BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SHE missed the crown the first time she entered a pageant but Khyla Brown did not let that stop her from capturing the crown at the recently-held Miss FLOW Caribbean Culture competition in Nevis.
Brown was among 12 beauties from across the region who were vying for the title and by the end of Monday (Aug. 1) evening, she proved that her prowess surpassed her competitors’.
The pageant stretched over two days, with the three swimwear appearances – the All White, One Piece and Two Piece – taking place on Saturday evening (Jul. 30) and the other segments taking place on Monday.
Pulling 2893 points, and having won the One Piece Swimwear, Two Piece Swimwear, All White Swimwear, Talent and Evening Wear segments, Brown was declared the winner. The First Runner Up spot was taken by Miss Dominica and the Second Runner Up spot was won by Miss Antigua and Barbuda.
Brown also won the Best Promotional Video award while Miss Dominican Republic took the Miss Amity award.
About eight months ago, Brown entered the National Carnival Queen Pageant and placed First Runner Up and having won this competition, she said she feels a sense of accomplishment and contentment.
It is not an easy task to set foot onstage to stare fear in the eyes and, in some cases, to brave criticism. And for Brown, some segments were easier than others but she managed to pull through.
“At first for the modelling aspect, I was really fine. I kept saying to myself ‘Let’s get this’ because I really like the excitement of modelling and showcasing the swimsuits. I think those were my favourite segments.
“However, for the other ones, I was extremely nervous. Talent I was also nervous because my throat was getting dry. I had to be drinking olive oil for a very long period of time and I was hoping that I actually got the pull that off.”
Practical application of skills
Brown is an entrepreneur whose skills as a nail technician and makeup artiste stretch beyond her clientele. She told SKNVibes that during the two-part event, she not only did her own makeup but also that of Miss St. Lucia for the final night of the show and assisted with the makeup of Miss. Antigua and Barbuda.
She said the airbrushing part of the makeup application, which was needed for the swimsuit and costume segments, was done by her sister Latonya, whom she taught some of the secrets of the art.
The experience!
“It was a challenge to prepare for but I loved the buzz that I got from the Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant. It was a great experience. The girls were lovely… It didn’t feel like work. When I actually arrived in Nevis, it felt like I was there to participate in the pageant yes, but at the end of the day the hospitality was amazing, the food was awesome and the experience on a whole was just amazing.”
What’s next?
Brown said she is ready to take on the tasks which would be passed on to her as an ambassador of the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis.
As an entrepreneur, she said she has to ensure that she upholds her commitment to her customers while giving the Federation the best representation that she can, whether locally or abroad.
As for the possibility of entering pageants in the future, Brown told this publication she is hopeful that that would take place.
For the Miss Caribbean Culture show, her lead chaperon was her sister Desi Brown of Poise SKN with assistance from Genieve Hanley of ACE Management and Consultancy and LEAP.
