A quick interview with Miss Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy
The speeches given by the contestants during the pageant are often very clichéd. How are you going to stand out?
Thanks to Evelyne Fleming, my public-speaking coach – who, like me, isn’t keen on clichés or speeches learnt by heart – I’m going to present myself in a different way. And above all, I’m going to stay true to myself. It needs to be as natural as possible.
Does the general knowledge test worry you?
No, not at all. Every week, I do a multiple-choice quiz with 100 questions on a wide range of topics to prepare myself. This week’s quiz was on history, a subject I’m quite comfortable with and which I already loved at school.
All the Miss contestants want to save the planet or help children, and choose a major cause to champion. What will yours be?
I’m not going to reveal my cause entirely, but it will focus on young, French designers. That’s actually why we’ve invited local designers here tonight… But I won’t say any more!
How do you prepare for your various engagements: speeches, catwalk shows, photo shoots?
I have a monthly schedule that includes public speaking, catwalk practice, the gym, and so on. I work from 8 am to midday and then head straight to the gym, followed by public speaking practice. This week, we’ve also started catwalk training with my coach Jacqueline to work on my gait, posture and learning how to present myself in different outfits. Bibi, Catherine’s daughter, helps me with the photo shoots, choosing outfits and posing. I also have a make-up artist, a photographer… I’m really well supported.
Is there a typical ‘Miss’ phrase you’ve promised yourself you’ll never say?
‘Thank you for that question!’ (Laughs.)
Which question are you most afraid of being asked on stage?
None! I think I can answer any question.
Is hosting your fellow contestants on your home turf a psychological advantage?
Yes, of course! Everyone tells me I’m unlucky because I won’t be going on a trip. But on the contrary, I think it’s an advantage to be able to show them my island, Saint Martin, and Saint Barth, my islands! In terms of visibility, it’s also a very good thing. And I’ll be able to show them all this with great pride. I’m actually looking forward to it!
How are you going to convince them that Saint Martin is much more than just a picture-postcard destination?
Saint Martin can’t be described – you have to feel it, as the Tourist Board says. When they come, they’ll feel it. It’s a feeling! And it’s so true! If you’re looking for words to describe Saint Martin, there aren’t any… or rather, there are too many!
If you had to introduce them to just one local speciality, which would you choose?
Guavaberry, without a doubt! But also Johnny Cakes, because I don’t think they’ve tried them. And then, we can’t forget the chicken legs! You can’t eat a Johnny Cake without chicken legs!
If you could change just one thing about the competition… The swimsuit round, perhaps?
Or maybe the height requirement, so that more young women have the chance to take part, even though the minimum height has already been revised to 1.70 m. But no, the swimsuit round doesn’t bother me! Especially as I go to the gym. I’m ready for that! Very ready, in fact! I’ve got to show off my legs! (Laughs.)
What would make you say, a year from now, with or without the crown, that this adventure has been a success?
In any case, just being on the Miss France stage and representing both islands at a national level is already a success. And then, the fact that the other Miss contestants are coming here – that’s a first! And it’s happening whilst I’m Miss Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy. It’s a real source of pride!
What could make you lose your smile?
It’s not easy to make me lose my smile! But if there’s one thing, it would be inequality.
What would you like people to remember about you, apart from your smile and your sash?
My authenticity! There’s no one quite like me. And my smile, of course!
