Kimberly wows judges in pageant
Kimberly Miles is determined to make a name for herself in the beauty pageant industry.
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A LOCAL girl made a name for herself in the pageant industry after claiming three crown title wins in the Miss Africa pageant held in Johannesburg. Kimberly Miles (right), a Grade 11 pupil at Queensburgh Girls’ High School, was crowned queen in four categories – Miss Junior Africa, Best Senior Model, Best Ramp Model and the best overall title of Queen of Africa.
“I entered this competition to change things up for myself. I had always known about it and decided to take part this year. I worked so hard for these titles, which took so much preparation,” said Miles. She further explained that her preparation included travelling to the hilly lands of eMpangeni, a town overlooking Richards Bay, every weekend to train with her mentor who shared insight on modelling etiquette, being a holder of many titles herself.
Judging included evaluating a range of outfits that varied between causalwear, eveningwear and a 30 to 60-second prepared speech interview.
“I was so nervous, I just couldn’t eat. I think it was the fact that I had come so far. From Durban to Johannesburg and then it’s a huge day and it’s such a rush and you’re busy and on the go constantly. I was rushing between getting dressed to hair and make-up to photos to the ramp,” she recollected.
“No one believed me when I told them I had won. I didn’t believe it myself at first. I told my classmates on a group chat on social media, who at first were speechless because of all the stressing I was doing before the pageant. My friends at school are very supportive and it was amazing to come back and tell them the news,” said the bubbly teen.
She plans to compete in Turkey in September in the Miss Universe pageant and hopes to get sponsorship for the trip.