Pageant prodigy and beauty queen, Lucia Kapolo is looking forward to represent the country at the upcoming 16th edition of Miss Aura International.
The 2021 event is scheduled to take place from 20 September to 5 October in Turkey.
More than 30 countries will compete in the Miss Aura International beauty contest, earlier known as Miss Kremer International, held every year since 2006 in Turkey.
VIBEZ! caught up with the beauty queen to talk about her journey to the international pageant and her impact on the local pageant industry.
“I have always dreamt of participating internationally and representing my country is a great honour,” she said, adding that it goes way deeper than just showing people she is from Namibia.
“I think it is being able to proudly take my strides while reflecting the diversity of my country. To be able to do what I love for the country is almost surreal; it is a very satisfying feeling,” she said, noting this will be her first international gig.
Aged 21, Kapolo is not new to the pageant world, having already taken part in prestigious beauty pageants, such as Miss High School, Miss Oshakati Annual Totem Expo, Miss Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair and so forth.
Her experience in the pageant industry consists of a whopping 10 national competition finales.
Kapolo, a law student at the University of Namibia, said she does not really have anything or anyone who inspired her to do modelling.
“The first time I walked a ramp I just knew I was destined for this and since then, I have been my own inspiration in the modelling world.”
The self-groomed model aims to use her modelling platform to amplify her voice and be a positive inspiration to everyone who looks up to her.
“I want to inspire young individuals who have given up on their dreams and succumbed to their circumstances. I believe the power to align your dreams with reality is all in your hands and all it takes is passion and courage to reach for that which seems impossible.”
For her journey to become a success, Kapolo is requesting the public to lend support in funding her trip to represent Namibia.
“I am set to leave for Turkey before the 20th of September 2021 but that would only be possible if I raise N$25 000 in cash.”
Her expenses include a return ticket which is about N$12 000, wardrobe expenses which according to her can amount to N$9 000 and pocket money.
“I am only supported by my mother who is currently unemployed and my grandmother who is a pensioner. So, any amount contributed will make a difference in helping me move forward. I would appreciate the opportunity to make a substantial contribution to the Namibian pageant industry. I am looking forward to working hard to achieve the desired results.”
Kapolo certainly seems to be a strong contender at Miss Aura International 2021, given her skills and experience in the industry.
Other than the international title and four runner-up positions, the competition will also involve some preliminary competitions and special awards like Miss Friendship, Miss Talent, Miss National Costume, Miss Bikini, Miss Annex, Miss Rixos Sungate and Miss Roberto Bravo.
Requirements to compete include a model appearance, aged between 18 and 28, height from 1.68m, no scars and tattoos in prominent places, and experience of participating in beauty contests.