Interview with Ms Lincolnshire YEMI Finalist – Kayleigh Louise Mansfield
- Charlotte Lister
- May 12, 2020
- 4 min read
What made you enter pageants ?
I remember seeing an ad in the local paper to enter Miss GB Lincolnshire and thought to myself I could do that! I didn’t know much about pageants at this point so I began to start following Miss Great Britain and I was really inspired by their charity and community work. This made me want to make a difference which helped me find my platform.
Can you tell us about your pageant journey so far ?
I’ve competed in a few different systems now. In my first pageant I won the Miss GB Lincolnshire Publicity title, this is where I caught the pageant bug. After this I aged out of the system so started to explore others, this is when I came across Galaxy. In this system I lived in Manchester which is also my home city, I held the title Ms Manchester. This was my first national pageant and I placed in the top 10 against 45 other girls. I loved the system but wanted to explore other options. Two years later I came across YEMI and last year represented as Ms Lincolnshire and won the publicity title. Here I am again back and ready to compete for the title representing as Ms Lincolnshire 2020.
What made you decide to compete in the YEMI ?
I loved YEMI’s moto Aspire to Inspire. For me my platform is very important to me and this system really encourages that. They also let you chose your own charity to raise funds for. After competing last year, I absolutely love the sister hood of all the finalist and queens helping each other out. I specifically remember Mya who is the current Miss Queen. She noticed my hair wasn’t quite curled at the back and she immediately helped me. Thanks again Mya! After competing I immediately signed up after this.
What the best thing that pageants have taught you ?
Pageants have taught me that is okay to think about yourself as well as others. They also encourage you to be the best version of yourself.
What’s your pageant platform and why ?
My platform is “Lupus Awareness” which is very important to me because I have this condition. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune that currently has no cure which is why I raise awareness so much. The signs and symptoms for this are so normal you wouldn’t even know you had it. If left untreated Lupus can be life threatening because it can affect your major organs such as: brain, heart, lungs and kidneys. My awareness helps people to understand the signs and symptoms so if they think they could have it, then you must be referred to a Rheumatologist via your Doctor. Some of the most common symptoms are: fatigue, rashes, ulcers, hair loss, blisters, swelling/pain in their joints, dry eyes/mouth.
What’s your dream title ?
My dream title would be to win Young European International Ms it is my dream to represent my country on an international stage. Of course I would love to win the international title too which would be an absolute dream. The international titles that you can win within this system are YMI (Young Miss International) and YAMI (Young American Miss International) which is held in Texas, United States.
If you were to win what would it mean to you ?
If I won it would mean the absolute world to me because I am patriotic, I would be so proud to represent Europe in an international level. Winning the crown would also represent all my hard work for Lupus Awareness and it would enable me to push my platform further.
What’s the best advice you have for fellow pageant queens ?
Always be yourself and don’t worry about what the other finalists are doing. That is what will shine through.
What have you been doing in the run up to the YEMI final ?
I have been doing a lot of local appearances and helping my sponsor out. I am currently sponsored by Glitz and Glamour Boutique who based in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. I have supported their successful ball and prom event. I have also got involved with the Faces of Lincolnshire event which had to cancelled due to the unprecedented circumstances. I try and support as many campaigns as I can because I understand how important it is to raise awareness. As well as this I have been working on my platform. I have just recently held a “Wear it PURPLE” online campaign on World Lupus Day. This was my fourth year running this and got 82 people involved. This has been the best year to date. I have also been working on how I can raise funds for Lupus UK. They are a small charity and their motto is to also raise awareness of Lupus. I chose this charity because they fund a research clinic to find a cure. I have held a successful online photo competition for them recently and raised £158. I do have an upcoming event online on Sunday 31st May. This is an animated DISNEY quiz and just £3 per team to enter. Half the monies which be donated to my chosen charity
How can we follow your journey?
Sponsors Facebook page is
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about your pageant journey it’s been lovely reading more about your platform and the YEMI System I wish you the best at the final. Much love, Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.
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