A YOUNG pageant star is looking to conquer the country in a national beauty contest.
St Bees star, Vogue Boyd, 9, is competing for the national beauty title, 'International Junior Miss United Kingdom', against the rest of United Kingdom.
Vogue's pageant work started when her favourite Youtuber, Piper Rockelle, invited her backstage and a comment was made about how great Vogue would be in pageants.
The idea stuck and she pestered her mother, Chelsea, who was apprehensive at first to let her.
Many people's first thought when it comes to pageants is the America TV show 'Toddlers and Tiaras', which Chelsea herself used to think.
She said: "I used to think it was what you saw on TV but it is a polished system about how the competitors present themselves, how they interview and what they do for their community.
“People should read up and look into it, before you judge.
"I had the same thought but it is more to do with confidence and teaches them communication and interview skills which are important.”
Vogue entered the competition once she won over her mam by uploading a portfolio and attending interviews. She started her training and they hired a coach, Harriet Lane, to help Vogue.
Vogue has lessons bi-weekly where she works on her interview skills, her walk, and her mindset.
She set up an Instagram to showcase her skills and her charity work which include raising money for 'Young Lives v. Cancer', recycling efforts, working in St Bees and litter picks.
Chelsea said: " I have seen such a growth in her mindset and confidence.
"She went through a stage where she would not tell anyone but now she is proud of herself and does not care what anyone thinks."
The event takes place on April 1 in Trowbridge. Vogue will compete in around eight categories and will wear dresses designed and made by a winning Philippines fashion designer, Marc Francis.
If Vogue wins, she will go onto to compete for the international title in Orlando, Florida in November. Chelsea said: "She is really excited, and not that nervous. She is just raring to go.
"She had a mock trial which went through the day and she performed really well.
“I am not nervous either, I am proud either way of her getting on that stage in front of thousands."
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