Miss North Coast KZN finalist aims to better women’s education
Durban — A Durban entrepreneur aims to uplift the community through pageantry as she competes for the Miss North Coast KZN crown.
Durban’s Vanessa Melanie Pillay, who’s an entrepreneur in the skin-care industry and Beauty Assessor, was recently selected as a finalist for the Miss North Coast KZN and will compete against 21 other competitors in the Mrs/Ms 20-50-year-old category.
The Miss North Coast KZN takes place on October 26 at the Capital Zimbali, Ballito.
Pillay said she aims to use this platform to assist with her project – “Keep a Girl Child in School Campaign”.
“The funds us finalists are raising will go for care packs consisting of sanitary/hygiene products for girls in need. I am using my platform to get the Miss North Coast KZN brand out there as the intent of this pageant is what I stand for as an individual,” Pillay said.
Pillay said she recently was involved in a coastal clean-up and that being involved in such community engagements embodies who she is. She said that community work has always been a part of who she is even before being selected as a finalist.
She said she has always been a part of charity initiatives to raise funds/sponsor organisations that are in need of assistance; which included: The Sunflower Fund, Women Empowerment groups and the SPCA to name a few.
“In line with the Keep a Girl Child in School Campaign, care packs will also be distributed and donated to victims of gender-based violence. Last year, Miss North Coast KZN Winners distributed 25 500 care packs to more than 17 non-profit organisations and we hope to make an even bigger impact this year,” Pillay said.
Pillay added that finalists have been scored on their efforts to contribute to the “Beauty With Purpose” criteria and will be crowned accordingly.
Pillay said despite not having modelling experience, her friend had sent her the advertisement and insisted she participates and applies. She said her friend convinced her that she would stand a good chance. Upon selection, Pillay said she felt honoured to be a part of this pageant and being able to use such a platform to further uplift the community.
“This is my first pageant and the nerves are there but I must add that the support from the Miss North Coast KZN pageant organiser was amazing,” she said.
Outside pageantry, Pillay said she loved local travelling and exploring the beauties of South Africa; snorkelling; trails; running and aviation.
She shared that besides being a skin-care entrepreneur, she has piloted a few aircrafts following successful aviation training and is currently studying her LLB.
She also spends a lot of time attending women empowerment events and was a delegate at the Standard Bank TOP Woman conference earlier this year.
“Always add value.” - Vanessa Melanie Pillay
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