Interview with Mrs Galaxy Canada 2020 – Denise Garrido

Thank you so much Denise for agreeing to this interview with me, for those that don’t know I started my blog to showcase and highlight the campaigns I’ve been taking part in on a weekly basis throughout lockdown but this has now expanded to interviewing fellow pageant queens from across the globe. Its fantastic learning about different systems and everyone’s journeys. You are my first Canadian queen that I have interviewed which is incredibly exciting for me so thank you again.

So firstly can I ask what made you enter pageants?

The little bug planted in my ear when I was watching Miss Universe as a child, and my dad said, maybe that will be you one day. Then when I was finishing high school, I had this whisper that I should pursue something that was outside the norm, that would be scary yet exciting- so I applied for my first pageant.

Now you have had some amazing success in pageants previously what titles have you held ?

👸🏻 Miss Earth Canada 2008

👸🏻 Miss World Canada 2010

Was this you first time competing in Mrs Galaxy Canada ?

This is my first time competing in the Galaxy system, and I love it 🙂

What made you decide to compete in Mrs Galaxy Canada?

My director Sindy, encouraged me to overcome the insecurities of being a new mom by stepping foot on the pageant stage again. Also, learning that Galaxy was a pageant of inclusivity, focused more on the woman inside, and what she would do with the platform to give back to her community and beyond.

What’s the best thing that pageants have taught you ?

To appreciate myself for the perfect imperfections that make up who I am. This self acceptance allows me to stand tall, and step into my power.

What’s your pageant platform and why?

To narrow it down, as I have worked with many amazing charities and organizations over the years, now being a mother, I am even more inspired to empower women and children, whether it’s teaching a TaeKwon-Do class, inspirational talks to young women, or volunteering with amazing organizations such as Blue Door Family Shelter.

What’s your dream title?

Mrs Galaxy 🙂

If you were to win Mrs Galaxy International, what would it mean to you?

It would be a tremendous honor, and mean that I have been given a very special opportunity and duty to not only continue, but touch even more lives, empower even more women and children, and take this quest international. And as Mrs.Galaxy, continue this journey as a family, with my husand and son by my side.

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

Rock what you’ve got. Ultimately you can’t control what others perceive, you can only control bringing forth, and being the best version of you. Pageants offer us a unique opportunity to become the best version of ourselves, and if that results in a title, awesome, and if not, you’ve still won, because you’ve raised your own bar, and become a better version of you.

What have you been doing in the run up to the International final of Mrs Galaxy ?

In late September I was honored to have won the title of Mrs. Galaxy Canada. And in preperation for the Galaxy Finals in July, I was continuing my involment with my community, doing interviews, supporting various charites, doing inspirational book readings with my husband at local libraries, and just having a blast representing Canada Galaxy Pageants.

In mid-March everything changed when Covid-19 hit and society went into lockdown. All of a sudden the world was faced with a common foe. So in spite of social distancing, I still felt compelled to reach out however I could. Whether that’s been virtually checking in with friends and neighbours, making sure they’re okay, tithing to local charities, supporting online initiatives like Denim Day to stop sexual violence, preparing for our first virtual inspirational book reading at a local libaray, or doing this interview. All of us can be a hero to somebody.

What makes a good pageant role model?

To be a good pageant role model, it starts with the person looking back at you in the mirror. If you want others to love and accept themselves, you must first love and accept yourself. If you want to see more kindness in the world, it needs to start with you by being the demonstration of that kindness and giving, and that includes with your fellow contestants. Be the person who is willing to help, whether it’s helping zip up a zipper, or if you feel confident enough and if asked, giving advice on a walk. It’s following the golden rule: treat other people, the way you want to be treated. And by leading by example, it can hopefully also spread that positive energy to all those around. Be the pebble of positivity dropped into a pond, and let your example ripple to others, positively.

What’s your favourite pageant round?

I enjoy all pageant rounds–I feel they are all part of the whole experience, so I appreciate each round for what it allows me to express.

1. Who I am and my personality whether verbally in the interview round,

2. Visually through the attire I wear in the Fashion round and Evening Gown, and

3. Showcasing pride in my motherly curves in the swimwear round.

How do you deal with pageant nerves?

Nerves aren’t a bad thing–it’s the adrenaline and the excitement (and hoping you don’t trip in your heels 😉 ). But the way to go into a competition feeling less stressed is through preparation. If you have everything you need, have practiced in advance, and have the mindset that you have done everything to put your best self forward, then you can self-comfort knowing that you can look back with no regret. Also, when I feel the jitters kick in, listening to inspiring music or audiobooks, or watching videos that inspire me help me get my mind into a positive and empowered place. Many times, nerves are caused because people are comparing themselves, but remember “comparison is the thief of joy”, so be proud of all that makes you uniquely you. There’s no one else in the world like you, so let the judges see that light shine.

Thank you so much Denise for taking the time to answer my questions. It’s been a pleasure to read them and I wish you every success at Mrs Galaxy International. Please keep me informed of your pageant journey. Much Love Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.