World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Queen Vanya Shastri Miss Canadian Petite International 2020.
Full name: Vanya Shastri
Title/Year: Miss Canadian Petite International 2020
Pageant System: Miss Canada globe productions
Age: 20
Zodiac sign: Gemini
Hobbies: film, theatre, poetry, reading, photography, public speaking, modelling, volunteering
Platform: Canadian women’s foundation
Years competed: 2019 was my first
Countries visited: India, Japan, England, various locations in the USA, Germany and Switzerland
Likes: autumn, rainy days, warm sweaters, coffee, chocolate, poetry, live theatre, concerts, high fashion, clubbing,concerts, psychological thrillers, rom coms, painting, watching old films, the colour burgundy, reading, the ocean, fairytales, summer nights, first dates
Dislikes: spring,winter, math, highschool, country music, rodents, needles, doctors offices and silence
Status: complicated
World Class Beauty Queens: Please tell us about yourself.
I’m a 20 year old vancouver film school graduate with a passion for storytelling through film and theatre. I’ve been involved in community theatre since I was 11 and was also apart if the cast and crew of my high schools theatre company for years. I transitioned to film after graduation. Aside from acting, I’m very interested in volunteering in my community and doing what I can to help the environment. In the past I’ve taken trips down to the rougher areas of Vancouver and delivered care packages to the homeless, fundraised money to help bring school supplies to a school in Africa, and volunteered in a soup kitchen. I’m also a vegetarian by choice and am slowly transitioning to more plant based foods and attempting to cut back on my water waste.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does women Empowerment means to you?
It’s simple really. to me it means woman being able to make individual choices for themselves. Nudity empowers some women and modesty empowers others. Different things empower different women. Feminism is they’re right to choose.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your pageant history.
I’m a pageant first timer! I always dreamed about making it to miss world or universe (it was on my bucket list)and now I’ll have the chance to represent Canada internationally. The win changed my life overnight and I’m excited to use my title to light the lives of those in darkness.
World Class Beauty Queens: What inspired you to do your first pageant?
Honestly as much I love glitz and glamour (which is a lot) I wanted to do it because I wanted a larger platform to educate people on women who need help escaping abusive, neglectful, poverty stricken environments. I wanted to help them rise up and I needed a strong platform like Miss Canada globe as something to hold me up in that process.
World Class Beauty Queens: Why did you choose to compete for your current title?
I loved the message miss Canada globe sends. Miss Canada’s petite category gave girls like myself, whom are under 5’6 the opportunity to feel just as beautiful as girls who are taller. From this pageant I’ve gained modelling opportunities that typically aren’t given to someone who’s 5’4 1/2
World Class Beauty Queens: To those unfamiliar with your pageant system please tell us what is it about?
Miss Canada Globe Productions is a system that is focused on encouraging young women and girls to support each other to find their own style and strengths in which to celebrate and share with others. It's about finding what is important to you and sharing that passion and confidence with others.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are you being judged on during the competition?
During the Miss Canada Globe pageant the delegates were being judged in categories which included our platform statements , interview Q&As, votes, runway modeling, talent, swimsuit, evening gown and also our conduct with others during the 10 days of the pageant.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your experience during the competition.
It was 10 days of laughing, training, crying, exploring and living with about 20-30 girls ranging from ages 13-29 and it was the most amazing group of girls I’ve ever met. There 4 girls each from all different categories assigned to a hotel room.
It felt like a sisterhood. The Girls were eager to help one another in anyway they could and people gained some amazing friendships during that 10 days.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your platform or what cause do you volunteer for.
My platform of choice is Canadian women’s foundation. They believe in empowering young women by giving them leadership and education opportunities in their own communities.
World Class Beauty Queens: What appearances have you done with your title?
I’ve had the opportunity to attend many events including bottle drives, public school functions, and charity galas and modeled for photographers
World Class Beauty Queens: What are some of your achievements?
Some of my biggest achievements may not be anything special to others but they mean something to me. Being a daughter, best friend, sister, and supporter are my most prized wins. They are a reminder of the beauty that shines from within, on days I cannot find it on the outside.
World Class Beauty Queens: What makes you stand out from all those other beautiful girls?
Frankly, I don’t know. I can tell you however that I hope what sets me apart is my consistant strive for improvement in my work ethic and my eagerness to give to others. I’m fiercely passionate in my pursuit to bring the small essentials (which I’ve often taken for granted) such as food, education and shelter to those whom see them as unattainable luxuries.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about the moment your name was called out as the winner.
I remember being so overwhelmed when I stepped forward my legs felt like jello. I had no idea where to look because the lights on stage were very bright and two camera’s on either side were snapping pictures. In the midst of it all, the best part was looking down to see the beautiful judges smiling and I just felt so humbled to be in their presence
World Class Beauty Queens: What does it mean to you to be a Beauty Queen?
To be a beauty queen isn’t about being beautiful. Anyone can do that. It’s about how you use that beauty and the power that comes with. I want to keep seeing the good in people around me, speak words of kindness and walking with a humility that keeps my feet on the ground.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did competing in pageants helped your life?
It’s helped me gain a level of confidence in myself that I lacked while growing up. I was pretty below average through my childhood and teen years in academics, sports, participation and even making friends. So for the first time in my life I gave something, this competition, my best self and it was fully rewarding. I’m finally starting to be seen by people I grew up with and it feels great. I have a voice, a purpose and platform now and I plan to use it.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did pageants helped your selfesteem and body image?
I struggle as a young woman in the age of social media and photoshop to maintain a positive body image. My view of myself has always been distorted due to body dysmorphia. Competing in the pageant helped my self esteem in a way that made me realize I’m more than how I see my physical form. It’s my actions that make me who I am. It made me realize I should focus on looking inward rather than out. I want to spend as much time in my insides as I do outside because what’s the point of a pretty dress when you have no platform or voice
World Class Beauty Queens: You are an inspiration to all the girls out there. How does it feel?
Oh wow, My mother is going to read this and die from happiness. For real though, it’s an unexplainable feeling of humility and honour to have the chance to be someone I would have liked to look up to while growing up. (Especially for girls of color) I also do not take this responsibility lightly. To me how I act when I’m not in the public eye (in crown and sash) really tests my dedication to being a positive influence to other girls. I want my image to be as family friendly as possible. Avoiding provocative behaviour, toxic substances, and illegal activities is my goal. It’s a constant reminder to stay grounded and sensible in my actions, choices, and words.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is your on stage strategy to win the judges over?
My personal strategy was just knowing my stronger point, which was the Q&A and speaking about my platform and self. I feel a sense of purpose when I address larger audiences so I used that confidence to channel my best self to the judges.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did you prepare for your competition?
I was a full time student whilst preparing for the pageant so while balancing full time film school, I did a bit of kickboxing training to gain some core strength, had some vocal training, learned to walk in six inch heels and studied as much about politics and today’s current issues as I could to up my knowledge on recent topics throughout the world right now.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for learning better pageant walk?
I personally have come to learn it’s in the hips. That’s where you want to lead from. The confidence, sensuality and playfulness all reside there. Finding Just the right amount swing will carry you effortlessly on the runway.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for choosing right pageant dress?
In my opinion color and body shape. It’s so important to pick a dress is with accentuates your body’s natural curves elegantly. For color I think skin tone, hair color, and eye color should be factors in choosing. As someone with darker features, I wanted to enhance them by wearing richer colours like ruby and eggplant.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for winning interview?
Thé interview if I’m honest is my absolute favourite section. I’m a big talker and love public speaking so I felt most alive answering questions. My tips are to just study even a bit about current new topics before hand so you aren’t completely unaware about politics, climate issues, debates and then be as thorough as you can in your answers. The more detailed they are, the less time judges will have to ask more questions. It also will leave them feeling satisfied you were able to articulate yourself well. My other tip is eye contact. It’s crucial and shows you are confident in your answers with nothing to hide.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is one mistake that you've done during competing you wish you could redo and fix it?
Not bringing more extravagant daily outing and training outfits. I downplayed my everyday looks a bit and if I could go back, I’d pull out all the stops and be as extra as I could.
World Class Beauty Queens: What other mistakes are made by girls during the contest?
That’s an easy one! Always bring an extra gown. If you’re told two then bring three because accidents happen. This is a true story, I had my finale night dress stolen just an hour before we left the hotel for the competition location and had to act fast. Thankfully I had a third gown in my room or I would have had to re wear my first gown from regionals and the judges would have noticed that. I may have lost a beautiful dress but I’m fortunate to have gained a crown.
World Class Beauty Queens: Any modeling or acting experience?
Yes! I’ve done some student film projects and theatre productions in the past and I’m pursuing acting as a career now. I’ve recently graduated from vancouver film school and planning to further my acting training at another institution afterwards. In the next few years after I hope to have an agent and opportunities to audition for film and TV. As for modelling, it’s more of a side job for me but I enjoy collabing with photographers and makeup artists whenever they reach out.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your plans for 2021 as a Queen?
my goal is to organize more volunteer opportunities for youths in my community to support groups such as the homeless in our city and the people with mental/ physical disabilities. As well as to put all my attention into prepping for my international pageant because I want to bring home the crown for Canada
World Class Beauty Queens: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
I want to be remembered for my willingness to fall. Not only Allowing but also accepting that I will only ever be praised for my greatest achievements, when i acknowledge my failures. A true queen is one who is built of golden courage and iron strength. The courage allows her to fall, knowing she doesn’t fear the repressions and the strength helps her pull herself back up and out from the hole she slipped in. That is the legacy I hope to leave behind as a woman whom has been blessed with a platform to reach many.
International Director: Francisco Cortez and hazely Corp
National Director: Mias Santa Ana Pilar
Pageant website: http://misscanada.tv/index.html World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this amazing interview.
Vanya Shastri Miss Canadian Petite International 2020, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine, Photography by beyond the lens photography and Makeup and hair by Henrietta Murzsa
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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