Candice Davis is a finalist in the Mrs. South Africa pageant, as well as the owner of Perfect Ledger Strategic Finance, an accounting firm. She answers some frequently asked questions about how to prepare for a pageant.
What are your top tips for preparing for pageant interviews?
1. Prepare
When you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail. And you will be more relaxed and more confident when you know you are prepared.
2. Dress Well
Prepare your outfit way before time. Remember, what you are wearing will be the judges first impression of you. What do you want to communicate to them with what you are wearing? Avoid anything that makes you uncomfortable; it will show.
3. Be yourself
The judges want to know you. They are not looking for a replica of somebody else.
4. Be honest
If you are asked about your opinion on something, give honest opinions. Don’t answer according to what you think the judges want to hear or try to impress. Be authentic.
How do you unlock your full potential to inspire others?
To unlock my full potential, I actively tap into living in my truth and doing what feels right. I showcase what my skills and strengths are and delve into self-awareness, cultivating empathy, and practice active listening. With Christ as my foundation, I believe that it is important to be my authentic self, use my voice and platform to share who and whose I am, and lead by example. I ground myself in meditation and prayer and surround myself with inspiring influences to elevate and share my journey. To further inspire others, I encourage and challenge them to set clear goals.
What are your top tips for choosing what outfits to wear during your pageant?
• Always style yourself based on what you are comfortable with.
• Choose colours that compliment your skin tone.
• Make a statement with the entire look, including shoe choices and hair
(the coordination should always speak to what you are trying to represent as a person).
• Stay true to your personal style by choosing outfits that make you feel confident and authentic. When you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, it shows.
• Prioritise fit and comfort. Your dress should fit well and allow you to move gracefully. You don’t want to be adjusting it or feeling uncomfortable on stage.
• Pick colours that complement your skin tone. Certain colours can enhance your natural glow. Try different shades and see what makes you pop!
• Choose timeless elegance over trends. While trends come and go, a timeless, classy look will always make a statement.
• Accessorise wisely. Accessories can elevate your outfit, but be careful not to overdo it. Let your dress and personality shine without too much distraction.
• Ultimately, your outfits should reflect your unique personality and help you feel empowered throughout the pageant.
Next month we will talk about managing finances.
Send your questions to candice@davisdbn.com