Missosology.Org: Anya Watkins

Miss World 2007> Beauty Talks > Miss Bahamas World

We all know that Bahamas is a nation filled with sun and fun, which beaches and palm fringes. This island nation’s fame rests on blue skies and relaxing surf and unfortunately not on beauty pageants. It doesn’t mean though that Bahamas lacks the capability to win the crown at Miss World. Missosology.Org was able to talk with Anya Watkins, Miss World Bahamas 2007, and it turns out that the islands’ best kept secret is within its people.

Describe the village or place where you grew up?

I consider myself fortunate to have grown up in The Bahamas because we place such a heavy emphasis on family here. I experienced a lot of the love and care that comes with growing up in an extended family, where there was always a grandparent or parent to turn to for advice, lots of cousins to play with, and friends you could count on. I grew up in New Providence in the Sea Breeze Estates which is a quiet, residential community. I spent a lot of time with my great grand mother in the Kemp Road area which is considered more of the “inner city” and also as a part of Kool Acres, another residential community. My summers were spent in Deadman’s Cay, Long Island - a quiet, peaceful, and caring community where every one looked after each other and old fashion values were still being taught. The sum total of my experiences growing up in these communities has made me the person who I am, a mature, strong and loving woman who cannot wait to share her country with the world.

How would you describe yourself to the world?

During the Miss Bahamas World pageant all of the girls were asked to describe themselves in three words, and I chose honest, loyal and compassionate. These are the words that people who have known me for years always seem to use to describe me to others, and I feel I do possess the qualities of each word. I would also describe myself as fun loving, kind, ambitious and empathetic. I am appreciative for all the blessings that have been bestowed on me and this is what keeps me humble.

Bahamas is a small but a beautiful country. What are the things that you can boast about Bahamas?

Where do I begin? The Bahamas is as beautiful as it is varied. With over 700 islands to choose from, we have so much to offer. Each of our islands has its own unique flavor and culture with some of the most breathtaking landscapes anywhere in the world. From the pink sands of Harbour Island and Eleuthera, to the Azure blue waters of Abaco… the rich history found in Long Island, to the peace and tranquility found in the small settlements. And I can’t forget to mention the great sea food and scrumptious cuisine found in the Bahamas. The people are welcoming and the atmosphere around the islands is always warm and inviting… so many islands… so many smiles… so many experiences.

Did you always dream to become Miss Bahamas or did you have some other ambitions as a child?

From an early age I was always encouraged to enter beauty and talent competitions by friends and family. I had a feeling I would do well, but I knew that I needed to enter at the right time in my life. My goal since adolescence was to obtain my Doctorate degree in Pharmacy as well as my Bachelors in Management and Marketing, and I am happy to say that I am well on my way to achieving that goal. My future goals include starting a conglomerate of businesses including a pharmacy chain throughout my country and also internationally. This year after careful consideration I made the decision that it was the right time in my life to enter the pageant, I knew that over my lifetime I had acquired the knowledge and qualities that would take me far through the pageant. And now here I am Miss Bahamas World 2007 starting a new and exciting chapter in my life.

Describe the selection process during your national pageant.

The Miss Bahamas Organization began recruiting contestants in March of this year. From then until the night of the pageant on July 22nd, the “Fabulous Fifteen” as we contestants were called went through a rigorous training regimen that included sessions on etiquette, poise, self esteem, public speaking, media relations, and more. We were also introduced to an intensive fitness routine. The sessions were informative as well as confidence builders. Our first round of judging began with the swimsuit competition which allowed the judges to evaluate our fitness level as well as our poise and tone. Next were the evening gown and talent competitions. The evening gown competition focused on our ability to command the stage and elegantly wear a gown to showcase its design as intended by the designer. The talent competition allowed judges to view our artistic skills. On the eve of the pageant, the panel of judges got the opportunity to meet with the contestants one by one in closed door interviews, in order to get to know us a little better. On the night of the pageant the top 10 were chosen, and we all had to speak about our chosen platforms before the field was narrowed to 5. Each of the five finalists was required to answer an identical final question, and then the 3 queens were crowned. During each selection questions were used to establish what each girl represented, what her platform was about and what type of person she was. At the end of the night, I was the lucky one to walk away with the Miss Bahamas World title and the chance of a lifetime to represent my country to the world.

Name a beauty queen that you had always admired and wish to emulate.

I admire many beauty queens, particularly those who use their stature and notoriety to do good for others. Many of them fall into this category; however the one who comes to mind for her most recent work is former Miss World Diana Hayden. She recently joined forces with more than 100 of the most influential women in Hollywood to build homes for the needy and poor in Los Angeles in the U.S. in an event designed to empower and celebrate women while raising awareness about the need for affordable housing. They partnered with the 'Habitat for Humanity' charitable organization (an organization with which I have volunteered in the past) for a one-day event termed 'Power Women, Power Tools', to build homes in South Los Angeles at one of the build-sites for this year's Jimmy Carter Work Project. Diana helped put up framing for the homes and worked on other aspects including the fittings. She gave up her time to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate, and to me, that is what being a beauty queen is all about.

How do you define beauty?

Beauty is a combination of the inner and outer aspects of a person. I believe that without certain personality traits and qualities such as honesty and compassion, the physical beauty of an individual can be eroded in the eyes of others. I also believe that a beautiful person is one who recognizes the inner beauty of others and tries their best to bring out the best from within themselves and other individuals. It is definitely true that beauty can not be given a face, a color or a shape because it is an asset that comes from within.

At any given moment, what would your handbag contain?

I have a very BIG handbag. You can always find hand sanitizer, my wallet, my cell phone, lip gloss, pen & paper, my daily planner, cleansing wipes, comb and brush, and of course snacks like dried fruits. I also carry around for inspirational thoughts the book The Masters of Success by Ivan Misner and Don Morgan.

How would you see yourself someday - a family-oriented wife or a career woman?

It is definitely my goal in life to achieve balance no matter what I find myself involved in whether it’s attending university or starting up a new business. I hope in the future to be a thriving business woman who successfully balances my home life. It is very important to me to have a family of my own one day. Being able to have children and a spouse to experience life with is a blessing. However, I have career goals set in my life that I definitely plan to reach and will try my best to accomplish them and remain grounded in family life simultaneously.

Lastly, what is your message to Missosology.Org website visitors?

I want to thank Missosology for allotting me a space on your website and giving me the opportunity to be heard by others. I want to let the visitors of this website know that I am grateful for the interest and support in Beauties with a Purpose. It’s wonderful to know that persons on a global scale have faith in one person to make a difference. Also to any individual out there that may have a dream that hasn't been realized as yet, never give up. Always pursue passionately whatever it is you want no matter how many times you fail. It’s not the destination that changes you but the journey that makes you evolve.

Special thanks to Michelle Malcolm, President of Miss Bahamas World. All the best to Anya from Missosology.Org.