Congratulations to Kalani’s Miss Teen Kapahulu

Meet Bryazha Caires. She is an ordinary girl who loves going to the beach or shopping on the weekends. Not to mention, she loves to dance hula and Tahitian, as you may have seen in the May Day Assembly last school year. But little do you know, she is also the Miss Teen Kapahulu pageant winner and is eager to compete again on November 6th for a shot at Miss Teen Hawaii. Growing up, she always watched Tyra Banks on America’s Next Top Model, and learned how to do photo shoots. Now, she is winning the Miss Teen Kapahulu competition and competing for Miss Teen Hawaii. I sat down with her to learn more about walking down that stage:

1. What made you to go into the Miss Teen Kapahulu competition?

   1. I always wanted to do something with modeling and my family pushed me to do it. They wanted me to crack out of my shy cocoon and push myself to do something extravagant.

     2) Can you tell me the feeling of walking down the stage? Is it nerve-racking or intimidating? Both? Why?

1. The pageant is on November 6th, at the Hawaii Convention center and I never walked on that stage yet. Although, we did do a fashion show at the Hawaii Women’s Expo two weeks ago. It was my first time doing runway and I was as nervous as anyone could be, but it was amazing! As soon as I got up there, I wasn’t nervous at all and walking wasn’t scary, even though everyone’s staring at you. On the other hand, I know once it comes to the big pageant day, thoughts will race through my mind and the chills will go down my spine because of nervousness.

3)What happens backstage?

1. Everyone is getting ready and trying to make it to their spot on time. Our advisors overlook us and have quick meetings about what they expect from us or giving us a brief descriptions of what to do. As for getting ready, girls are asking other girls about their makeup, hair, and if their overall appearance. You can decipher who’s nervous and who’s ready to show off their beautiful gowns.

4) Do you have any hobbies?

1. I love to dance hula and tahitian, it makes me happy and, relieves my stress. I like the beach, it’s soothing. Speaking of the beach, I love the beach and looking for shells with my friends and family. I know I will sound like a typical girl, but I absolutely love going shopping! Besides my busy schedule and friend time, I cherish the time I get to spend with my family.

5)  How will you prepare for this pageant?

1. I’m still in the process of preparing for the pageant. We have meet and greets, along with orientations that allows us to meet our contestants we’ll be working with. The head of the pageant also gives us tips or heads up on what to expect. Other than that, we’re seeking out for donations and sponsors for pageant expenses and going to workshops. We also do volunteer work, along with bonding outings.

6) If you could meet one celebrity who would it be?

1. I would love to meet Tyra Banks, she’s my inspiration. Growing up, I would always watch America’s Next Top Model to learn tricks for photo shoots and walking. I still think to this day that she’s a great woman and a talented model.

7) What are your future plans after winning this pageant? Will you be entering more?

1. I want to take what I learned and put it to use. I feel as if this pageant will really change my outlook on the real world, socially and in the business world. If I win, we go to states and compete with the other states, then go to nationals to compete with the countries and try to win the universal teen spot. Hopefully I win and if I don’t, I’ll be back to enter and keep going till I win.

8)  What would you like to do with the title you earned?

1. I want to be a great influence for my generation, showing other girls that it’s possible to do anything you want even if you think you can’t. Nothing is impossible, just keep a good mindset and you’ll get to where you want to be. Never give up, be yourself, and be resilient!