Merrill Ventura is one of the 24 finalists in the Mrs South Africa 2014 competition who is seeking to clinch the title.
This Northcliff resident said she grew up dreaming of becoming Miss South Africa but she could not because she got married when she was 18 years old.
“I was lucky enough to have met my soul mate at a young age and married him when I was 18 years old,” said Ventura.
She said she entered this competition after being inspired by her husband Zino Ventura who was Mr South Africa 2008.
“I saw first-hand what the job description entailed and what dedicated hard work it took to leave a successful legacy,” she explained.
Ventura (26) said “I want to be the best possible brand ambassador for Mrs SA and focus on expanding the brand.”
During the pageant week the finalists will go through interviews, swimwear judging and finale preparations.
Being the strong willed individual that Ventura is she said she is ready to face the competition head on without letting the pressure get the best of her.
“My mother-in-law jokingly said that if I don’t get crowned Mrs SA I shouldn’t come home,” said Ventura with a laugh.
“I don’t feel any pressure…my husband’s year was like a trial run for me.”
She said she wants to use this competition to empower women to believe in themselves.
“This competition is a platform for women who want to be heard and let their voices be heard,” she reckoned.
According to Ventura, Mrs South Africa should be a lady who is in a healthy relationship, sophisticated, diverse and strives for success in all she does.
“She should be a multi-faceted woman with substance and be ‘perfectly imperfect’,” added Ventura.
The top 24 finalists will compete at the Grand Finale on 8 August at Emperors Palace.
Ventura asked those who support her to vote for her by sending an sms.
Details: Send an sms with “Mirell Ventura” to 35959 R3/sms. Voting closes on 8 August.
