Interview with Miss United Kingdom Rose Overall Charity 2018/2019 Kathryn Özmaya

Thank you so much for having this interview with me today as part of my pageant lockdown blog. It’s great getting to know my fellow pageant queens and more about the systems that they represent.

So firstly what made you decide to enter pageants ?

My daughter was a Miss UK Rose Curve in 16/17 and after handing back her title she entered again to compete in 2018. I’d supported her through her journey and had first hand experience of how much fun she had so I didn’t take too much persuading when she suggested I compete in the Classic Section alongside her.

Did you enter any other pageants before you won the title of Miss United Kingdom Rose Overall Charity 2018/2019?

I’d only entered a couple of Charity pageants before competing in the UK Rose finals in 2018.

What made you decide to compete in Miss United Kingdom Rose System ?

My daughter Jordan was my influence behind joining UK Rose initially but having been involved with them since 2017 and seen how much of a family they are I think I would have chosen them anyway.

What have pageants taught you ?

Pageants have taught me that it is not just the beautiful, blonde, size 6 girls who can get involved in pageants, they are open to everyone regardless of size, shape or ability/disability.

What’s your pageant platform ?

I have supported MIND UK and STEPS, a charity who support children with lower limb deficiencies but I have recently started a campaign to raise more awareness of how dangerous asthma is, due to being a sufferer myself.

What’s your dream title ?

I go to Spain in October of this year and would love to walk away with the Classic European title but I have some tough competition so will have to pull out all the stops.

What would it mean to you if you won the Classic European Title ?

It would mean everything to me. Especially with having disabilities which affect my walking. At present I’m having to use a walking stick so if I win I would hope that I would inspire anyone with disabilities to enter a pageant.

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

Best advice I have is to get involved, immerse yourself in pageant land, attend as many events as you can, talk to other queens & finalists to gain advice and develop new friendships.

What have you been doing since you won your title of Miss United Kingdom Rose Overall Charity 2018/2019 ?

Since I won I had been attending as many events as I can and supporting my fellow queens in their fund raising efforts. I have also been planning my first charity pageant Miss Endeavour 2020 to raise money for MIND UK & STEPS. I’m hoping that the present situation will allow the event to go ahead but I have dates in September available if it needs to be moved. Of course I’ve also been buying my outfits ready for the big day.

What’s your favourite pageant appearance so far ?

Favourite appearance has to be at this year’s Natural Beauty Pageant Awards where I was accompanied by my daughter Jordan and my fellow UK Rose ladies. I was delighted to walk away with the award for Best Upcoming Queen 2020. This was voted for by everyone involved in pageantry so this meant the world to me.

How has COVID-19 affected your pageant journey ?

COVID-19 has stopped me attending many pageant events. I had been asked to judge or compere at various events which I was so looking forward to.

It has also meant that an operation I need on my knee and scans for my spine have been delayed making my condition worse. Realistically I don’t think I’ll get my operation before internationals so will have to bling up my walking stick and try and rock it on stage.

What do you think makes a good role model ?

Compassion, being supportive of everyone from every system & taking the time to help new finalists and their families feel welcomed and cared for. For me these attributes make a good role model.

What’s your favourite pageant round?

My favourite round is UK theme wear. Last year at handover I went as one of the queens mounted guards. I had an inflatable horse that I “rode” on, it got some great laughs from the audience.

How do you deal with pageant nerves ?

I don’t get nervous as such, I just get very excited before going on. Evening wear round because it’s a slower walk sometimes causes a little nervousness as, because I don’t have great balance due to my knees & back, I have a tendency to wobble a little but I try not to let it show on my face.

Thank you for much for taking the time to answer my questions about your pageant journey it’s been great learning more about you and your system. I especially love the horse photo !! Good luck in Spain please keep me informed. Much love Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.