World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Queen Gizzelle Mandy Uys Miss Eco International South Africa 2020.
Full name: Gizzelle Mandy Uys
Title/Year: Miss Eco International South Africa 2020
Pageant System: Miss Eco International
Age: 23
Zodiac sign: Taurus
Hobbies: Water sports, crafts, reading, outdoor adventure activities
Platform: Encouraging creativity for a greener future
Years competed: 1 (for Miss Eco SA)
Countries visited: USA, Greece
Likes: Ice cream on a hot day, new experiences
Dislikes: Cold weather, unfair treatment
Status: Single
World Class Beauty Queens: Please tell us about yourself.
I grew up in a very small farming town and moved to the 'big city' to be the first in both sides of my family to study at a University. I completed my degree in Heritage & Cultural Tourism, but recently realized that my dreams lie in the areas of acting and professional modeling, so I am currently pursuing a career in these industries. I am a very optimistic and energetic person with a lot of ambition, a mind curious to learn and an adventurous spirit.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does women empowerment mean to you?
Empowering women to me is igniting a fire that can never be extinguished. Building a woman from the core up so that there is no room left for things such as doubt.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your pageant history.
My mom had a passion for the industry from a young age and later became a coach, I was thus introduced to the pageant world at the age of 5 and loved it. I competed for about 2 years, took a very long, unexpected break and started up again in 2018.
World Class Beauty Queens: What inspired you to do your first pageant?
As I was extremely young at the time of my very first pageant, I cannot remember much, but I do remember the feeling was pretty much the same as now. It is a shared love between me and my mom, also my favorite place to be is on stage sharing my talent with others....even as a toddler!
World Class Beauty Queens: Why did you choose to compete for your current title?
It was as if it was made for me...I saw the advertisement for the entry form on social media 2 years ago and knew it was something that suits me and my platform perfectly. I did some research and worked towards it.
World Class Beauty Queens: To those unfamiliar with your pageant system, please tell us what is it about?
Miss Eco International is about saving our precious natural environment as ambassadors from all around the world. As well as promoting tourism worldwide.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are you being judged on during the competition?
As this is still a beauty pageant, one can expect scores on the usual: interview, walking ability, personality and so forth. Other aspects that will be looked at are eco projects and something that I find fun and different is that this competition has an 'eco-dress' section where contestants have to create an outfit made entirely of recycled materials.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your experience during the competition.
I can honestly say that this has been the best competition as of yet. Every moment even before was smooth sailing and extremely enjoyable. I met amazing girls that want to make a difference in the world and I got to experiment with a new (eco-friendly) costume with the help of my mom, which taught me so much. The pageant itself was professional and well organized which was a breath of fresh air!
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your platform or what cause do you volunteer for.
I always had a heart that wants to help in as many areas as possible. Thus, I created my own charity that handles many causes, from collecting clothes and food for the less fortunate, doing workshops to educate & teach young people to recycle and re-use products through crafts, volunteer work for animal shelters/ conservation programs or just spreading some encouragement on social media.
World Class Beauty Queens: What appearances have you done with your title?
Sadly, due to Covid-19 and the national lockdown of South Africa early in my reign, appearances had to be postponed. But, I am hopeful that I can return to a busy schedule of appearances soon.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are some of your achievements?
Personally, finishing my degree (sometimes it got really tough, but I am proud that I stuck through it all) and recently becoming a leader for young adults in my church. I consider making my parents proud my best achievement. Pageant-wise, I am grateful for the titles that have come my way, but the Miss Eco SA crown stands high on my shelf.
World Class Beauty Queens: What makes you stand out from all those other beautiful girls?
I believe my difference lies within my knowledge and background. For this specific platform a woman is needed who can connect knowledge of the tourism field with sensitivity of cultural aspects as well as using inspiration to spark a difference in the world. With my background I know that I can do this successfully together with bringing the platform to a whole different level by implementing new and exciting ideas.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about the moment your name was called out as the winner.
Ah the moment every beauty queen dreams about! Honestly, it happened so fast and I think it only sunk in the next day. How do you even begin to explain how a single moment felt that you worked so hard and long towards…
World Class Beauty Queens: What does it mean to you to be a Beauty Queen?
A Beauty Queen to me is being an example on all fronts. The outside is taken care of (hair, skin, body) just as much as the inside (heart, mind, soul). It is someone who you look at and immediately know the definition of true beauty in a person. Someone, who pours out kindness because her cup is overflowing.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did competing in pageants helped your life?
Pageants taught me so much. Competing taught me good sportsmanship and still picking yourself up after great disappointment. It taught me that there are real problems out there that can begin to be solved if someone cared a whole lot. I learned the value of taking good care of myself and how important it is to represent myself in a proper professional way. These are things that are probably best learned through experience. World Class Beauty Queens: How did pageants helped your self-esteem and body image?
As a young girl I remember watching pageants such as Miss Universe and wondering how women can be so confident up there. As a young girl it was something I couldn’t fathom because I didn’t possess any self-esteem at all (I, like many on this Earth fell victim to bullying). But it all changed when I, myself trained to compete (as a young lady). I learned that your value does not lie in what others say, do or think but what you say, do and think. I learned that all bodies are beautiful and so was mine…I just had to work hard to keep it healthy.
World Class Beauty Queens: You are an inspiration to all the girls out there. How does it feel?
The thought tears me up a bit actually. I never felt worthy to be an example or an inspiration until my view changed a few years ago. I feel proud to speak encouragement into these hearts that look up to me so that every child can accomplish the life they were destined for. I feel incredibly happy that the actions I sow, others can reap. World Class Beauty Queens: What is your on stage strategy to win the judges over?
On stage is tricky since you can only speak through body language. I go up there, talk to the judges with my eyes (trying to tell them I am what they are looking for), let confidence shine through and just enjoy every moment because in the end that is what you will remember.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did you prepare for your competition?
Mental preparation takes up to 80% of the work. A Beauty Queen really has to know her stuff and I always feel the need to go the extra mile with this. I did a lot of research on South Africa, its tourism sector, its environmental impacts and ways to aid with a helping hand. I worked on a few eco-projects, my walk of course and bumping up some social media presence.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for learning better pageant walk?
If someone cannot obtain help from a coach, I suggest firstly, to video tape yourself while walking. Otherwise there are many videos on the internet to help improve your walk. Time and patience are key factors too! Be kind to yourself, we all learn at our own pace.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for choosing right pageant dress?
Always keep your body shape in mind, think about your personality and how your dress can show it off (remember to ask the color of the pageant backdrop) and lastly, the color of your skin also plays a role in choosing the right color of your dress.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for winning interview?
Do as much research as you can. It will calm your nerves on pageant day to know you could not have done more. Know yourself and about your latest news, but most importantly be yourself…nothing is more beautiful!
World Class Beauty Queens: What is one mistake that you've done during competing you wish you could redo and fix it?
Not giving myself enough time. Time to just enjoy the process. Because in the end I walked out with nothing.
World Class Beauty Queens: What other mistakes are made by girls during the contest?
I have seen girls put up a front, but your reputation follows you. Otherwise the mistake of not bringing pins (trust me you ALWAYS need them - haha).
World Class Beauty Queens: Any modeling or acting experience?
Yes, I am proud to say I have been in several commercials, short films and music videos as well as worked with many local and international designers and photographers.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your plans for 2020 as a Queen?
Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 all scheduled plans as Miss Eco SA are a bit unsure at this time. But, I am doing my best to still make a difference as I would have. This is as good of time as any to try to be the light at the end of the tunnel.
World Class Beauty Queens: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
I would like to be remembered as a person who did not feel too far out of reach, as a person who tried her best at all times, owned up to mistakes if they were made and corrected them, as a girl who made the example to make every single soul feel welcome no matter where you came from or who you were because we all matter. I want to be known for the inspiration that showed the world we can do and be better.
International Director: Dr. Amaal Rezk
National Director: Lenie Pieterse
Your Local Director: Lenie Pieterse
Pageant website: www.missecointernational.com World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this amazing interview.
Gizzelle Mandy Uys Miss Eco International South Africa 2020, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine, Photo by Deon van Wyk
Interview by Derek Tokarzewski Owner/Editor in Chief Mr United Nations 2018 Platform: Women Empowerment Ambassador to International Foundation for Orphans iffocares.org
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