Tell us briefly about yourself.
Hello, my name is Elizabeth Akingbade. Many people know me by my nickname Yemzi. When it comes to labeling myself I say I’m a Model, Writer and Surface Designer. I turn 21 this summer. I live in South West London and I’m currently one of forty-two girls battling it out for the Miss London 2012 title.
How did you come about the Miss London contest?
I saw the current Miss London at Africa Fashion Week London and recognized her from Britain and Irelands Next Top Model as we both made it to boot camp last year. Then a girl randomly added me on Facebook who was a finalist for the beauty pageant the same year, and then I met three Miss titles holders and decided that I must enter Miss London. I believe that independently I am achieving a lot of great things in London so to be able to do that under the title of Miss London and potentially Miss England will allow me to do more remarkable things, which will include more charity work and more modeling.
Is this your first beauty contest?
Yes, this is my first beauty pageant and I’m honored to be a part of one so prestigious. I was interviewed on Voice Of Africa Radio in January alongside Miss Nigeria UK (Chi-Chi), Miss Ghana Personality (Jennifer) and Miss West Africa (Astride). I attended simply as a ‘Top Model’, but by the end of the interview I knew I was worthy of a Miss title too, and the following week I had my audition for Miss London.
What qualities do you think will set you apart from other competitors of the Miss London Crown?
Something that always sets me apart from other people is my ambition. Whenever I meet someone who is a bit lost with their direction in life I always tell them to focus on what they truly want and to put their all into making it happen. I believe that, with the combination of my positive attitude is what propels me further than many others. And if I fail in something I know that I didn’t get it because I didn’t want it enough, I wasn’t giving it my absolute all, I hold myself responsible for my future. I feel positive about the Miss London contest because I’m taking it very seriously and I’m trying very hard to go the extra mile in order to prove to the judges and everyone following the competition that I deserve to be Miss London 2012.
What happens if you don’t win the crown?
To not win Miss London 2012 will be terribly upsetting. I can’t think of a better year to win, the Olympics are being held in London this year and it’s the Queens Diamond Jubilee! I really want to take the tiara and Miss London sash home, but if I don’t I will keep my head high because it’s a significant achievement to make it this far and there are many more hurdles for me to jump in the future, it would not be the last you hear of me. Also, 1st runner and 2nd runner up will go to the Miss England Semi-finals, so the top 3 girls will all be winners.
What are the challenges you are facing in the contest?
It’s been a massive challenge to get votes and donations. I’ve been promoting myself online through Facebook, Twitter and my blog. A hair salon in Maida Vale, West London, is supporting me by offering 20% off their Afro Hair section for anyone who votes for me, and is making a large poster to promote me in their window. My sponsor, SuperLight Music, an online music promotion company, have supported me by turning my idea of a short promo video into reality. The founder of SuperLight Music, likewise with Hair D’Zign, my friends and family, all truly believe in me and that in itself has helped me through the competition.
What are your expectations from this contest?
With any great competition there are marvelous prizes, so as a winner I’d be getting my hands on those. They include a modeling contract with Muse Management, PR representation by Celebrity Publicity, a portfolio shoot with renowned photographer Alan Strutt, a magazine spread in Every Model Magazine, a Karen Moody dress, a Carpisa bag, beauty products, and so many beautiful prizes! There’s also a Fake Bake tanning goody bag but I won’t be needing that! Which reminds me, there hasn’t been a dark-skinned Miss London, and as we all know London is a multi-cultural melting pot with lots of different ethnicities and colors, so hopefully this year Miss London will be very unique to previous queens. Last year Mini Cooper gave the winner a car for a year, I would really love that prize as I have a license but I currently don’t have a car. After the exciting night of the finals, which will be held at Cafe De Paris Nightclub in Leicester Square, it will be time for the winner to put her title into action. ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ is the motto and if I win I will be keeping that in mind and close to my heart throughout my one-year reign.
Your message to your fans and youths out there.
If you are a UK based resident please support my campaign to become Miss London (Popularity) 2012 by sending a text or making a quick call (see poster).
And wherever you are in the world you can help me to win Miss London (Charity) by making a donation to one of our worthy charities, not forgetting to quote ‘Elizabeth Akingbade‘:
No comments:
Post a Comment