29 year old Ruth Wade from Winchester was crowned Mrs Galaxy UK at the UK Galaxy Pageants 10th anniversary! Get to know Ruth by reading her interview below!
What made you want to enter the UK Galaxy Pageants?
I had come to watch the pageant on a few different occasions over the years and supported friends as they competed for UK Galaxy Pageants. I have always thought what an amazing show it was and all of my friends had incredible feedback about what a positive experience competing had been. In 2017 when I came to watch, most of all I just wanted to be up on that stage and experience Galaxy for myself, so I decided to bite the bullet and get my entry in!
What did you do to prepare for the final?
I really tried to focus on enjoying the journey to the competition, I knew that at the end of the day only one person was going to win the crown and I wanted to make sure that win or lose I still came away with an amazing experience. I honestly had so much fun in preparing for the final, I attended as many appearances as I could and did things I didn’t think I would have ever done before. The experience really is what you make of it, so embrace every opportunity that comes your way and remember to have fun.
What is the best thing about being a Galaxy Girl?
It has to be the people that you meet. Throughout my time as a Galaxy finalist I have met some incredible people who I would not have crossed paths with in my everyday life. I am sure that the friendships I have made will last a lifetime and I look forward to meeting many more people in the year to come.
Who is your inspiration?
In the last couple of years I have followed Dani Walker on her social media and YouTube channel and she has now become a personal inspiration to me. She is the current Miss Montana USA and it took her seven years to accomplish her goal to compete in Miss USA. I admire her tenacity and dedication and she really inspired me to pursue my dreams and keep on trying despite setbacks.
What part of the international Galaxy Pageants in Orlando are you most excited about?
I am literally looking forward to every single part of competing in Galaxy in Orlando. For so many years I have seen the pictures of team UK at the famous Caribe Royale, on the steps, in front of the fountain and at the white party. It is genuinely a dream come true that this year I will get to experience it all first hand and I could not pick out just one part as I know the whole experience is going to be incredible!
Tell us your favourite:
Film/tv programme – RuPaul’s Drag Race
Food – Ice Cream
Song – Want to want me
Beauty/make-up product – BB Cream
Do you have any exciting plans/appearances organised for your year as a Galaxy queen?
I am aiming to support as many pageant girls as possible throughout the year by attending as many events as I can, my diary is already filling up and I am excited for the year to come. I will also be continuing with my volunteering and mentoring and would love to inspire more people to volunteer in their local communities.
When you aren’t busy being a beauty queen, what do you do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies?
In my free time I really enjoy cooking and baking, so most of my free time is spent in the kitchen. I love to find and perfect new recipes and share them with friends and family.
What advice would you give to girls who are thinking about entering the UK Galaxy Pageants?
I would say don’t even hesitate, submit your application right away, you honestly won’t regret it. Ten years ago when I first started pageants, I had wanted to compete for years but I didn’t have the courage to actually enter. I thought I wasn’t thin enough, pretty enough or good enough to be in a pageant. Looking back, I wish I had entered as soon as the thought came into my head, pageants were not at all what I had expected and being a part of this industry has impacted my life in such a positive way. UK Galaxy pageants are so inclusive, professional and most of all great fun to be a part of, if you are considering taking part definitely just take the leap.
Photography – Van Der Meuwe