Interview with Miss Manchester International 2020 – Aimee-Louise McLoughlin

So firstly thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions for my pageant lockdown blog. It’s great getting to know fellow pageant queens and the systems that they represent.

So what made you enter pageants ?

I entered pageants after starting my modelling career last year. I came across Pageant Girl UK after being sent a list of agencies to join. I was always aware pageants were a thing and I have watched Miss Universe, Miss GB and Miss International but never really knew how to get involved in UK pageantry. I decided to click onto the pageant agency link and decided to sign up for Miss International. I didn’t think I’d get into the finals so didn’t think much of it until I received an email saying I was in the semi finals and then into the finals.

What made you decide to compete in Miss International U.K. instead of the other U.K. systems ?

I have never competed in pageants before so I looked into all the finals I could find and saw which fit me best. I chose Miss International UK because it seemed more professional and I knew it was one of the big four so decided if I was going to do pageants I was going to start big. I also liked the motto behind Miss International which is Cheer all women. Which really resonated with me as I believe everyone is beautiful and everyone should be made to feel included.

Even though you haven’t competed yet what have pageants taught you so far ?

The best thing pageants have taught me so far is that confidence comes from within and from self belief. You can’t expect someone to believe in you if you can’t believe in yourself and that’s really pushed me to come out of my comfort zone and be more confident and assertive of myself.

What’s your pageant platform and why ?

My pageant platform is focused on bereavement and support for those who have or know someone who has been a victim of a serious crime or through baby loss. My mum has been unfortunate to lose two babies and seeing what she went though I want to make sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else. I myself have been a victim of a serious crime and the support I was given was amazing but there is just not enough workers or funding to help those who are affected by crime.

What’s your dream title ?

My dream title would be Miss International. I personally believe it is the best title for my personal beliefs and the career I want to enter. If I was to win that title I’m not sure what title I would look to next.

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

If I was to win it would mean the world. It would show not only me but those who have ever doubted what I’d achieve that I was and am worthy and that I can actually go out there and show the world what I am made of. It would also mean a great deal as it would allow me to share my platform worldwide and further push people to speak about such losses and impacts and hopefully make a difference in some way.

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

The best pageant advice I would give is speak to your fellow contestants/pageant sisters because they will always be there and understand exactly what you are going through. Listen and take advice from them because they are one of the best things to come from pageantry and they will be there through you’re whole life.

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

In the run up to the pageant I’ve been doing pageant coaching with Harriotte Lane to make sure I’m stage ready, have weekly Skype chats with my pageant sisters, trying to stay motivated in these uncertain times and just making sure I’m giving this pageant my all.

I’ve also been working on my “Talking Still” series which is a series of interviews with those affected by the loss of children.

What’s your favourite appearance so far ?

My favourite appearance was meeting a group of brownies who were working on there #thisgirlcan movement. It was so great to hear all the aspirations of the girls and even being able to be a role model for a few of the girls. It’s nice to see that young girls are already planning their futures and being set on their careers.

Has the lockdown due to Covid19 affected your pageant journey ?

The Covid-19 pandemic hasn’t really affected my pageant journey as I’ve still been fortunate to do appearances and buy my clothing so I don’t feel as if I’m missing out. It does mean the pageant may not go ahead in June but I’m finding the positives and treating it as a longer time to prepare.

What makes a good pageant role model?

A good pageant role model is someone who is able to stand in the face of adversity and say that this is me and I am the Queen I have been crowned. But it’s not just about the crown on the head it’s about the passion and the inspiring things that they do. It’s also about being someone that people can remember for doing something so amazing and extraordinary with their title and even after their reign.

What’s your favourite pageant round ?

My favourite pageant round so far is evening wear. I love the elegance and the glam of it all. It’s just the best experience to see people in all their beauty.

Are you feeling any pageant nerves yet ?

I currently am not feeling any pageant nerves which I find so odd because I’m usually horrendous with nerves. I just try to find the positives and stay grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given.

Thank you much for taking part in my pageant lockdown blog ! It’s been great getting to know you and learn more about Miss International U.K. I wish you the best of luck at the final, much love Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.