Neecee Lexy
- Nov 29, 2018
- 5 min read

Etoile Betou - Inaugural winner of Miss Africa Canada 2018

"We all as women have different characteristics and traits that make us special, and we are all queens in our own right." - Etoile Betou

Stage Name: Etoile Betou

Profession: Dealership Support Representative

Hometown: Toronto, Ont.

Enterprise: Miss Africa Canada 2018)

BEAUTY QUEEN

LAW STUDENT

ACTIVIST

We are thrilled to have the Beauty Queen, MissEtoile Betou with us here today on NEECEE LEXY blog. Etoile B is the inaugural winner of Miss Africa Canada 2018. The 25th years old is a Criminal Justice graduate student and currently working towards completing her immigration Consultant diploma.

She is a proud Congolese Canadian who is aspired to opened her own immigration firm. She is hoping to be able to help bring families back together by opening more homes, facilities and after school programs for at risk youth. Today, she will be discussing with us her experience as the Winner of Miss Africa Canada 2018. Plus, her journey in creating impracticable mission as a young leader for her community. Without further due please let's welcome Queen Etoile B.

Tell us about yourself My name is Etoile Betou, and I am 25 years old. I am a student working towards my diploma in Immigration Consultant. I’ve recently graduated in the Criminal Justice program, where I obtained my degree. I am an introvert with an extrovert personality. I recently competed in the Miss Africa Canada pageant, and managed to take home the win.

When did you start getting involved in pageant shows? This is my first time getting involved in the pageant life. I have never done a beauty pageant before, but I am glad that I managed to step out of my comfort zone to do something like this.

Who inspired you to enter pageant? I was inspired to join the pageant by a family friend, and was encouraged to join by some friends and my mother. My family friend hosted an event and asked me to help her by being the MC of the event. I initially did not want to help host because I am so shy, but she gave me a long speech about the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone in order to truly experience life. I eventually ended up hosting the event, and I just remembered how great it felt to do something that I have never done before. I have always wanted to participate in at least one beauty pageant, but my friends and family really gave me the push I needed in order to actually apply for the Miss Africa Canada pageant.

What is your go to fashion tips as a beauty pageant? My go to fashion tip is to dress in what makes you feel good. I think it is so important to have self confidence, and to love yourself in a world that is constantly showing the opposite. Once you feel comfortable in your own skin, what you wear won’t matter.

You’ve recently been crowned as Miss Africa Canada Queen. Massive Congratulations! What have you gained the most from this entire experience thus far?

I think that one of the major things that I have gained from this experience is self-growth. I went into this competition very shy and timid, and not knowing what to expect. I personally feel that I have stretched myself and have grown as a person. I have also managed to muster up the confidence to go out to different events, and to speak confidently without worrying about how I am perceived. I am currently working on getting more in touch with my African roots, and doing more for my community. I have also managed to get connected with some people who can help me out with accomplishing these goals.

What is (are) your favourite pageant experience(s) and why? My favourite pageant experience was meeting my pageant sisters. I have grown so close to some of these girls, and I had so much fun at the practices, events and activities that we got to participate in. Although it was a stressful journey, I am glad that I got to go through it with these ladies, because they made it enjoyable, and it felt less like a job and more like an activity.

For a girl who is interested in entering a pageant, what advice will you give her?

The advice that I would give to a girl who is interested in entering a pageant is that she should be herself. It is important to show the audience and the judges who you are, and allow the chips to fall where they may. I truly do not believe that pageants are about the crown or the money. We all as women have different characteristics and traits that make us special, and we are all queens in our own right. Beauty pageants are more about displaying your personality, traits and characteristics that set you apart from others.

Being the first Miss Africa Canada 2018 is so surreal, can you tell us about the crowning moment? I will be honest that I was extremely shocked with the turnout of the pageant. I did believe that I had the qualities and possibility of winning, but I was still shocked that I took home the crown. I didn’t think I would cry, but those were definitely tears of joy. I was so happy and proud of myself for sticking through this journey, and for allowing myself to experience something new. More than anything, I am grateful. God deservesall the glory.

In 2019, the Miss Africa Canada will be hosting their annual pageant show. What advice will you give these upcoming contestants to prepare themselves for winning the crown? The advice that I would give to the upcoming contestants is that although this is a beauty pageant, it is not solely about external beauty. This pageant also focuses on one’s internal beauty, and the creative ways in which contestants can display their personalities. I would let these ladies know that it is so important for them to be themselves, and to show their audience what they have to offer the world, and how they can use their personalities, skills and talents to create an impact in this world.

What can we expect from you in the next 2 years or so? In the next two years, I hope to have completed my studies and opened my own immigration firm. I am currently studying immigration, and I am hoping to be able to help families migrate to Canada. I come from a family that has been separated by deportation, so I know the feeling of having a family member being taken away. I am hoping to be able to help bring families back together because I know the feeling of being separated firsthand. I also would like to do some work in Congo, such as opening more homes, facilities and afterschool programs for at risk youth.

Who are other talented designers or stylists you hope to collaborate with? I actually am interested in collaborating with you, I have heard a lot about your work and I have friends who have worked with you in the past. I also would like to continue to work with David (@Zalahari) because I have seen him take a vision and create some beautiful pieces. Another designer would be Andrea Smart (@Andreasdresses) who is an African designer. I had the pleasure of communicating with her before my pageant, and I have seen a few of her pieces and instantly fell in love.

Yes! I will be honoured to work with you. Thank you for the sweet compliment dear. Also, your friend who is one of model did mention. I can not wait to have awesome collaboration with you Etoile. Thank you once again for being our lovely guest feature on NEECEE LEXY BLOG . We wish you all the best in your mission. We look forward in re-interviewing you in the near future. As for the collaboration I will connect with you soon on that matter :D.