Should you quit your job for pageants? With Victoria Fernandez - Femina Miss India Goa ‘23

Summary

In this insightful conversation, Lake Utaya, a pageant coach and former Miss India Punjab, interviews Victoria Fernandez, the reigning Miss India Goa 2023. They discuss Victoria's journey in pageantry, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, confidence, and continuous self-improvement. Victoria shares her experience of balancing a corporate job with her pageant commitments, the misconceptions about the financial aspects of pageants, and the reality of the ongoing struggles and opportunities post-pageant. The discussion serves as a guide for aspiring pageant participants, highlighting the need for a strong mindset and the value of persistence.

Takeaways

• 👑 Victoria Fernandez, the reigning Femina Miss India Goa 2023, emphasizes the importance of being authentic and true to oneself in pageants.
• 🌟 Participating in smaller pageants before a major one like Miss India can be beneficial for gaining experience and boosting confidence.
• 💼 Victoria chose not to quit her job at an advertising firm after winning the Miss India title, valuing the skills and experience gained in her career.
• 🔄 She took a break from her job during the pageant and planned to return, finding it a good way to reintegrate into normal life after the intense pageant experience.
• 💡 Victoria suggests that having a plan B and not relying solely on the Miss India title for future prospects is crucial for personal and professional stability.
• 📚 She recommends learning and improving skills online as a cost-effective way to prepare for pageants, rather than spending heavily on coaching institutes.
• 💸 Victoria shares her experience of managing pageant expenses on a budget, highlighting the importance of prioritizing needs over wants.
• 📈 After winning Miss India, Victoria found new opportunities in modeling and acting, but also notes that the struggle for success does not end with the title.
• 🎭 She mentions that even as a Miss India winner, one must still audition and prove themselves in the industry, dispelling the myth of instant success.
• 🤝 Victoria advises aspiring pageant participants to work on self-improvement and presentation, rather than trying to change who they are.
• 🌈 The conversation concludes with the message that confidence, grace, and the ability to make a difference are key attributes for a Miss India contestant.

Q & A

Who is Lake Utaya and what is her profession?

Lake Utaya is a pageant coach and the reigning Femina Miss India Punjab 22.

What is Victoria Fernandez's current title and what year did she win it?

Victoria Fernandez is the reigning Femina Miss India Goa for the year 2023.

How did Lake and Victoria first meet and under what circumstances?

Lake and Victoria first met on stage during a pageant in 2021 where Lake was a runner-up and Victoria was crowned Miss India Queen in a different pageant owned by a Rajasthan publication.

What was Victoria's mindset before participating in Miss India and what pageants did she participate in prior to that?

Victoria started her modeling journey with smaller pageants and did not initially consider Miss India. She participated in Miss Bollywood India where she was the runner-up before participating in Femina Miss India.

Why did Victoria decide not to quit her job after winning Miss India Goa?

Victoria decided not to quit her job because she believes in maintaining skills and interests outside of pageantry. She took a break and planned to rejoin, valuing the stability and normalcy it provides.

How does Victoria manage her job as a senior account executive and her responsibilities as Miss India Goa?

Victoria manages by taking a conscious call to balance both roles, giving more effort to one over the other depending on the situation, and using her experience to boost her confidence in both areas.

What advice does Victoria have for those considering participating in pageants?

Victoria advises participants to be authentic, practice and improve their skills, and not to feel embarrassed or judged. She emphasizes the importance of participating in smaller pageants to gain experience.

How does Victoria handle the financial aspect of participating in pageants?

Victoria suggests using social media and online resources to learn and prepare for free or at a lower cost, focusing on spending money on what is necessary for the pageant, such as clothing and makeup.

What are the opportunities Victoria has received after being crowned Miss India Goa?

Victoria has received opportunities in modeling, acting, and runway shows, as well as being signed with an agency provided by Miss India.

What misconception does Victoria address regarding life after winning a pageant?

Victoria clarifies that the struggle does not end after winning a pageant, and participants still have to audition and work hard to maintain their success.

What are Victoria's three pieces of advice for someone preparing for a pageant?

Be authentic, work on self-improvement without changing who you are, and exude confidence and the ability to make a difference.