Jaenique Swartz
In the captivating world of pageantry, Chelsi Shikongo, former Miss Namibia 2021, has transitioned from beauty queen to mentor. Recognising the need for proper training, preparation, and support for young girls and women entering beauty pageants, Shikongo has partnered with Bobby Kaanjosa, an internationally recognised pageant contributor, fashion stylist, and mentor.
The duo is set to host a workshop in early February, aiming to equip attendees with the necessary tools to enhance their pageantry capabilities. The workshop is specifically tailored for young girls aspiring to participate in the Miss Teen and Miss Namibia 2024 competitions.
“Being a former title holder really opened a lot of doors for me and also made me realise that there is a need for proper training, but mainly a need of preparation and support for young girls and women who enter beauty pageants,” she said. Shikongo, who has previously conducted workshops and consultations, sees this workshop as a continuation of her commitment to the pageant community. She hopes participants will view pageantry as a platform for sisterhood and an investment in their communities, careers, and overall wellbeing. “This workshop is just a continuation of what I have already been doing for and with the pageant community. I hope they have fun and learn from one another, but most importantly, that they support one another,” she said. Shikongo acknowledged the struggles experienced within the modeling and beauty industry.
“It is not an easy industry to be in, people will critique and scrutinise you, and that is why it is so important to build on your self-confidence every day. You should have a tough skin and always remind yourself why you are doing what you’re doing, it is okay to not feel your best every day, but keep going because you have goals to achieve,” said the beauty queen.
Moreover, she finds herself acquiring funding to have the Miss Grand Namibia franchise in Namibia since she has been trying to acquire the licence to buy the franchise as it currently stands at US$6000 which is valued at more than N$100 000.
“I truly hope everyone understands that the more we are better prepared and see the value of pageantry, the more chances we have internationally because we feel empowered to excel in these avenues, and not just pageants, but sport, literature, politics, and science. We all deserve a chance to excel and now is the time for Namibia to become a household name,” Shikongo added.
Kaanjosa expresses high expectations for the workshop, emphasising the importance of teaching the intricate aspects of pageantry that are often overlooked. He acknowledges the misconceptions surrounding beauty pageants but emphasises that these platforms provide women with a voice.
Kanjoosa hopes the turnout will be successful seeing that it is his first workshop of the year.
“I want to unmask the potential of the future title holders of Namibia, by teaching them the nitty gritty parts of pageantry that oftentimes get overlooked. I acknowledge the misconceptions surrounding beauty pageants but note the country is well on its way to moving past limiting beliefs placed upon women in society. Beauty pageants create a platform for women to have a voice,” Kaanjosa said.
As a mentor, Kaanjosa is actively involved
in various initiatives, including Walk It Queen and Walk by Bobby Kaanjosa, where he conducts classes on confidence, and walking in heels, and imparts various beauty lessons.
-jaeniqueswartz@icloud.com