People who object to beauty pageants do so because they believe they are a superficial judgement based on the objectification of women. They say inner beauty and personality are more important measures. While the latter statement is true, pageants are evolving. Secondly, pageants have positive qualities just beyond the spotlight.
As examples of change, Japan has crowned Ariana Miyamoto, the first mixed race contestant as Miss Universe Japan. The Miss India pageant now holds bathing suit segments in private while some Canadian pageants have relaxed or dropped the requirement all together. Tara Teng said, “The [Canadian] pageants she’s participated in are more about finding role models as opposed to super models.
Cynthia Tsang and Tara Teng have the year 2012 in common. Cynthia was a Miss Hong Kong finalist. During the same year Tara was crowned Miss World Canada. In the three years that passed, both ladies have used their pageant experiences as platforms to launch noteworthy endeavors.
Cynthia had a life-long dream of becoming an entrepreneur and her own boss. The Miss Hong Kong rehearsal/training sessions were part modeling, social etiquette and life coaching. Certain aspects helped her visualize how she could turn her dream into a reality. The experience also inspired her to “think big”. As a result she started Pink Ladies Event Planning. Her and her business partner plan weddings, corporate events, private functions, launch and grand opening parties.
Tara has an education degree and was a teacher. During the pageant experience she discovered public speaking was her true calling. Instead of communicating and educating people in classrooms she now communicates and educates people in auditoriums and conference rooms locally and internationally. It’s the perfect opportunity for her to speak about human trafficking, violence against women and child poverty.
In addition to inspiring contestants Cynthia and Tara have had the honor to travel during their competitions. Granted they were quite busy with rehearsals and planned functions but Cynthia’s contest took her to Hong Kong, London England, Chimelong, China and Bangkok & Koh Samui, Thailand.
The coronation marks the end of the competition but can also be the start of lifelong friendships. Tara described it as empowering when so many talented and accomplished women are brought together. Tara and Cynthia have met pageant sisters in Vancouver and during their travels abroad.
The glitz and glamour aspect of pageants aren’t for everyone. But they are reflecting change and just below the surface they are giving women opportunities to connect and empower themselves.
Special thanks to everyone that made this shoot possible:
• All dresses from MACCS
• Jewelry/Accessories from: Sweetpiece Jewelry
• Outfits styled by: Chervelle Camille Atelier
• Hair & make-up by: Helmet & Co Salon Inc.
Anita Lee, Bonnie Chan & Annie Tran
Photo caption
01: Cynthia Tsang, Founder Pink Ladies Event Planning and Tara Teng, Social Justice Advocate and International Public Speaker
02: MACCS: Mia top & Marilyn skirt
03: MACCS: Charlie dress
04: MACCS: Cara dress
05” MACCS: Ellie maxi dress
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