Kerry-Anne Peterson is a Sagittarius-Capricorn beauty queen who’s currently studying Psychology – she plans to attain a Ph.D. in Psychology with a focus on diagnosing and treating mental illness. She also loves animals, and in fact, she has adopted and cared for a wide range of species, including dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, and rabbits.
GEQ magazine recently caught up with Kerry-Anne to discuss her journey in the pageant world, and here’s what went down:
How did you get into the pageant industry? How were you actually ‘discovered’?
It’s a funny story actually! I walked at a charity runway for breast cancer awareness when a pageant trainer and scout approached me. They said they’d think I’d do a great job on a pageant stage, so I decided to try it out. At my first pageant, I won 4/12 titles; needless to say, I loved the experience and have been competing ever since!
What do you like most about being a beauty queen?
I get to help others and inspire people to be confident in their own skin. It’s always heart-warming to know that I’ve made a positive impact on someone.
Downside to being a beauty queen?
Unfortunately, the downside, as with any industry is dishonesty among companies. One of the biggest eye-openers for me was discovering that the title doesn’t always go to the rightful winner.
What has been the most memorable experience of being in the pageant industry so far?
My most memorable moment was volunteering at an orphanage, the children put on a special performance for us, and we got to dance alongside them. My best moments have always been when I’m helping others.
Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?
To be honest, mostly everyone! Each person I have met has a unique story, and I’m always able to learn or take something new from each experience.
What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the pageant industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.
Stay true to yourself, be strong, and trust in your ability. As I said earlier, I’ve experienced both amazing and not-so-amazing things while competing. The most important thing is to know who you are and love yourself as you are.
Working in an industry whose only emphasis is on the outside characteristics of a person, how have you stayed grounded?
You’ll actually find that the industry has changed immensely now; it is so liberating to see that diversity is the front-running theme now. People are now being valued and seen for who they are inside, which always counts from the start.
Is your family supportive of you being in the pageant industry?
Absolutely! Without their support, I wouldn’t even have gotten this far. They’re the ones who had driven me every time I’ve felt down and have praised me behind the scenes when it really mattered most. I love and adore my family and friends.
What are your future plans? Inside pageantry or out of it.
I want to open an animal shelter with a no-kill policy; animals deserve the absolute best we can offer them. I also want to focus on senior animal re-homing; statistics show that senior pets are usually left behind, which is so upsetting. Like I said earlier, I also want to get a Ph.D., so I have some really big goals!
I’ve always been a very ambitious and driven person, so I always strive to work hard and be the best I can be.
The ‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:
1. Last good movie I’ve seen: Halloween Kills; I love a good horror flick!
2. What do you consider beautiful and why? My pet dog Chloe, she’s just a little baby, and I love the way she looks at the world.
3. What haven’t you done yet that you wish you could? Probably visit a crystal cottage; I love collecting gemstones. I’ve always felt a spiritual connection to the Earth, and it’s amazing how gemstones come in diverse colours, compositions, and spiritual meaning.
4. Complete this sentence: “If I had no fear, I’d…” Cliff dive every single day.
5. What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself? All of my fears make up who I am; they also make me brave because I can challenge them and feel accomplished.
This feature is courtesy of Road2Bollywood/International Film and Entertainment Festival Australia and WOW. Big shoutout to the director and founder Maxine Simmons.