Interview with Miss Teen Blackpool 2020 – Ellie Barling

Firstly thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions for my pageant lockdown blog it’s been amazing sharing everyone’s journeys and getting to them and the systems they represent better.

What made you enter pageants ?

I actually first saw Miss Teen Great Britain on a ad on Instagram and decided to enter not thinking much of it. I remember being sat with my mum and she was encouraging me to sign up saying I had nothing to loose! I then had a phone call a couple months later congratulating me on offering me a place in the finals. Me and my family were over the moon! I fell in love with pageants and caught the bug!

Can you tell us about your pageant journey so far ?

I competed in Miss Teen Great Britain 2019 with the title of Miss Teen Fylde Coast. Competing in a pageant was completely new to me and I had no idea what to expect. I was nervous as I didn’t know anybody and was new to competing. Within the first half an hour of being in registration I felt so much better and more confident! I honestly had the best time ever over the two days and learnt so much about myself that I never knew.

What made you decide to compete in Miss Teen Great Britain?

I absolutely love the Miss a Teen Great Britain weekend! We have a full day of doing fun activities getting to know one another. I love the fact that the competition is for teens only as we are all of a similar age and have so many common interests !

What the best thing that pageants have taught you?

Pageants have taught me so much about myself. People are always going to judge whether you do good or wrong. I have learnt to be myself and to celebrate my own achievements. Every girl is different in the competition and has completely different achievements to me, most of all I have learnt how to be proud of who I am and to not be change who I am for anyone!

What’s your pageant platform and why ?

My platform is raising awareness to inclusive theatre. This is slightly different to many other people’s platform but this is something which means a lot to me. I am a volunteer and member of an inclusive theatre company called Tramshed. This is a registered charity and allows Children, young people and adults to enjoy performing arts in a safe and loving enviroment! No matter what their background, experience, or needs are everyone is included. This is special to me as I am a performer myself and I believe that everybody should have a shot at performing with no exclusions at all!

What’s your dream title ?

I would love to take home the title of Miss Teen Great Britain. If I was lucky enough to be honoured with this title I believe this would create a platform for me to expand my personal platform and it would be amazing to represent Miss Teen Great Britain!

If you were to win Miss Teen Great Britain what would it mean to you ?

If I was to win it would mean the world! I would be honoured to represent and be a part of the team! I would use my title to travel across Great Britain to help people not just locally but nationally also!

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

Just be you! No matter what people say be the best version of yourself! Do what makes you happy – ignore anyone who doesn’t support you! Be happy with who you are, don’t compare yourself to other people because your just as amazing!

What have you been doing in the run up to the final of Miss Teen Great Britain?

Due to covid19, so far my preparation hasn’t been as planned as I imagined… however, I have taken this time to reflect on myself and what I would like to achieve with my title by the end of the year. I have also been loving the pageant community through social media and getting involved with everyone’s campaigns!

What’s your favourite ever appearance ?

My favourite appearance has to be from last year when I competed in Miss Teen Great Britain 2019. When on holiday I contacted local people to see if their was anything that I could help with during my stay their. I attended a charity bingo night in Spain in air for a local Horse Sanctuary. They raised over £400!

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

Although this has restricted me on making several appearances, I have loved pageant girls online campaigns! I have gotten involved in many different online campaigns and have been contacting local business offering any help especially during this time.

What makes a good pageant role model ?

I think a good pageant role model is someone who is confident in whatever they do. All pageant girls are different and have complete different personalities/views. But one thing they all have in common is kindness! I think this is key.

What’s your favourite pageant round ?

My favourite pageant round has to be fashion wear. I love this round as I can show my sass off which definitely reflects on my personality! I also love the range of different outfits to choose from for this round! Everyone’s is completely different and it’s lovely to see people’s different taste of clothing.

How do you deal with pageant nerves ?

Personally, I will take a moment to myself to think about how lucky I am to be competing! This is an amazing opportunity and although it doesn’t feel real it is! All of the pageant girls get nerves, I have been performing for many years in dance, cheerleading and musical theatre and I still get nervous! Open up to other girls because 9/10 they will be feeling the exact same!

How can we follow your journey?

If anyone would like to follow my pageant journey my Instagram is Ellie-pageants!

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about your system and platform it’s been lovely getting to know fellow queens and I wish you all the best at the final of Miss Teen Great Britain. Much love, Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.