Interview with Arianna Vail – Miss Supranational Tennessee
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 that they represent.
Can you introduce yourself ?
I’m Arianna Vail, 19 years old, and I’m Miss Supranational Tennessee!
Why did you enter pageants ?
I initially entered pageants as a joke. Back in 2018, I got a letter from NAM in the mail and found it hilarious and absurd. I never knew anyone involved with pageants, and as someone who was in the emo/alternative group- I never in a million years would have expected that.
Can you tell us about your pageant journey so far ?
I’ve been American Royal Beauties Miss Tennessee Teen 2019-2020, and Outstanding American Miss Tennessee Teen 2019. Over the last two years of competing, I’ve learned a lot about myself and continue to learn more every time I prepare to compete. The friends I’ve made through pageants are some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met, I just wish they didn’t have to live so far away sometimes!
What made you decide to compete in Miss Supranational System ?
I chose to compete in Miss Supranational USA because my director, Miss Tiffany, reached out after I had finished Tennessee Teen USA. Since Miss Supranational isn’t very big in the US yet, it was a joint pageant with Miss Grand USA. Both pageants are owned by H&I Productions. I love how Miss Supranational is about unity, the message really resonates with me and I am proud to be a part of this system.
What’s your pageant platform and why ?
My main platform is environmental conservation, however I do talk about mental health and LGBTQ+ issues since those are applicable to me. I chose environmental conservation because I’ve always loved the outdoors. My grandparents have a cabin in the woods, right off of a wildlife reserve. Going out there is always so fun because it’s kind of like a choose your own adventure type deal when you go on a walk. I could go around the lake, walk up to the abandoned homestead, etc. I see things like illegal logging, and vandalism up there more often now. That’s led to habitat destruction over the years, and I’m determined to stop it.
What’s your dream title ?
My ultimate dream title for the long term is Miss Earth, definitely for the time being it’s Miss Supranational!
If you were to win Miss Supranational what would it mean to you ?
Winning the national title would mean absolutely everything to me, I didn’t have an ideal childhood whatsoever. That led to a lot of mental health issues, and honestly I didn’t think I would even be alive as an adult. Expanding my reach to a national/international level would be AMAZING! I want to be a story of inspiration and hope to the millions who grew up like me.
What’s the best piece of advice you have for fellow pageant queens ?
The best piece of advice I can ever give anyone is to not be intimidated by anyone you’re competing with. It’s never worth your mental energy. Just because they’ve won things, doesn’t mean that you’re incapable of winning.
What have you been doing in the run up to your National Final ?
I’ve been reading self help books, working out, doing platform research, and doing pageant coaching.
What’s your favourite appearance so far ?
My favorite appearance I’ve ever done throughout pageantry is going to the March for Climate and Science in Nashville. We marched through downtown Nashville, all the way to the capitol building to protest the veto of the new green deal. It was empowering to be around so many like-minded people.
How has lockdown due to Covid-19 affected your pageant journey ?
Covid-19 has definitely thrown me some curve balls in general. Since Supra got postponed till next June, I had to push school up a semester so I wouldn’t miss classes for the pageant. Now I’m having to pull off a move to NYC by the end of August haha!
So your reign has been extended then ?
Yes, my reign has been extended for over 13 months, and I am definitely okay with it!
What’s your favourite pageant round ?
Whenever it’s available, I love doing talent. In general, interview is 100% my favorite.
How do you deal with pageant nerves ?
Nerves are something that have gone away over time, however, I did have them a lot at first. The best way I dealt with them was to act like the ideal version of myself.
Social Media Links
Instagram is @misssupratn
Personal Instagram is @ariannavail
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions it’s been lovely 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 2020.