Diamond System ?

What made me enter Diamond pageants was the amazing charity that they are raising money for, Samaritans. Representing anything to do with mental health or raising funds for mental health charity’s is a passion for me. Since a young age I have always been involved with mental health and have dealt with it myself. Raising awareness for mental health in my city is also something I commonly do. I want to show people that you don’t have to be a certain age to understand the importance of mental health and the impact it can have on a person.

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

The best thing pageants have taught me is confidence. To be confident in your own body and to be yourself, no one else. Do things your own way, be unique.

What’s your dream title ?

My dream title is the title I currently hold. I know this title might not be the ideal dream title to a lot of other queens, but the title I hold is a title I’m so proud of and didn’t think I could achieve it myself. To hold the title of mental health shining light ambassador is an honour. This title helps me promote mental health and catches people’s attention when I use this title. I wouldn’t change it for the world as it has helped me come along way with promoting the amazing services around my area.

What’s the best advice you can give to fellow pageant queens ?

My best advice to my fellow pageant queens is be yourself, don’t pretend to be someone your not. Be proud and confident in your own body, there’s no one else like you. And SMILE 🙂

What have you been doing in the run up to the Diamond Final ?

As it has been during lockdown appearing in my sash unfortunately hasn’t happened. But while I’m at home I make use of this time to practice my pageant walk , smiles , poses. I’ve also been practicing talking in interviews and planning appearances for when lockdown ends. Also, I’ve been practicing ways to do my hair and makeup for the finals, that has been fun!

What makes a good pageant role model ?

There are so many things that I think makes a good pageant role model. Including promoting the pageant you have entered/ won. Being kind hearted and always helping your fellow sisters along their journey. Supporting everyone no matter what they do. I have 2 pageant role models who I look up to and have helped me come the far I have came, they are Jennifer Taylor and Emma Brolly. Both of these woman are perfect examples of what a role model should be and I’ve been so lucky to meet these women throughout my journey.

What’s your favourite pageant round ?

My favourite pageant round has to be evening wear. The reason this is my favourite is the amazing dresses and how elegant everyone looks on stage. Yes it can be nerve wrecking walking slow with all eyes on you, but it makes me feel like a princess.

How do you deal with pageant nerves ?

When it comes to nerves I’m not really good at calming them. What I do is I sit listening to my music and take time to myself to breathe. Remind myself that everything will be okay.

Thank you so much for answering my questions it’s been lovely getting to know you and I’ll see you at the Diamond Final. Much love Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.