Interview with Ms Royal Glasgow – Nicole Anderson

Firstly thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about your pageant journey for my pageant lockdown blog. It’s lovely getting to know fellow pageant queens and more about the systems they represent.

What made you enter pageants ?

I’ve always known pageants was something I wanted to do ever since I was a little girl but I just never really thought it was something I could do. At the start of 2020 I made the decision to put myself out of my comfort zone and start doing all the things I’d always wanted to but never gotten round to or been too scared of doing and pageants was at the top of my list!

Can you tell us about your pageant journey so far ?

My first and so far only pageant was Royal International Miss UK 2020 which I competed in this February and I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life! I walked in as the newbie who didn’t know anyone and left that night with so many new friendships and sisters who made the whole experience incredible. I caught the pageant bug from the second I walked through the door!

What made you decide to compete in the R.I.M system ?

I was on StarNow looking for auditions as I also do acting and I came across an ad for Royal International Miss UK. I’d seen some other pageants advertised too but after doing some research I fell in love with the RIM system and the fact that they accept girls of any age, size, experience etc, there were no restrictions and I loved how open they are.

What have pageants taught you so far ?

Pageants have definitely taught me to believe in myself more. The day I was due to travel to Manchester for the RIM final I almost didn’t get on the train because I let that little voice of doubt in my head take over for a bit, but I’m so grateful I pushed through it as I ended up having the time of my life and managed to place in the top 5 of my division! Placing was something I hadn’t even considered but it just shows that regardless of experience, there is nothing you can’t do!

What’s your pageant platform and why ?

My platform is Mental Health Awareness as I myself have struggled with depression and anxiety from around the age of 18 and my little sister has also suffered greatly from mental health issues. I want to use my platform to be a role model to others and show that no matter how hard it gets, there is always someone there who wants to help you. I do also want to focus on the help that is available to those who seek it because while it’s great that mental health is spoken about a lot more these days, I still think a lot more can be done in terms of the help that is offered.

What’s your dream title ?

My dream title is definitely Royal International Ms UK! After competing with them in February I completely fell in love with the system and have developed a real passion for them which is why I’ve decided to return as their Ms Royal Glasgow 2021 finalist. It’s such a wonderful system and I’d love nothing more than to be crowned as their Ms queen one day.

What would winning Royal International Ms U.K. mean to you ?

I don’t even think I can put it into words! The thought of winning my dream title with the system that got me started on my pageant journey which I’m so passionate about would be such an honour and to then have the opportunity to compete at the Internationals would be an absolute dream come true.

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

It sounds so cheesy but honestly, there is nothing better you can do than just being you! Let your personality shine through whether that’s in your interview or up on stage and let it be YOUR personality, not what you think your “pageant personality” should be as it will show the judges the real you and it’ll help you feel so much more comfortable too.

What have you been doing in the run up to the R.I.M final ?

I’ve been preparing as much as I can! I’m practising my walks at every opportunity and I’m doing everything I can to get word about my platform out there. I am working with SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) to help raise awareness and raise money for them. I have also started an online campaign called #PositivelyMe and myself & one of my Ms sisters Jessica Logan have just started a joint mental health project called #PassOnPositivity

How has COVID19 affected your pageant journey ?

Unfortunately due to COVID-19 I’ve not been able to get out there and do any face-to-face appearances yet but I have been focusing on online appearances. I recently did a Skype interview with Hannah Golding for her Queens Chats series in which we spoke all about mental health and my own experiences with it which was great.

Before lockdown was put into place I had been planning on taking part in a few charity pageants to help build up my experience and get to know more people within the pageant community. I was also planning on organising a few fundraisers and taking part in The Glasgow Kilt Walk in order to raise money for SAMH as part of my platform but unfortunately, that’s all been put on hold for now.

What makes a good pageant role model?

To me, a good pageant role model needs to be approachable and not let the crown go to her head. You want other girls to look up to you and feel like they can come to you for advice or even just a chat without them feeling uncomfortable. You should always strive to be the queen that you yourself would look up to.

What’s your favourite pageant round ?

I absolutely love fun fashion! It’s a great opportunity to let loose a little bit and show off your personality and getting to incorporate your outfit into your walk.

How do you deal with pageant nerves ?

I think some nerves is always good as you can use them as energy but if it starts getting too much I shake them off…literally! At the RIM finals I could feel my nerves getting the best of me and they started making me tense up so I excused myself to the bathroom and I literally started jumping about like an idiot, shaking my arms and legs, spinning around etc and just got all the nervous energy out! After that I felt so much more relaxed and was able to laugh at myself too which helped!

Thank you so much for being part of my pageant lockdown blog it’s been great reading your answers and learning more about your platform and the system you represent. I wish you all the best at the final. Much love, Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire.