Interview with YEMI Miss Nottingham – Victoria Marriott

Firstly thank you so much for letting me interview you today, it’s lovely getting to know fellow pageant queens and the systems they represent.

What made you enter pageants ?

I had always wanted to enter when I was a child but never found any info on them. When I was 18 there was an ad in the local paper for Miss England so I just went for it. That was 2015, I’ve been competing since!

So with you competing before do you hold any previous titles ?

👸🏻Miss Social Media Forest and Fens 2015 👸🏻1st Runner up Miss Nottingham 2016 👸🏻Miss Popularity Lincolnshire 2017

So you have been competing for 5 years after spotting an advert in the local paper for Miss England, can you tell us a-bit more about your pageant journey ?

I started at 18, competing in Miss Forest and Fens as part of the Miss England Regional heats. I won the title of Miss Social Media and went on to compete in the quarter finals of Miss England. The next year I competed in Miss Nottingham, came second and competed in the semi finals of Miss England. A year later in 2017 I still had the pageant bug, I competed in Miss Lincolnshire and Miss Genting Derby. I then competed in Miss Nottingham again in 2018, Miss Galaxy as Miss Galaxy Nottingham in 2019, Miss Sovereign GB 2019 as Miss Nottingham SGB (Top 20). This year I will be competing for my dream title of YEMI.

What made you decide to compete in the YEMI System ?

YEMI has been a system I have looked at for a few years now (since finding out about it). I wanted to ensure that when I competed I was 100% ready and 100% focussed. I have now finished both my degrees and have time to solely dedicate yo YEMI. This year it fell into place really. The YEMI motto is “aspire to inspire” and I think it really sums up my own personal ethos. Everything I do in life I do to inspire as many others as possible whether that be through charity work, online campaigns or even in my studies.

What the best thing that pageants have taught you ?

That I can achieve anything I put my mind to and no matter what anyone says I am enough. Exactly as I am.

What’s your pageant platform and why ?

My pageant platform is “Education Equality”. It is something which means a lot to me. I have been fortunate enough to receive a great education and be able to have so many opportunities as a result. However, when I read that globally 102 million youths lack basic literacy skills and 55% of those in low and middle income countries are out of secondary education I was shocked and upset. The thought that these kids could lose out on so many opportunities that I take for granted really stuck with me. It is something I have become an advocate for, working with a local education centre for children with additional needs has opened my eyes to the importance of a good education. I’d like to use my platform to bring a better education to all.

What’s your dream title ?

Young European international Miss

If you were to win what would it mean to you and what would you do with the title ?

It would mean the world. To have my hard work and dedication pay off and to know that it has been recognised would be amazing. Not only that, it would give me a larger platform to spread the word on my personal platform and to help those who need it.

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

Go for it. Be yourself. Believe in your own abilities.

What have you been doing in the run up to the YEMI finals ?

Since I got my title, we have been in lockdown. However, I been joining in with online campaigns, organising fundraisers and trying to plan for the future.

What makes a good pageant role model ?

Someone who is kind, selfless and an all rounder. Someone who is willing to help anyone and everyone and is approachable for all

What’s your favourite pageant round ?

It has to be evening wear! I love the elegance and I love finding a dress for it.

How do you deal with pageant nerves ?

I listen to a song called Queens Don’t by Raelynn it really helps before I get up on stage!

Social Media Links

Social media is @vickyspageantlife

Thank you so much for being part of my pageant lockdown project it’s been great learning more about you and your platform I wish you every success at your pageant final. Much love Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.