A FASHION model from Warrington who was crowned ‘UK Princess’ at a prestigious international beauty pageant has vowed to make 2023 the year she is crowned ‘queen’.
Sophie Barker made it to the final of the ‘Miss Elegance of The World’ contest, which took place on Blackpool’s Golden Mile on July 24, last year.
Judges awarded the 31-year-old first place in the swimsuit competition, and second place overall, bestowing on her the title ‘UK Princess’.
Sophie, who has worked as a freelance model for six years, had to commit to 60 appearances over the course of her one-year reign, which has included drop-ins at beauty salons across the county, appearances in Liverpool, Manchester, and Edinburgh, and a trip to Turkey for a photoshoot.
Sophie says she’s determined to try again this year for first place overall, which would automatically enter her into the Miss Global United States competition, which means a free trip to Florida.
She said: “I entered the pageant to build more self-confidence, and just to give pageantry a go.
“I discovered I actually enjoy walking down the catwalk, which came as a bit of a surprise.
“This pageant in particular is open to all ages, which I think is important.
“The actual day of the final was really nerve-racking, but really exciting at the same time.
“I know it’s a competition, but all the other competitors were really friendly, and everyone was supporting one another.
“The catwalk itself was really fun, but we had to pose in front of quite a few judges. I was nervous, but after a couple of minutes, I was fine.”
When Sophie, who grew up in Northwich, isn’t parading on catwalks, she also works part-time in the hospitality sector.
As part of her ‘reign’ campaign, she is raising money for Cancer Research UK, which is a charity close to her heart.
Sophie added: “I am, of course, in it to win it. I really want to be queen - it would be one of the biggest achievements of my life.
“The winner of Miss Global United States pageant will receive the Miss Elegance of the World crown and sceptre, sash with crown pin, and jewellery set.”
To support Sophie in her charity efforts as she bids to bring the title back to Cheshire, you can do so via her fundraising page.
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