17-year-old beauty apprentice, Ffion, has competed in Miss Teen Great Britain and Miss Congeniality in the last couple of years. She thinks beauty pageant competitions are very much still misconceived in the public eye these days with a preconceived ideology.
The name ‘beauty pageant’ seemingly reinforces the idea that women should be valued solely for their appearance. However, over time, these events have become multidimensional and can empower women by highlighting their identities on stage.
At first glance, it may seem as though beauty pageants stress the idea that women are only valued for their physical appearance.
However, pageants today look beyond that. Participating also gives women a chance to practice their public speaking skills, build the confidence to stand up in front of a large crowd and influence younger generations with the cause they want to promote.
Contestants participate in charitable activities, serving as excellent role models for younger girls.
Ffion was a promising gymnast with Llanelli Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy where she trained to a high level to compete at the British Championships in 2019.
Unfortunately, a school injury resulted in the teenager having to have surgery on her knee following a kick – a cruel end her to her promising career prematurely at such a young age.
“I miss gymnastics,” said Ffion. However, I still coach at the club. This was one of the reasons why I decided to take up pageantry.
“I needed to find something I could give my all to and when I saw a friend taking part in a pageant knew that was what I wanted to do.
“I wasn’t sure as people just see the American pageants, but it is nice and so friendly and nothing like you would expect it to be.
“I thought all the girls wouldn’t like each other and just want to win the crown but it’s nothing like that.
“Everyone is so supportive of each other, and it doesn’t matter who wins, everyone is so happy that they even got on the stage.
In July 2023, the teenager was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). A condition that affects behaviour with common symptoms being restlessness, concentrating problems and acting on impulses.
Ffion is determined to embrace and overcome the stigmas surrounding her condition. She says it will not hold her back and wants instead to raise awareness of how it presents differently in girls and how they are usually undiagnosed.
“My first ever event was Miss Teen Great Britain. I then went on to compete in Miss Congeniality last year – which I won,” continued Ffion.
“It was amazing as it is from the other contestants rather than the judges who pick someone. It was nice that people think I’m friendly and outgoing.
“I am raising awareness for ADHD as I have it myself and I want to get that [knowledge and education] out there.
“ADHD is a disability that people don’t really talk about enough. I feel people talk about autism and others, but ADHD is put the side.
“I am trying to get it out there to people that it is a disability, and it is hard. It isn’t just hyperactivity; it has a deeper level to it.
“Winning the Miss Congeniality title was so special to me because I have always struggled socially with friendships and friends accepting me because of my condition. To then win an award for just being me was amazing.
“The friendships I have made whilst competing in pageantry are so special to me and I know they will last a lifetime.”
The kind-hearted youngster is no stranger to her charity work in the local community with past efforts seeing money raised for the Jerusalem Baptist Church, Morgans Army, Short Lives and The Swansea Veterans Hub.
This time round as part of her pageantry work, she is collecting for various local causes.
Ffion is organising her third fundraiser, which is an afternoon tea to raise funds for two charities – Morgan’s Army and The Christie Cancer Charity. Both will be held in The Grand Hotel Swansea on September 29.
The youngster will also be taking part in the Show Your Style charity fashion show which will be held on September 21 in the Castle Hotel, Neath and The Welsh National Prom Show which will be held in The Diplomat Hotel, Llanelli on November 17.
“I will be competing for [Miss] Galaxy [UK] in March in Chorley on my 18th birthday, so I have to make sure it is a good one now. I am hoping to win the crown and then to go to the international competition in Florida in August.
“I was fundraising for Short Lives when I was competing for Miss Teen Great Britain, and I fundraised for my local charity called Morgan’s Army but now I am raising money for the Christie Cancer Charity as well.
“This month I have my fundraiser in the Grand Hotel Swansea. I also will be walking a mile every day for Dementia UK for my nan who has just been diagnosed with the condition. It is very close to my heart.
“To raise awareness of ADHD I post a lot on my socials about it but would love the opportunity to work with a specific charity in the future to raise money and raise awareness.”
Ffion has secured sponsorship for her entry fee for Galaxy UK from Richard Murrill Pageant Sponsorship but is looking for sponsors to help cover the cost of travel and dresses.
If anyone is interested in sponsoring Ffion on her pageant journey or would like to purchase tickets for her fundraiser, please email Ffioncolwill.pageants@gmail.com to discuss this further.
[Lead image: Stephen Davies Photography]
