The Royal Spotlight is an interview series where I highlight queens from a variety of pageant systems. This month I have the pleasure of featuring Charlotte Lister, Ms. Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Charlotte Lister, I’m the current Ms. Diamond South Yorkshire which leads to Ms. Diamond U.K. and the Regency International. I’m a mum to a 9-year-old mini me, I work for a manufacturing company, and in any free time I have I interview fellow queens for my pageant lockdown blog and also Pageant Magazine.
When did you start competing in pageants?
I started competing in pageants in 2012 and after a long break from competing I’m back in pageant land in the Ms. Diamond U.K. System which has been on my pageant to do list for 4 years, but now feels the right time to get back on that stage.
Why do you compete in pageants?
I compete in pageants as I just love that it gives me time to be me, not a mum or an employee but just me. I love meeting new people and have met two of my best friends through pageantry. I also love the opportunities that pageantry can give you from helping in your local communities, working with charities to raise awareness and funds, traveling, and the excuse of wearing stunning gowns of course!
How many titles have you won?
I have won a number of regional titles and 2 national titles in which I had the opportunity to compete internationally once. I’m hoping that my dream of competing internationally again will come true next year and I’ll be able to represent the U.K. at the Ms. Regency International Pageant in 2021.
Tell us about the Regency International Pageant system.
So in the U.K. it’s called Diamond which is a pageant that empowers all women through pageantry as there are no age, height or size restrictions which is amazing. We have 4 rounds at the U.K. final which is interview where we discuss what we have been doing during our regional reign and also what we have planned after the final. Then it’s opening round which isn’t judged followed by fashion wear and evening wear.
This year there will also be optional awards such as publicity, charity, congeniality, spokesmodel, swimwear and much more. If I win at my National and compete in Regency International, I’ll come back and tell you all about my experience.
What have you learned about yourself through your pageant experience?
I have learned so much through my pageant experience from gaining confidence and friends, interview skills, how to address a crowd, make a speech, a love for writing and that I can do anything I set my mind too such as skydiving, bungee jumping and even running a half marathon which I did because of pageantry ! You never know the opportunities that pageants can give you; accept them and give them your all.
What are your future plans for your pageant career?
As I have previously said I would love to compete again on an international level which I am determined to do through the Diamond/Regency System. If 2021 isn’t my year to be awarded the crown, then I’ll be back in 2022 to try again.
After that I would love to write a book about my pageantry experience and incorporate some of the interviews I have done with fellow queens.
Most importantly I want to continue to raise awareness of cancer and end of life care to anyone that will listen. I want people to be health advocates for themselves and if they notice any changes that are not normal for them then they need to see a health care professional and get checked out.
What words of advice do you live by?
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re probably right!”
It’s all about having the right mind set and not doubting yourself.
Please provide your contact information so that others can reach out to you. Email? Social media handles?
Email: Charlie_lister87@hotmail.co.uk
Facebook: Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020
Instagram: @thecharliel87
Twitter: @charliel87
If you are a queen and you are interested in being featured in the Royal Spotlight series, please inquire at info@krystleclearpageantry.com.
After reading your interview, I vouch for your words of advice you live by because accomplishing anything or doubting anything starts with your frame of mind. It would also be an amazing idea Charlotte Lister to write a book about your pageantry experience.