Miss SVG 1999 - Kimon Baptiste
Pageantry was something that I was always interested in, however after getting the call to enter the Miss SVG 1999 pageant, my shyness took over and almost made me miss a wonderful opportunity to be an ambassador for my country. My introverted dimena quickly began to be subdued after encouragement from close friends. Lack of experience in this area (pageantry) meant that it would have been a serious learning experience for me, since both my chaperone - (who was my best friend) and I were novices. This meant that instincts were crucial in our decision making process.
As a contestant I didn't know what to expect, however I knew that I had a strong desire to have fun and meet people. It was my intention to use this exposure to gain boldness and catapult my interest in fashion. As a former member of the Image Modeling agency, fashion was always close to my heart.
The support I received from the Vincentian public was considerably good, since I was relatively unkown prior to this show. My mother's support was however unwavering, despite her religious beliefs.
Before I set foot on the stage of the Miss SVG pageant 1999, I knew that I was putting my best foot forward because it is my belief that anything that I do must be done well. Once I was on stage I was in my comfort zone, and it became my second home for that moment. With this attitude, the judges rewarded my hardwork by awarding me every category - (swimwear, talent, evening wear and interview). With this accomplishment it was clear that I had captured the coveted title of Miss SVG 1999. The MC for the night made the announcement and I was filled with sheer happiness. At that moment I thought to myself, (waw a trophy of my very own - I always wanted that).
This was a stepping stone for me since it was a significant accomplishment. My next pageant was Ms. Carival, and preparations were quite different because I was assigned a chaperone, I was told what to wear, how to wear my hair and to wear make-up at all times. At this show I thought it was time for the Vincentian public to see my passion for fashion, and I therefore dived into creating my evening gown. This gown, designed by myself to accomodate my petite body was called "Hot Chocolate" and gladly it was well received by the patrons at the Victoria Park where the show was held.
A Platform utilized
After this pageant I went on to Miss Jaycees 1999 in Antigua, where I placed 1st runner-up. My next pageant was Miss Global Petite World which was held in Canada in 2000. I was selected to be in the top 5 and eventually placed 1st runner-up.
During my reign as Miss SVG, I was hoping that I would have been afforded more opportunities to utilize this platform. However, I was fortunate to participate in a few activities throughout the year. I have ultimately learnt during my experience to always persevere even though the road ahead might be difficult. In reflecting I never thought that I would have been able to step on stage in a swimsuit, but I did it and I didn't feel degraded in any way since it was done with class. It's not only about facial or physical beauty, but intelligence. In pageantry you get to build life-long friendships.
My only wish was that the university scholarship was awarded during my time. However, I had the opportunity of putting myself through university after resigning my post as a Flight Attendant, and I now have a Bachelors degree in Management Studies and Psychology. I have my own business, where I create my clothing line "Kimistic Creations", which is located in the Marcole Plaza building in Kingstown, my designs are unique and colourful just like my personality. I have had the pleasure of showcasing my designs in New York and Canada and just recently I did a fashion show in the Bahamas and I won the island design award for St. Vincent in Trinidad.
Having won this title has undoubtedly made me a role model for other young women, and every year I have the opportunity of designing gowns for the contestants. This is an honour for me, because I know how competitive this show is, especially now there is a scholarship and for these young ladies to consider me as there designer among so many other well-known designers, I must say that I am honoured.
My advice to other young ladies who wish to compete in pageants here, is to realize that it is not only about beauty, but intelligence and personality. One should think before speaking, be humble and polite at all times.