We arranged to meet at her grandmother’s house where she spent some of her childhood growing up and currently lives.
Laurie walks into the lounge with her hand over her cheek.
“I went to the dentist yesterday and I’m still feeling the after effects,” said Laurie.
Her smile is still radiant, she has no make-up on or isn’t dressed in any fancy clothes but still naturally beautiful.
Speaking on the weeks leading up to the Miss SA, she says she has seen the growth in herself.
“This journey has been five months already, I get teary eyed when I speak of how many days are left for the pageant.
“I walked into the pageant as a ditsy girl but I’ve become such a lady,” said Laurie.
She says she’s grown physically, emotionally, spiritually and every other way a person can grow.
“It took five months for me to grow as much as I would in five years,” said Laurie.
She reveals that while in high school she was tomboyish, always wearing sweat pants and baggy tops, never dresses.
Miss SA has refined her confidence.
“I’ve always been the confident one among my friends but I’ve learnt when to speak and what to say,” Laurie said.
While at home she is practicing her interviewing skills.
“It’s important on how one speaks,” she said.
Having former Miss SA Tatum Keshwar as a mentor, Laurie said she has learnt a lot about herself.
“Tatum shows me things I didn’t know about myself, she is the funniest and coolest person you will meet.
“She is very driven and keeps me on my toes,” said Laurie.
When she wins the title as Miss SA, Laurie said she hopes she won’t cry.
“I cry often but I hope I don’t cry because I don’t want my make-up to be ruined.
“I’d just want to take that moment in for five minutes,” she said.
As Miss SA, Laurie would want to take her Pearl Project on a higher scale.
The journey thus far has been the highlight of her life.
