Interview with Miss Greater London International 2020 – Marta Chrostowska

Firstly thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about your pageant journey as part of my pageant lockdown blog. It’s lovely getting to know my fellow pageant queens and learning more about the systems they represent.

What made you enter pageants ?

I entered pageants because I want to take my modelling experience to the next level. I believe pageants can open many doors, especially when you are seen by the number of people on the stage.

Also, because I wanted to prove that any girl can start with modelling or beauty pageants… From my experience, I have been told many times that I cannot do modelling because I’m not tall enough, not skinny enough and so on… However, I always wanted to do that and had that burning desire. Therefore, I kept myself focused on my modelling goals, regardless of what other people were saying or judging. Now it’s been 6 years and can proudly say that I am very happy where I am. I had many photoshoots, video shootings and other bigger projects, done a few catwalks or even LFW and I’m NOT SUPER TALL, and NOT SUPER SKINNY. Now, I considered that it’s the time to do the next step and enter the beauty pageant, breaking the stereotype and showing that if you want something you can do it, no matter what people say.

You have competed before, can you tell us about your journey?

I have entered the first pageant in 2018 – Miss Poland UK and Ireland. Unfortunately, I made it only to the semifinals. However, that experience got me even more motivated to come back next year and compete in the same pageant, but again, I made it only to the semifinal… However, this competition has opened some doors for me even as a semifinalist and I had the opportunity to work on several modelling projects. I truly wanted to continue my pageant journey so decided to change a pageant system this time. I applied for both, Miss International UK and Miss Earth UK where I got accepted for both! The final decision was to enter Miss International UK!

What made you decide to compete in Miss International U.K. as you also got accepted to compete in Miss Earth U.K. ?

Miss International is one of the biggest pageant systems recognisable worldwide. Plus ‘international’ reminds me of travelling and getting to know different cultures and that’s what I love – travel and discover cultures, learn foreign languages. I have travelled half of Europe myself, plus graduated from BA in International Tourism Management with Spanish. Besides, the winning Queen goes to compete in Japan. I had it planned to visit Japan last year after my internship in Shangai, however, some family issues occurred and had to go back to Poland immediately. The reason I am so attracted to Japan is to meet Geisha (‘person of art’). Geishas are incredibly intelligent women – artists. I draw them and paint them a lot. Finally would love to meet one in person and get inspired.

The second reason, because the motto behind Miss International is ‘Cheer all Women’ which exactly resonates with me and that’s the message I want to spread out there, empowering women who hesitate taking first steps towards their to modelling/pageant journey.

What the best thing that pageants have taught you ?

So far, that the pageant environment is extremely friendly and you have all the support needed from your fellow finalist, and honestly I did not expect we would become so close like a small family. Our chat is literally buzzing 24/7 hahaha.

What’s your pageant platform and why ?

Firstly, I want to be an inspiration for other girls who sit out there thinking they cannot start with modelling or enter the pageant because they are assured their bodies are not good/perfect enough to compete. Perhaps someone just cut their wings and lost confidence or any have other barriers. I want to show that if an ordinary girl like me, not tall enough, not skinny enough, who still managed to achieve what she wanted, then I’m sure that anyone can do it.

Charity: I started to work for a charity – The Portrait Foundation. This charity aims to unleash creative talent among children. The reason why I started to help that charity to grow its because I’m an artist myself. I paint and draw and have since my early ages. Therefore, I understand that creativity is the key. Creativity makes the world better. Without the creators – artists, we would have literally nothing. No fashion, no movies, books, art and so on… Then I’m thinking we are moving towards a more robotic future, where everything will be replaced with artificial intelligence. Creativity will be the only thing that cannot be replaced by robots. A robot won’t paint a painting or write a book itself, create a movie script… Robots have no soul and no heart and art come purely from that. I am certain that creative thinking and artistic skills will be the skill at high demand in the nearest future.

What’s your dream title ?

Miss International / Miss Inspiration

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

That judges saw potential in me, giving the opportunity to speak louder. It would also mean that my hard work was seen and appreciated and my platform is extremely important which would motivate me to work even harder.

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

Keep persuing you dreams and goals no matter what other people say.

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

In the run-up, I’ve been doing pageant coaching with Harriotte Lane, Miss International UK 2019 to make sure I’m stage-ready. I also started yoga and my mental preparations. I’m trying to keep myself active by cycling a few times a week. Watching loads of YT videos to get a vibe of the pageant atmosphere. Looking two months for my evening dress and still not found it!!!

What your favourite ever appearance ?

I truly enjoyed my first appearance on the stage that was actually in Spain! During my Erasmus in 2016, I was blessed to be Fallera Mayor and represent my county (Poland) during Valencia’s most spectacular and international festival – Las Fallas. For me, it was more like a cultural exchange experience, but in Spain, Fallera Mayor is the Queen of the Falla for a year. Each falla (community) has one, but overall one is chosen to be the Fallera Mayor of entire Valencia. Being a Fallera it’s something similar to being a Miss because it’s almost like a profession, something that will dominate the girl’s life for a whole year, and for a Valencian girl, being named Fallera Mayor is one of the biggest honours!! That’s why I can’t express how lucky I was to be chosen among other Polish girls to be a Fallera Mayor!

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

Before the lockdown, I made only one appearance supporting a Global Kidney Foundation which aims to promote the importance of saving lives by being an organ donor. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any more opportunities due to the current situation we are all in…

On the other side, I don’t perceive this lockdown as taking away my future opportunities to use my title. I am so grateful that the lockdown happened because it gave me so much time for my pageant preparation and engagement with fellow finalists. Moreover, during the lockdown, I started to think about how to raise money for charity I support. Currently, there is an idea to host a post lockdown exhibition of all the work created by children during quarantine, and I honestly cannot wait for it!

What makes a good pageant role model ?

A strong woman knowing want she wants. By her journey and determination, she inspires many.

What’s your favourite pageant round ?

I never made it to a final until now, but I can say it will be the evening gown walk for sure!

Social media links :

You can visit my websites!

Art – http://www.martachrostowska.co.uk

Modeling – www.mcmodeling.co.uk

Both websites can be accessed via my Instagram account @chrostaa

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about your pageant journey it’s been lovely reading your answers and learning more about your journey. I wish you all the best at Miss International U.K. much love Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.