Woman Crush Wednesday: Michillay Brown brings the green and glam factor

Michillay Brown (23) stuck to her guns when she entered Miss Earth 2014. And now she is reaping the rewards.

The sultry Brown from Melville was announced as the third runner-up for Miss Earth 2014.

“Miss Earth competition has been amazing. It is actually a leadership programme – what we have done is empower young women and young children in making food gardens and also educate them on using renewable energy,” she said.

“When I was younger, I had an interest in outdoor activities and the environment, and also, I love working with people.”

Brown also informed that she is motivated and inspired by people.

“She is currently finishing off her Environmental Studies Degree with Unisa, and is also a volunteer at Melville Koppies, Delta Park and Greenpeace Africa.

When I competed in the Miss Earth competition, there was a group of 75 women,” she recalled. “However, now I am part of the four ambassadors.”

She added, “It has been absolutely amazing [being] environmental advocates, and what we try to bring across is that you must have a passion for what you do.”

She also said she had no expectations at all on how far she was going to get in the competition. “When I found out that I was third runner-up I was really surprised because the girls in the top 16 were very strong in terms of getting the work done.”

Brown dismissed any speculation that Miss Earth is all about beauty. “It is not about beauty at all, however, we are also trying to come up with the green and glam factor.”

The Miss Earth pageant differs from others in that there is less focus on beauty and more on one’s contribution to society, she said.

Young women should get up and do things differently, be committed, dedicated and have a genuine passion for what you want to do, she advised.

Miss Earth South Africa is aimed at empowering young women with the knowledge to create a sustainable difference to combat the destruction of our natural heritage.