Being a beauty queen isn’t as easy as it seems —Eniola Christabel

Eniola Christabel is a beauty queen and a beautician. The current Miss Culture Face of Fashion Africa, whose pet project is themed “Happiness In The Lonely Days, speaks to WALE OLAPADE on her dreams, career, among other things.

 

What inspired you to go into beauty pageantry?

I started modelling in 2010, because of my huge passion and love of being in front of the camera. When I checked out the criteria and vision of pageantry, I fit in because I got poise, charisma, boldness, attitude,  carriage and courage. It was just all about beauty.

 

When did you first contest as a beauty queen and what was the outcome?

Miss Campus 2012 back then in school, I didn’t win.  But won the Miss of my department.

 

How many beauty shows did you participate in before your present status?

I have been a contestant in pageants like Miss campus, Miss traditional Oyo ‘14, Miss Oyo State ‘15 & Miss charismatic Nigeria ‘15.

 

How did you come about your present crown as the Miss Culture Face of Fashion Africa?

I would say it is the grace of God because I put HIM first. Anything without God will fail.

 

How do you feel as an African queen and what are your plans and projects for the next one year?

It is not as easy as it looks. However, it shows a lot of things about me. I’m now mindful of what I post on my social networks. It is a lot of fun, but it can be tiring especially when you are just coming up (because you are not that recognized). You have to be  positioned, branded and look good at every point. I plan to make great impact in African society and engage in some humanitarian pet projects.

 

What were the position(s) of your parents when you went into beauty contest?

My  mum was supportive to an extent because of the issue of Esther being crowned as Queen in the bible, she believed it was also a form of pageantry. My dad was really against it because of the ‘ Sleep with me syndrome ‘  common in beauty pageant in Nigeria. To be sincere, it wasn’t easy with dad but still, my mum helped a lot in convincing him. I love you, mummy

 

What is your regret since you have started contesting?

As a model, I have learnt that contesting is an ongoing process of growth and a way of  life and developing. Regrets are bound to happen, and I cannot think of any regret in pageantry  that is constant as the wardrobe malfunction, or giving a wrong response to the judges because I didn’t

understand the question.

 

What would you say has given  you joy as a queen in her early 20s?

Beyond the attention that I receive, the humbling experience of meeting fans, my joy comes from knowing that I am doing something that brings out the inner peace and satisfaction by which I am able to glorify God. Fame, glitter and glamour are all part of the package of

being the Queen, but nothing makes me more content than to touch lives as I am passionate about uplifting the needy, homeless and less  privileged. The Crown affords the opportunity to maximise my impact in giving my quota in the lives of  people. My joy is on serving

through the crown even before I attained my youth service.

 

What are those ills of pageantry that you will want organisers to correct?

Runners up are not always given consolation prizes and sometimes not pushed. The main queen is their priority and that is really not nice because runners up could work and flaunt their title better. I will love to see change!

 

Pageantry has been characterised by so many atrocities of sexual abuses, how did you manage the situation?

I had the issue of fake agencies,  it almost killed my vision and dream of becoming a beauty Queen and model. So, I became prayerful, got my parents’ support and blessing, and said to myself “ I won’t defile myself to get what I can’t defend.”

 

What is your take on the fact that nudity is famous with beauty show especially during pre-shooting of contestant photographs?

Hmmmm… It is well.  It is the reality on  ground, and my take on this is that, as a model,  you are building a brand that must grow with you, and your support system. Many of the emerging models get trapped in this early. You project your brand which is your personality and character by which you will be known and remembered for the rest of your life, and career. You do not want to be known as that easy, and loose model. Photographers have an unlimited access to your vulnerable self, and you need to define your status and relationship from the onset. If it means that you draw a contract or work with the person of the same sextet,  do it as this will build a reputation for you in the industry. Industry insiders get to know which girl gives free nude pictures to the photographers, and this,  in many instances, discredits your brand, and sponsors do not want to work with the seemingly loose beauty model. Many big stars have lost their endorsements after it was discovered that they have intimate relationships with the photographers and or publishers. A clear cut character set from the onset is a safest filter that will carry you a long way in the beauty

show. You have beauty to show, and that is not nudity. and for me this is temple of the Lord and the future joy for my husband.

 

What is your project as a beauty queen and how far have you gone with?

To the glory of God, on 4th of September marked the birth of a landmark and unforgettable event in the famous city of Ibadan. I dazzled and showed the people of Ibadan that am not only a fountain and spring of beauty and brains but also a philanthropist. With my poise, charisma, & courage,i made great impact in the African society through  empowering and sharing of gifts amongst widows and less privileged.

My pet project was themed “Happiness In The Lonely Days”.

And I also donated blood at National Blood Transfusion Service centre in Ibadan..