I mentioned in my interview with Flavour Magazine in the “Trendsetters Issue” that I wasn’t intending on entering another modelling/beauty pageant. I always knew I had a unique look, yet I had not won any previous competitions before. Therefore, I was left asking whether Flavour Magazine and their annual beauty contest Miss Flavour would be any different.
However, I soon learned that it was and would come to be one of the best choices I had ever made. Entering Miss Flavour and ultimately, inheriting the crown from Miss Flavour 2007 winner Yondie Murray, was an experience which made me focused and overall a more confident and driven individual. Winning is a brilliant thing, but I feel there are numerous benefits in just taking part and I also made many friends as well.
Crowning Glory
Since winning Miss Flavour I fulfilled one of my goals which was to interview a famous figure. This came in the form of Shay “Buckey” Johnson from Charm School and Flavor of Love fame. I also got the opportunity to interview US singer TQ. Seeing my words and credits in the magazine was a major boost to my confidence and CV and allowed me to show that I wasn’t only just a pretty face. I have always written whether it be in the form of essays, poems or articles therefore, it was fulfilling to be able to showcase my other talents.
Being on the front cover of Flavour was amazing, the shoot enabled me to shoot at Femelle Studios with the talented photographer Kosher, something I had been meaning to do for along time. I also got to model alongside Yondie Murray and 08’s third place finalist Deena Woolard in a fashion spread shot by Saira Awan.
Apart from featuring in Flavour Magazine I have also featured in Phloh Magazine, hosted numerous parties, modelled for Flavour Magazine’s, sister mag, Icandy-mag. Hosted Flavour Magazine’s launch party for Miss Flavour 09, and contributed to Flavour Magazine’s fantastic website.
Growing fanbase
From a result of winning Miss Flavour I was also invited down to the Sunday Show- a popular comedy and talent showcase created and organised by Marvin Harrison and Napper MC. Here I was able to showcase my poetry and this was also a notable experience.
Winning Miss Flavour and having a title is beneficial and makes people more aware of who you are. When I first opened my Facebook profile I had 300 friends and that took a lengthy period to accumulate. However, after winning my title I am now at my friend limit! I have also created my own group which has over 1200 members and a fan page. I receive so many positive messages from like-minded individuals who like me want to keep achieving and creating better circumstances for themselves.
The end is just the beginning
Now, my reign is coming to an end, I have really just begun. At present, I am working on designing my logo and website which I hope to launch in the Spring of 2010. I also love acting and as I studied drama as part of my degree as well as pursuing a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts at college, I am now a student at Identity Drama School -the first and only black drama academy in the UK. I hope to eventually be signed to their agency. I also have my own online blog where I air my views, perceptions and thoughts and since its launch I have had thousands of hits. I hope to launch my blog again once my website is fully up and running. Amongst all of this I am also training to be a Personal Trainer, and I am working on a number of ventures around this.
Wish you luck
I am a true believer that you should never really aim to be, do or have one thing. Being Miss Flavour has helped me to become a more focused and driven individual and I am excited about all that I can achieve over the coming year. I wish all of this year’s contestant’s good luck and every success.
To view Sasha’s gallery click here http://www.flavourmag.co.uk/?p=1183
Words by Sasha Shantel, Flavour would like to thank Kosher at Femelle Studio’s for the featured photography
