SPEAKING out about life experiences and trauma, with the aim of healing, is what Storm Hurlbatt of Glen Hills wants to promote through pageantry.
The financial advisor and wealth coach is contending for the title of Miss International SA and, should she win, she will use the platform to show victims of abuse and gender-based violence that it’s okay to speak out.
“As a little girl I used to watch pageants, but never thought that I would be able to achieve that. Growing up, I was a big girl and I battled with my self image. I was also sexually abused at the age of six,” she said.
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When Hurlbatt watched beauty pageants on TV, she felt uplifted and thought that one day she would enter.
“I thought I had to change who I was to enter these pageants as I am bigger than other pageant girls. Then I realised that my difference is my biggest advantage. I stand out when I walk into a room. I get noticed,” she said.
Just when Hurlbatt thought she was starting to heal from her childhood trauma, another incident occurred, opening up old wounds.
“I was raped by three of my friends in university. I felt like my world was going to fall apart. I went to group therapy again and shared my story,” she said.
Hurlbatt learnt that there were many people who had experienced trauma in their lives and that she was not alone.
She has a BA degree in brand building and business management and, when she’s not talking about money matters, Hurlbatt manages her Facebook and Instagram page called Make Noise, which she launched in November 2020.
On the page, victims of mental and sexual, abuse, discrimination, bullying and the like, share their experiences.
“Make Noise is a validation for whatever emotions someone is going through. We all deserve to be heard. Every human being has this desire to feel loved and heard,” said Hurlbatt.
“I am so excited to be representing KwaZulu-Natal in the Miss International SA pageant. I want to bring home the crown,” she said.
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