Victoria Daropale is the current Miss Nigeria International Charismatic and a final year student of Nutrition and Dietetics at Wesley University of Science And Technology, Ondo State. With over three crowns to her name, Victoria still aspires to achieve more. In this interview with ADEWOYIN ADENIYI, she speaks on her journey into the world of modelling, why her education isn’t disturbing her career and love life among other issues.
WHAT were your parents’ reactions to your choice of career?
I love my parents so much and one of the reasons is because they support me and would put their money on anything that would make me happy. I came from them and they love fashion. My dad is a stylish and fashionable man. He delivers with style. The only issue they had, especially my mother, was that she believes it is only badly-behaved people who go into modelling. But with time, they saw reason with me and approved of my decision because they believe in me.
How were you able to convince them about your desire to contest in a beauty pageant?
First and foremost, to me, a beauty pageant is a celebration of beauty. It is an avenue to develop and empower young ladies who are joining the pageant to become more aware and responsive to the problems being faced in the society.
And I as a person, I love to be that epitome of change who would touch and impact lives positively, being an ambassador of goodwill. Right from childhood, my parents knew I love giving a helping hand to anybody that crosses my way. They knew me as a compassionate person, and with me being a beauty queen, I believe I have a task to perform. Also, a test of knowledge, intelligence, good morals with good attitude and confidence is being examined among the contestants in a beauty contest. One of the reasons my parents supported me was because I’m not a dullard. I was doing very well in school and it motivated them to support me.
To me, a beauty pageant is another learning process where one is being taught basic and good ethics of life. And my parents, being fashionable people and lovers of entertainment, they love watching beauty pageant videos. They are the ones who drew my attention to it, to watch and check it out with them; how the contestants are so keen answering their questions full of confidence. With that, my parents would be overwhelmed with what they have seen and when I told them I would also love to be seen on screen, they had no option than to give me their consent.
I really love them so much because they have been very supportive in all ramifications. My dad got me my first six inch heels to practice how to walk on runway, despite the fact that he is a man and my mum still gets me fashion magazines till date. I feel so blessed to have them as parents.
Why did you choose to go into modelling?
Modelling has always been a part of my life. I derive extra joy when I watch some modelling videos online, especially the one on runway. I so much fell in love with the fierce looks I see on the faces of models and I’ve always wanted to be seen on screen like them too.
With that, I would practice on how to walk on runway for hours by walking on a long tiny wood just to get my walking steps right (laughs). I have this passion for fashion. I started modelling when I was about six years old in primary school. Then, I did some modelling related jobs for my school by catwalking on a lane with flowers in hand and presenting it to the outgoing seniors of my school and being used as face of the school.
I so much love modelling because, to me, it is an imitation of things done in reality being put in an illusion.
What pageants have you won?
In 2011, I ventured into modelling and in 2013 I competed in Miss Nigeria Association of Food Science and Technology Students (Miss NAFSTS) held at Kubwa in Abuja. I emerged first runner-up. In 2014, I competed in Miss Ondo State Orange Queen and I emerged the winner. In 2015, I competed in Miss Nigeria International and I was awarded the title, Miss Nigeria International Charismatic, the first of its kind.
Who are the people you look up to in line of your career?
I admire Agbani Darego being the first African to clinch the Miss World title. I love Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell. They have achieved so much on the runway. They are indeed supermodels!
What’s your educational background?
I love academics. I am currently a final year student, studying Nutrition and Dietetics at Wesley University of Science And Technology, Ondo State.
With so many models and beauty queens in industry, how do you intend to stay relevant?
Modelling takes extreme dedication. You have to really want this to make it work, by being yourself, determined and being the best in everything you do.
How has the journey been?
It has been a blessing and also a learning process for me. It has, indeed, really been worth the cost of ambition.
How did you emerge the winner of your current crown?
I put in my very best. I believe so much in myself and I also have confidence in myself. Also, it is about being intelligent and having the charisma, you know, as Miss Charismatic. (Laughs)
People are of the opinion that models and beauty queens sacrifice their body to win the crown. How true is that?
Though it may be true, I will only speak about myself. I have never had such experience.
Will you go the extra mile to win a contest?
I’m good at what I do, and I believe I’m the best in everything I do. So, if the contest really needs the best as their winner, then I see no reason why I should go the extra mile because I’m always the best.
What’s your love life like?
You will be single unless you are lucky enough to find someone who understands your lifestyle.
Is your man pleased with your job considering the fact that it requires exposure of your body?
As I said, being in a relationship with someone means he will have to understand my lifestyle.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I see myself having an MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics, an ex-Miss World, a renowned model and if possible, happily married.
How have you coped with the challenges of your profession?
It’s all about determination and there is no pain without gain. You just have to be determined.
What has been your most embarrassing moment?
When a guy told me you look hot, ooh!! I felt like a prostitute.
How would you describe yourself?
A queen with high heels, high standards, and high expectations; smelling good, looking good, feeling good. Highly ambitious, highly motivated, highly abundant, being with three crowns. These things already make me feel loved and indeed grateful to God.
How do you keep fit?
I do exercise; I eat food with a good menu being planned.
What is your definition of a Queen?
A queen is one who doesn’t seduce a man with her body; she stimulates with her mind. She doesn’t settle; she inspires growth. She doesn’t fit in with the rest; she stands out, she must be treated with respect.
No comments:
Post a Comment