24 year old Joanna Johnson from Blackpool won the Galaxy No.10 competition and was crowned Miss Galaxy North England at the UK Galaxy Pageants 10th anniversary! Get to know Joanna by reading her interview below!
What made you want to enter the UK Galaxy Pageants?
Back in 2015, I was World Supermodel UK and being a part of the Pageant Girl team I got to know the Galaxy Girls of that year, having spent a weekend with them in Plas Colwyn I saw the special bond they had and all the excitement over the upcoming Galaxy international finals. Hearing everything about the Galaxy system, I just knew it was something that I wanted to be a part of so in 2017 I entered my first Galaxy competition, Miss Galaxy England and everything I had heard or seen about Galaxy was true. It was such an amazing experience so when I got 2nd runner up it made me more determined than ever to come back this year and work harder to try and fulfil my dream. My hard work paid off as I was lucky enough to win the Galaxy No.10 crown as Miss Galaxy North England.
What did you do to prepare for the final?
In the run up to final I prepared in lots of different ways, starting with appearances and charity work. I travelled miles and miles around the UK, attending lots of events and supporting different pageant girls in their events too. Another way I prepare for the finals is for the onstage rounds by being in the best shape I can be, I do this by going to the gym up to 5 times a week, healthy eating and drinking at least 2 litres of water a day.
What is the best thing about being a Galaxy Girl?
I would have to say the sisterhood, I have met so many new people I now call my friends through being a Galaxy Girl and I know they will be friendships I’ll cherish forever, everyone supports everyone and it’s such a lovely system to be a part of. Being a galaxy girl has given me so many opportunities so far and I can’t wait for the future.
Who is your inspiration?
My inspiration is Tyra Banks. She has worked so hard to where she has gotten in life even after so many rejections, it just shows you that if you want something so much never give up and you can achieve your dreams.
What part of the international Galaxy Pageants in Orlando are you most excited about?
I don’t even know where to start on picking what I’m most looking forward to as there are just so many things I could pick from. From the Pj party to the white party, just letting our hair down and having fun with all the other contestants and my sister queens and then to be finally up on that Galaxy stage. Can I just say the whole thing?
Tell us your favourite:
Film – my favourite film is Moana! I have watched it probably about 200 times, I could play a part in it. My boyfriend won’t let me watch it anymore though so I have to watch it when he is asleep, haha!
Food – probably cheese, I could eat a whole block of it and I have it on anything I can. If I order something that has cheese on it I always ask for extra!
Song – I have lots of favourite songs it’s so hard to pick from, I just love anything old school R&B or anything that brings out my inner Beyoncé in the car really.
Beauty product – my favourite and must have beauty product is a pair of eyelashes. From natural day ones to full glam pageant looks, you just can’t go wrong.
Do you have any exciting plans/appearances organised for your year as a Galaxy queen?
I have already got lots of things in my diary from fashion shows to judging but I am hoping to organise my own event towards the end of the year so keep your eyes peeled.
When you aren’t busy being a beauty queen what do you do in your spare time?
I am a hairstylist in my day to day life, I have been doing it for 8 years now and it’s something I really enjoy. I also like going to the gym and spending time with my boyfriend, friends and family.
What advice would you give girls who are thinking of entering the UK Galaxy Pageants?
I would say go for it, Galaxy is an amazing system that accepts all different types of women. The main bit of advice I would give is just have fun with it, be the best version of you, don’t put too much stress and pressure on yourself and just enjoy your time as a Galaxy girl as it creates so many great opportunities for you, win or lose, so grab them all with both hands. Remember there is only one winner at the end of it so if you have worked hard, had fun and made new friends then you are all winners. If you don’t win, never give up if it’s what you truly want.
Joanna Johnson – Miss Galaxy North England xxx
Photography – Van Der Meuwe