An Edinburgh woman has spoken of the empowering experience of competing in this year's Miss Universe Great Britain.
Cassy Tang, 27, from Corstorphine, says that competing has helped her to battle her own mental health struggles and difficulties with racism. It had always been a dream of Cassy’s to compete in a pageant and she says that she hopes that her role in the competition can inspire others to follow the same path.
The designer and nail artist professional says that a major reason for her competing was to show that race and height do not matter when determining beauty. During her role in the competition she championed charities such as A-Sisterhood - an organisation that looks to empower and protect women worldwide - and SOHTIS - Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland - who she still supports today.
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Cassy says that pageantry has come a long way from being a purely aesthetics driven industry and instead says that competitions like Miss Universe GB are more focused on showing how beauty can be assessed in more meaningful ways.
She adds that the competition has given her a new found confidence and that competing has allowed her to become an anti-bullying ambassador at her former high school, Craigmount.
On why it was important to compete in the three day competition in Wales, she said: “I became involved in the competition as my best friend Lisa was a contestant the year before me. I knew it was always something I would like to try to experience from a young age and hoped that it would help with career opportunities for acting, singing or dancing.
“Competing meant a lot to me and was important as I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and overcame self doubt - it told me that I was good enough to do something like this. It was also important to me that I represent Asian women. I am 5 2” and I felt I wanted to break the stigma that all pageant queens have to be at least 5”7.
“Being a finalist meant that I could show the world that height doesn’t matter and race shouldn’t matter either. Everyone is unique and we all are worthy no matter our age, height or race.
“Racism has been a huge problem for me throughout my life and to be on a platform so huge meant that I could stand up to racism.
“I think that nowadays pageantry is not so much about what you look like, don’t get me wrong there is still some element of this, but I feel it is more about beauty with a purpose. Even the women who aren’t winning are still winning in life and it's not always about the crown.
“It is about how you can be an advocate and be an ambassador for your country and help the world to be a better place. And to be honest, the women in pageantry are very supportive of each other, which you might not think would be the case, but we all try to lift each other up and not tear each other down.”
Unfortunately Cassy was unable to bring the crown back home to Scotland but her fearless determination meant that she was able to help various causes and instil self-confidence in herself to become an ambassador for others to look to for advice.
On the experience of competing, she added: “Honestly time flies by and before you know it, the whole weekend that I was In Wales was over in a flash. The competition was intense and definitely challenging with little to no sleep for most of the weekend.
“The events took up the whole day and by night we were all tired out. I think the best thing about the competition was meeting the other finalists and having a good time with them, taking away memories and enjoying the fast paced environment.
“Throughout the whole competition I felt a mix of emotions. It was definitely an exhilarating experience to remember though. I felt I could’ve prepared a bit more and could’ve done a lot more to get myself ready for the competition but I enjoyed it all the same.
“My goal after the competition would be to use the fact I have been a Miss Universe GB finalist to empower others and be a voice for mental health issues. This is what I am doing now moving forward. I have plans to help with the mental health ambassadors in my old high school, Craigmount.
“As someone who was heavily bullied - mental health is very important to me. I wish to help implement ideas on how to support students with mental health issues as I feel when I was at high school I never had this and it is amazing that it is now made available.
“I also hope to continue working with SOHTIS. My plans are to use my singing skills and write a song about human trafficking and hopefully be a helping hand in the world.”
Cassy says that she was very grateful for all of her fellow competitors who continuously pulled together to help each other be the best competitor that they could be. She was also thankful for the immense support that her mum and dad gave her by driving eight hours to the competition and continually lifting her spirits.
Cassy said: “I can’t thank my family and friends enough for the support I have received. Whenever I felt I wasn’t good enough they always tried to lift me up and I am super thankful for that.
“I want to thank everyone that has supported me along that journey. I couldn't have done it without you guys. You all know who you are!
“However, as an asian woman I did receive some doubtful comments, but at the end of the day my family had nothing but love for me. My family in Hong Kong have also supported me and cared for me.
“Aunties sponsored me financially which was a huge help to me. I also want to thank my pageant stylist Dani Latimer. She really gave me a lot of advice on the competition, not only helping me with styling, but also helping me with my mindset.
“My advice to anyone wanting to compete is to make sure that it is something you really want to do and be prepared for the mental rollercoaster that you will endure. It is normal at the end of the day, it is a competition but also think positively no matter the outcome, winning isn’t everything and this is what helped me through it.
“Do not just think about winning but enjoy the whole experience and meeting new people as well as the opportunities that will come from it.
“Know that whatever the outcome is, that you are worthy, unique and beautiful in your own way and do not compare yourself with anyone else. Life is too short, be brave and do it, the universe is calling you.”
Cassy adds that if anyone would like to seek advice for competing in a pageant then to contact her through her Instagram here.
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