Winning a pageant can be a dream come true for many young girls, and for Miss Petite South Africa 2023, Krista Williams, it was a moment of sheer joy and happiness. When asked about her victory, she described it as “a wonderful and rewarding feeling", accompanied by a smile that couldn't be wiped off her face.
Krista's path to pageant glory was paved with hard work, dedication, and a desire to test her modeling skills. With the encouragement of her coach, she entered Miss Petite South Africa 2023 and emerged victorious, as well as earning several other titles, including Overall Charity Winner and Best Ramp Model. Her success was the result of consistent practice, unique costumes sourced by her mother, and guidance from her coach.
What makes Krista's victory even more impressive is her young age. At just seven years old, she's breaking stereotypes and proving that age is no barrier to achieving your dreams.
We sat down with Krista who shares her experience and valuable lessons learned from the competition, as well as advice for aspiring pageant contestants.
How did it feel to win the pageant over all the other competitors?
It felt wonderful, rewarding, I was happy and couldn’t stop smiling.
What made you decide to enter this specific contest?
My coach asked me to enter as she felt that I would be a good contender and because this is a big national title, I also wanted to see how far I could go.
What was your favourite part about competing in this specific pageant?
My favourite part of competing in this pageant was the opportunity to show my modelling skills in front of a large audience and the judges. I also enjoyed meeting contestants from other provinces.
You won various titles, talk us through these titles and what they entail?
I won the Miss Petite South Africa 2023 as well as the Miss Petite Universe South Africa 2023 titles, it entailed doing an interview with a panel of judges, doing ramp walks wearing evening wear and casual wear. Each ramp walk is a different routine.
Although optional, I enjoyed doing various charity and community outreach initiatives. Particularly doing beach clean-ups, baking cupcakes with my mom for kids with cancer, supporting the Cansa Shavathon by having my hair coloured, making sandwiches and handing them out to the less fortunate, visiting a baby home playing with the babies and donating gifts of clothing and toys to them, recycling cans for collect-a-can, visiting an animal shelter – spending time with the neglected and abandoned animals and donating food and cleaning materials. I will certainly continue trying to make a difference where possible.
I won these special awards: Overall Charity Winner, this involved supporting the African Queen Foundation, Overall Face of South Africa title and Public Choice Winner these involved getting the public to vote for me.
I also won the Best of the Best Junior Award for achieving the highest score for modelling in the age group 2-12 years old. I was awarded best ramp model, best interview, best dressed in interview and evening wear. I also won the most photogenic award.
How did you prepare for the pageant? Talk us through your prep, training, diet is any, costume sourcing, etc.
I had a month and a half in which to prepare for this pageant. I had to practice my walking routines, different poses, and introduction. I didn’t follow a specific diet, but my mom made sure that I took my vitamins daily. My mom found my themed costume from an online store and had all my dresses made by aunty Sonja Fourie so that it could be unique and eye-catching for the pageant.
Who helps you prepare for pageant? And what is their role?
My family and coach help me prepare for the pageant. My coach provides encouragement and guidance on grooming, styling and stage presence. My family provides emotional support and encouragement throughout the preparation process as well.
What was the hardest part about this specific pageant – in your opinion?
There was nothing hard for me about the pageant. Maybe getting the public involved in the voting process was a bit challenging.
What was your favourite outfit that you wore in the pageant?
It was definitely my white and pink evening dress. It was a beautiful, elegant dress that made me feel very confident.
What did you learn from competing in the pageant?
I learned the importance of discipline, hard work, and perseverance. I also developed valuable skills such as speaking with confidence and the importance of caring for others who are less fortunate than myself.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to compete in a pageant?
My advice to someone who wants to compete in a pageant is to be confident, practice consistently, and believe in yourself. It is also important to stay positive and be open to learning and growing from the experience.
What was the first thing you did after winning the pageant?
The first thing I did was thank my family and coach for their support and encouragement. I also thanked God for being with me during the competition.
What did you do to celebrate your win?
To celebrate my win, my family and I went out for a nice dinner at a family restaurant. I also had my favourite boba ice tea.
What did your family and friends say when they found out you won the pageant?
My family and friends were delighted when they found out that I had won the pageant. They were very proud of me and congratulated me on my achievement.
What do you think sets you apart from the other contestants in the pageant?
I think what set me apart from the other contestants was being well groomed throughout the competition, being well-behaved and having a positive attitude.
What do you think the judges liked about you the most?
I think the judges may have enjoyed my interview and appreciated my confidence, poise, and stage presence.
What did you think of the other contestants in the pageant?
I thought the other contestants were also beautiful and I enjoyed getting to know some of them and making friends.
Krista is a shining example of how determination, hard work, and support can lead to great success. Her victory in the Miss Petite South Africa 2023 pageant is a testament to her dedication to her craft, and an inspiration to other young girls who dream of following in her footsteps.
With her positive attitude and willingness to learn, Krista is sure to achieve great things in the future, and we can't wait to see what she accomplishes next.
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