A 19-year-old student from Crownhill who was bullied at school and later became the victim of a toxic relationship has fought back to become a beauty queen raising money for charity.
Lauren Howell is currently studying education at Brimingham City University and hopes to become a primary school teacher.
Having been crowned as Pure International Teen UK earlier this year, next year she will going to Ohio in the USA to compete internationally against girls from many other countries.
Lauren said:
“I became Pure International Teen UK in June at the Pure UK event that was held in Warrington. Pure UK has a focus on #betheimpact, an initiative which encourages contestants to make a difference in their community.
“With this I did a lot of charity work that helped others be the people they should be without having to worry about food or living issues.”
As part of the pageant Lauren took part in an interview where she told the judges about herself and all her charity work. This represented 50 per cent of the points while the other 50 per cent was based on two stage walks, evening wear and fashion wear.
“My evening wear was bought from Kimberly Rose Boutique in Keyham and my fashion wear was helped made by Patchii Designs of Prince Rock. My two walks were judged on poise and elegance though the fashion wear had more of a fun focus to it.
“Throughout the whole pageant experience I made a lot of friends and gained a lot more confidence than I had before.”
Lauren said that she had many struggles in life before becoming a beauty queen.
“I got out of a very toxic relationship to realise my worth. From primary school up until sixth form I was always bullied for my looks and for the person I was, because of this I was always trying to change my looks through make up, fitness and hairstyles.
“Coming out of the toxic relationship allowed me to see who I actually was and made me want to show others that you can be yourself and do extraordinary things.
“With my low confidence I went up on a stage surrounded by wonderful people who even though they never met me still cheered me on. Starting pageants has given me so much confidence and I’d love to share my story more.”
