Interview with Royal International Miss England Role Model – Natalie Carley
Copyright Jim Lincoln
Firstly thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions for my pageant lockdown blog. To talk about your pageant journey it’s amazing getting to know fellow pageant queens and more about the systems that they represent.
What made you enter pageants ?
I was looking for a way to boost my confidence after having my children and I came across one on Facebook. I figured it was worth a shot; I was feeling really isolated and didn’t have many friends at the time because we’d all kind of ended up at different stages in our lives.
Can you tell us about your pageant journey so far ?
I started competing nearly six years ago ago and the journey I’ve been on is phenomenal! I’ve travelled to the Caribbean twice now for international Pageants and got to road trip Florida and go to Disney World with my best friend too. I’ve learned a lot about my resilience, inner strength and determination.
Previous Titles
👸🏻 Ms Great Britain UN 👸🏻 Ms Earth UN 👸🏻 Mrs Elite Global Earth UK
What made you decide to enter the Royal International Miss System ?
I’ve been watch Royal International Miss since Hollie Robinson won the same year I competed in the Bahamas – we were both Queens of the same pageant family at the time. Seeing her win against 60 other contestants was nothing short of incredible and probably one of the biggest achievements we’d had in U.K. pageantry at that time. The stage looked incredible and I was dying to step on it! I can’t wait for that dream to become a reality next summer.
What have pageants taught you ?
Pageants have taught me a wealth of valuable life skills – diplomacy, grace, and the importance of kindness have been the most important thus far I think.
What’s your pageant platform and why?
My platform is empowerment through volunteering; I set up a volunteer group in 2016 and being able to see the difference it was making to peoples lives really gave me my confidence back that I could make a difference. Since then the group has evolved into an online library for virtual and microvolunteering opportunities because I believe anyone should be empowered to impact change, regardless of their resources, ability, skill set, or time availability. Some take as little as one minutes to make a difference! Www.q4volunteer.com
What’s your dream title ?
My Dream Title is Royal International Ms. The system is a true family, and the experiences, scope of the reach the titleholders are able to utilise, and the reputation of the system is incredible. Not to mention the prize package is absolutely mind blowing!
If you were to win Royal International Ms what would it mean to you ?
It’s extremely competitive and so it really would feel like an incredible achievement. I am absolutely willing to put the effort it to achieve my dreams, though.
What’s the best advice you have for fellow pageant queens?
If you want it, WORK for it. Do your research, hire coaches, invest in yourself. Don’t do things by halves!
What have you been doing since you won ?
Well since I was appointed I have been able to do some pretty cool stuff – I’ve interviewed two famous people (keep an eye out for those interviews!) started a pageant business (The Pageant Planner Co) and been featured in an exhibition at Colchester Castle!
To find out more about the Pageant Planner and to order yours please go to the Facebook Page Below
http://www.facebook.com/thepageantplannerco
What’s your favourite appearance so far ?
My favourite ever appearance during my entire pageant journey was going to Parliament in 2017 to attend a reception for Women’s Aid. It was hosted at the Speaker’s House and I got to meet John Bercow. Or-derrrr!
How has Lockdown due to COVID19 affected your pageant journey?
Covid 19 had proven a massive source of inspiration to me to be honest; and whilst I understand it’s been a terrifying and heartbreaking time for so many, it gave me the opportunity to create the Q4 Volunteer website and become a resource for impacting change from home; and over 400 actions have been completed so far!
What makes a good pageant role model?
A good Role Model is someone is isn’t afraid to work hard, think outside the box, and let her successes speak for themselves.
What’s your favourite pageant round?
My favourite round is definitely interview. I’ve got a lot to say! Ask anyone I know…🤣
How do you deal with pageant nerves ?
I get HORRIBLE nerves because I suffered with anxiety for most of my young adult life. I have learned that focus, breathing and being grateful really help to combat those. You can’t be nervous if you’re focusing on how grateful you are for the opportunities you have.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions it’s been lovely getting to know about your platform and system more. Good luck at international much love Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.