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We caught up with Shakira Richards,a university graduate, choreographer and beauty pageant contestant competing in the Miss Galaxy UK 2020 competition. Shakira’s willingness to take part in her second beauty pageant competition within twelve months, shows the U.K.pageant industry becoming more open to ethnic groups and diverse communities.
Why did you enter your first Pageant? In 2018, I entered Miss Caribbean UK and became a finalist. The competition helped to develop my confidence as a young woman and inspired me to come out of my comfort zone. What encouraged you to apply to Miss Galaxy UK 2020? I’m enjoying being in the Miss Galaxy UK competition as it encourages you to take part in Charitable causes no matter the size, especially those less known. The girls are getting involved with their communities and giving back, I believe beauty is not only on the inside but outside too. How would you use this title if you were to win? If I were to win, I’m currently an Ambassador for a youth charity ( iiChild), and they work with young people who are impacted by knife crime in South East London. I would like to use my position to raise awareness of their great opportunities and initiatives undertaken to assist & support these young people. In addition, I’d like to come together with young people to focus on solutions influenced by the young people as they are the future generation. What are your aspirations? I aspire to be a professional dancer and choreographer with my own company that will put on shows. I also wish to create a dance school, with scholarships for underprivileged children to take dance lessons. Having grown up in the dance fraternity I know how expensive shoes, dresses and lessons cost my scholarship would give talented artists an opportunity. I would like to set up my studio in London, then branching out to other institutions in different countries.
Who’s your role model? I have more than one role model, firstly my mother – she has always supported me and told me I can do anything. She is my biggest advocate, as a child I did not have the average body shape of a dancer and when most people tried to put me off my dream of being a dancer, my mother never let me give up. Even through my degree which I managed to gain a 2:1 my mother pushed me everyday. My second role model is Misty Copeland who became the first African American women to be promoted to principal dancer, in America Ballet theatre 75 year ballet history. Copeland was also told that she could not be a professional dancer due to starting her career late. Misty’s story and journey inspires me to carry on and to keep going because you can be a dancer no matter your shape, colour or size. "Don’t let your fears hold you back, it may seem daunting at first but these type of opportunities will take you out of your comfort zone that you will benefit from". - Shakira Richards (Miss South East London Finalist 2019/20) Miss Galaxy UK We wish to thank Shakira Richards for her time to talk with Heritage Consultancy Network ahead of her finale of Miss Galaxy UK on Sunday 15th March 2020.
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