Ayana Ucebeie Harris, the 2012 Miss Guyana Jamzone queen, strongly believes that pageantry builds self-esteem. Her perspective of the competition is that it significantly helps young girls to be well-rounded individuals – as it did for her.
The queen eliminated a bevy of beauties to become the 12th Miss Guyana Jamzone queen. This 23-year-old beauty will represent Guyana at the third Miss Jamzone International pageant this August, with hopes of wearing her second crown for 2012.
In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, the third year University of Guyana student said she won her first pageant, Miss Guyana Junior, at just 14 years old. She later went on to place first runner-up at the inaugural Guyana Model Search contest in 2009 and third at the Miss Guyana Universe 2011 pageant.
“Since nursery I started modelling. My first pageant was at Central High School where I won the Miss Central High Junior. I was in second form. My second pageant was Miss Talented Teen; I was just 13 years old. I took a brief break because of school. I grew up in a very strict household with my aunts and grandmother. Education is priority in my home. After some time I went back into pageantry. This was when I placed third runner up for 2011 Miss Guyana Universe. Modelling and I have a ‘husband and wife’ relationship. We separate sometimes and get back together; we’re close knitted like husband and wife,” the queen revealed.
Ayana’s biggest support is her 64-year-old grandmother, who also has a knack for fashion. “I can remember when I was younger, buying 6-inch stilettos for her because she is short. But she pulled it off perfectly. She is all for make-up and very up-to-date with fashion trends; even now she hasn’t changed. She has been and still is a fashionista. She is my biggest influence,” Ayana said fondly.
Pageantry
The new Jamzone queen said she is prepared to face off with the international contestants come August month-end. She is very close friends with former Guyanese pageant winners, and is under their tutelage.
“I know the international contestants are bringing their best and I have to match up and excel. I am training right now in public speaking and getting my outfits ready. Olympia Small-Sonaram and Pat Coates are my designers. Pageantry has boosted my self-confidence and self-esteem. It has made me bolder and braver. I’m more comfortable with my body because I have been skinny all my life, but not by choice. Pageantry has helped me in these areas. I encourage other young girls to get into it. It motivates you to be a role model and to build individuality. It makes you a rounded individual,” Ayana outlined.
Being in pageantry for years has made Ayana resilient to criticisms. She noted that she has leant that not everyone can be won over. She realises that people will heckle and say demeaning things but the power of ignoring is key. “Constructive criticisms I welcome; anything else I ignore. This is ideal in pageantry because if you can’t handle people criticizing then you won’t last long. You have to grow a thick skin; go out there and do your best,” she encouraged.
Fashion tip
The beauty queen prefers a natural look. She described herself without makeup and fancy hairdo as being “natural and not as a pillow head.” She tries to maintain her neat look even without enhancements, and she encourages every woman to try to do the same.
“Do not let go of yourself. Continue to be that diva you have always been. Take time out to focus on yourself. Get pampered and splurge now and then on something that’ll make you happy. Wear clothing that’ll make you comfortable. I prefer stilettos because you don’t have to try too hard to look sexy if you have on high heels. Occasionally flats are good too,” she advised.
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