FORMER Bluffite and Mrs South Africa, Candice Abrahams is settling into her new routine after winning the coveted title of Mrs World in China on Saturday, 12 March.
Abrahams beat out first runner-up, Mrs Poland, second runner-up, Mrs Korea followed by Mrs America and Mrs Canada.
Following her win, Candice spoke to the Sun about her excitement and her hopes and dreams.
“I really was blown out of my mind. I was shocked, but at the same time had a feeling of joy and accomplishment,” she said about the moment she was crowned winner of the international pageant.
When she arrived back in the country she was surprised to find her parents, who still live on the Bluff, waiting for her at OR Tambo International Airport with her husband and children.
“My family have supported me all the way. They are so proud. The next day after arriving home, while doing the school run, I was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome I received from the school. A red carpet was rolled out and the children were blowing vuvuzelas. It really brought tears to my eyes.”
Since her win, the mother of two has been very busy and is spreading her own brand of optimism and empowerment to all those she meets.
“I had the opportunity of opening and presenting four awards alongside Proverb at the SAFTAS. I’ve also had a few photo shoots, media interviews and visited one of the charities I support in Johannesburg called The Lighthouse Baby Shelter to hand out Easter eggs.
The Mrs South Africa and Mrs World Pageant is a platform for married women. It will allow me to highlight my initiatives and the work I’m involved in on a global scale.
I am currently working on a stationery drive, which aims to provide less fortunate children with new or used donated school bags filled with basic stationery.”
She believes winning the Mrs World title will allow her to encourage other women to pursue their dreams.
“Winning is massive for me personally. This is a dream come true – it is evidence that no matter how life takes you off path, you should stay focussed and believe in yourself and your goal. I would love to inspire other married women to never give up and to have faith because dreams do come true.
I’ve learnt that everyone’s journey is different. We are placed specifically at a time and place for a reason and we need to grasp every opportunity with both hands and choose to see the positive.”
Of her fellow pageant entrants and her time competing in China, Candice was full of praise. “We really all became friends and I now have friends to visit around the world.
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, though competing internationally can be daunting. It pushed me to be great. I knew this was a life-time opportunity to be the best version of myself and let my light shine from within.
Chinese cuisine is very different to what I’m used to but I was very eager to take in the experience and we also did loads of shopping while we were there,” she laughed.
Now that she has conquered the world stage, she hopes to move into acting and presenting.
Candice thanked everyone who has supported her from day one and everyone who voted for her.
“I am thankful and appreciate all the love.”
