ANNIE GALLANT
Observer Reporter
When Ashley Massey received a message on her Facebook page inviting her to participate in Miss Canada Globe Petite beauty pageant her first thought was “is this legitimate?”
After her family helped confirm it was indeed, a bonafide competition, Ashley became excited about something she had dreamed about since she was a child.
Entering such events is something the 19-year-old had never really considered.
“I really didn’t think I was pretty enough,” she said.
“I felt good knowing I was.”
According to their website, Miss Canada Globe Productions was founded in May 2000 and has been acclaiming women to represent Canada at various international pageants including Miss Globe, Miss Petite International and Miss Teen Worldwide.
Their vision was for a national pageant that would restore the glory of pageants in Canada but would have a modern concept. While recreating the glamour of pageants they looked to have a stronger focus on education and equality.
Their primary mandate is to promote inner beauty and confidence, as well as to provide Canadian women with opportunities to compete for a national title regardless of their height, size or creed.
And Ashley is very excited to have the national experience.
She appreciates her family, especially her mother, for encouraging her to go forward with the opportunity.
“It will also open doors for me,” she said.
“I plan to pursue my career goal of becoming a pharmacist and could look into the possibility
of modeling after the pageant which could
help while I’m in school.”
One of the first things Ashley did, was to contact last year’s Miss Canada Petite from Saskatchewan.
“Teri Mann didn’t have any experience either, but said many of the girls were more experienced,” she said.
Prior to the pageant in Toronto in August, Ashley needs to raise $3,000 which pays for training, rehearsal space, sashes, crowns, talent coaches, hotel accommodations, audio and visual requirements, theatre, transportation, administrative fees, meals, production costs, cash prizes for the winners, hair and makeup.
She will also have to raise money for her own wardrobe (no jeans and Tee-shirts at this pageant), transportation to Toronto, cosmetics, jewelry and whatever accessories she’ll need.
“Regency Chrysler has agreed to a minimum of $1,500 in sponsorship and I’ve set up an account at CIBC (05950 #7772831) for those wishing to make donations,” she said.
Ashley is also planning a few fundraisers including cookie sales through her employer Quesnel Bakery.
But she’s going to need help fulfilling her dream.
Her first step towards the pageant is an assessment in Vancouver in May where the 20 B.C. contestants will be schooled in deportment, runway etiquette and other skills they’ll need to do well.
But possibly the most daunting aspect for Ashley is the public speaking component. She’ll be answering questions in front of thousands of people and is planning on brushing up on that skill well before the event.
For her talent, Ashley will draw on her training as a belly dancer.
As well as the funds raised for the pageant, Ashley will donate 25 per cent of her fundraising to her two chosen charities, Make a Wish Foundation and the 139 Children’s Fundraiser.
“I have chosen these two charities because they helped my family when my little brother had to be taken to Vancouver and with a special wish of his to see Grave Digger, a famous monster truck,” she said.
Ashley said she knows the experience will be a lot of hard work but very rewarding.
“Regardless of the outcome, it will be something I will always remember. And my experience speaks to all the young women who might not believe they can have this dream.”
She’s set up a Facebook page for people to follow her journey leading to the final pageant in August.
“This could be the beginning to a whole new lifestyle,” she said with a grin.