Emma Collingridge was crowned Miss Galaxy – UK, on Sunday the 10th of March, at the grand final of the UK Galaxy Pageants! Emma has such a fantastic year ahead of her as a Galaxy queen which will include jetting off to Orlando this summer with her sister queens for the experience of a lifetime at the international Galaxy Pageants! Get to know Emma a little better by reading her interview below!
What made you want to enter the UK Galaxy Pageants?
I first came to watch the Galaxy finals back in 2015 and immediately fell in love. I knew in my heart that the Galaxy stage was where I was meant to be. 4 years later and here I am! It is an absolute honour to represent such an incredible system which at it’s heart embraces and celebrates such diversity amongst its delegates!
What did you do to prepare for the final?
Having competed the year before and placing 2nd runner up, I revisited and analysed my previous performance in order to improve for this year. Representing the U.K. in the Galaxy system has been a huge passion and dream of mine, so I worked tirelessly in order to achieve this. The important thing for me was to remain true to myself and to feel confident in my own skin. Of course, part of my preparation also included sticking hundreds of rhinestones onto my fashionwear!
What is the best thing about being a Galaxy Girl?
There are so many amazing things about being a Galaxy girl! I am truly honoured to have the opportunity to represent the U.K. at such a prestigious international final and the Galaxy sisterhood is so supportive! I love being part of the U.K. team and our bond is already strong, I am looking forward to spending as much time as possible with my fabulous sister queens!
Who is your role model and why?
I have many role models for difference aspects of my life. I truly admire and have the utmost respect for anyone who has faced adversity, overcome it and used their experience to help others, such as Katie Piper and J.K. Rowling.
In a pageant sense it has to be Joanna Johnson. I have known Joanna since 2015 and have always found her to be genuine, supportive and approachable. She is a shining example that hard work, dedication and determination are needed to achieve your goals and is beautiful inside and out.
And in a personal sense (I know it’s cliche but it’s true!) this has to be my parents. They have instilled so many powerful messages within me and have helped to rebuild my inner strength after it took a tremendous beating. I cannot thank them enough for all they have done for me and helped me through.
What part of the international Galaxy Pageants in Orlando are you most excited about?
I am so excited to meet and spend time with all of the beautiful delegates from around the world, the photoshoots, the white party – I’m so excited for it all!!
Tell us your:
Favourite film/tv programme – The Big Bang Theory! It’s something that we always watch as a family and I love how real and relatable the lives of the characters are. It’s incredibly clever how they use comedy to talk about such important topics, such as self-acceptance and diversity.
Favourite food – Raspberries!
Favourite song – I don’t really have one favourite song but am a big fan of Ed Sheeran!
Favourite beauty/make-up product – I take lip balm with me wherever I go
Dream holiday destination – I am incredibly fortunate that last year I was able to visit my dream holiday destination – the Maldives! So now I need to think of another one … I have wanted to visit Australia for a few years now and maybe take a trip to some Pacific Ocean islands.
Do you have any exciting plans/appearances organised for your year as a Galaxy queen?
I plan on being as proactive as I can and using my title to impact the lives of many through my voluntary work throughout the year, alongside studying for a degree in English! I am so excited for the year ahead, definitely watch this space for lots of exciting plans! As a team we would like to continue with the Galaxy Ball, as started by our predecessors, to raise more funds for The Christie.
When you aren’t busy being a beauty queen, what do you do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies?
A huge passion of mine is volunteering. I think it’s really important to dedicate your spare time to assisting those who need help! I also like to be creative and started making crown cases as I found there is a lack of options. I have since turned this hobby into a small business and make cases for Queens across the globe!
What advice would you give to girls who are thinking about entering the UK Galaxy Pageants?
Go for it! You will have the time of your life at the U.K. Galaxy finals, it is such an accepting system so will welcome you with open arms! It is incredibly professionally run, and Holly and the Pageant Girl UK Team are incredibly supportive! There is so much to be gained from this experience. I spent the whole day laughing and chatting to all of the other beautiful contestants about their platforms (whilst trying to remember the opening dance of course!). It truly is such an incredible system and an opportunity to meet inspiring women from across the UK!
