Interview with Miss England Midlands Finalist – Isobel Mae Lines

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 first entered in 2016 at 16 years old after seeing it advertised on Facebook. I had always been interested in modelling but weren’t sure of how to get into it. So, entering Miss England was to help me in that career pathway.

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

I first competed at 16 years old in Miss Black Country, I actually did not confirm my place until a week beforehand so I definitely took part for the experience and the enjoyment of it. I was fortunate enough to win the Social Media Round after receiving the most online votes despite being a late entrant! This title allowed me to compete at the Miss England Head Quarters in the ‘Social Media Finals’. In 2017, I competed in Miss Worcestershire, winning two rounds; Eco and Sports. In 2018, I took a break to focus on my final year of A Levels and first year of University studying a bachelor of science degree. In 2019, I made a return to Miss England and successfully made it to the Finals after placing Top 5 in Miss Birmingham and winning the Publicity Round sponsored by Resorts World Birmingham.

What made you decide to keep competing in the Miss England system?

Despite having many setbacks in this competition and experiencing times where I questioned what I was doing, Miss England for me, is the only system which I believe I fit into. The competition includes a wide variety of rounds and represents a newly modern and relevant system which will allow individuals to use their titles as a platform to help their local communities.

What the best thing that Miss England has taught you ?

Miss England allowed me to educate myself on ways of marketing, public speaking and community work. The best thing that Miss England have taught me is in everything you do, put your everything into it and don’t put half an effort into something. I came into this organisation with NO experience at all and had no friends or family who had competed in anything like this to support me.

What’s your pageant platform and why ?

My two platforms are Mental Health and Plastic Pollution. Mental health is the leading cause of death and still does not receive the attention and support which it deserves. I have loved working with Papyrus over the last year, raising over £2000 for them, as well as leading campaigns online and presentations within my local community of Birmingham and Worcester. Since this, I have decided to filter my degree dissertation to surround the impacts of Mental Health in a chosen topic area. Plastic Pollution is another charitable cause which many do not understand the severity and the impact that single use plastic has upon both us and our environment. Working alongside WASUP (World Against Single Use Plastic) has both educated me and inspired me to embark upon the challenge of taking the lead of this franchise within Worcester, which was launched in February this year.

What’s your dream title?

Miss Birmingham.

If you were to win Miss Birmingham what would it mean to you ?

Winning this year would mean that 4 years of hard work, determination and commitment to the organisation will have been worth it. Receiving acknowledgement for all your efforts over such a long time frame, will be a feeling I cannot express.

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

1. Work hard- Deciding to put all your efforts and determination into a competition will show your commitment and dedication, proving that you are a capable candidate.

2. Don’t Give up- Despite any setbacks that you may experience, do not give up. After Miss Worcestershire 2017, I contemplated giving up but returned in 2019 to finally succeed with my 3 year dream.

3. Take every opportunity- Along the way, you will be provided with some incredible opportunities of charity work and community work. Take these and embark upon new challenges to make the most of every experience.

4. Approach your communities- Finally, approach local communities and organisations who you wish to work with in order to create your platform and meet new inspiring people.

What have you been doing since you became a Semi Finalist ?

Since becoming a Semi Finalist this year, I have raised over £200 for the Midlands International Aid Trust, raised £502 for Papyrus-Prevention of Young Suicide, £52 for NHS charities together and finally over £200 for Beauty With A Purpose, the Miss World charity.

What’s your favourite ever appearance ?

WASUP (World Against Single Use Plastic) exhibition at Walsall College. The event was an exhibition to showcase the incredible artwork that all local primary schools had created. Their work were pieces that had meaning and stories surrounding the dangers of plastic pollution. Professor Gatrad, founder of WASUP, kindly asked me to judge the pieces and decide on a winning school. This is a charity project which I have continued my involved with, attending canal cleans, performing at their events and launching the project in Worcester alongside Diane Crabtree.

How has the lockdown due to COVID-19 effected your pageant journey ?

Miss England director, Angie Beasley has been working incredibly hard to ensure that the organisation continues to run despite the current situation with COVID-19. The qualifying rounds are currently being ran virtually, allowing women to continue their work during lockdown. In relation to myself, having the competition run virtually has been challenging and has required me to learn new ways of working with the new conditions, but it has also provided me with a new motivation and sense of hope to continue my community and charity work.

What makes a good pageant role model ?

Someone who has had to work hard to be where they are and are a true representative of ‘hard work pays off’. This will allow other girls and communities to relate to this role model as their morals and work ethics are realistic and relatable.

What’s your favourite pageant round or rounds?

My favourite rounds are definitely the Talent and Charity round. The talent round allows individuals to present their chosen hobbies and have the opportunity to perform these live. The charity rounds allows you to. get involved with so many incredible organisations, I have had the privilege of working with; Papyrus, Midlands International Aid Trust and The Sunshine Fund, allowing me to experience their impacting work first hand. One of them has even influenced my future career choice and dissertation topic choice at University.

Social Media Links

Instagram- @missisobellines

Twitter- @IsobelMaeLines

Facebook- Isobel Lines- Miss England Midlands Finalist 2020

YouTube- Isobel Mae Lines

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about your pageant journey it’s been lovely reading you answers and I wish you all the best at the Miss England Semi Final. Much Love Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.