The Zimbabwe-born, Ireland-raised beauty won over the judges to land herself a grand prize of access to a career with a £30 000 a year salary in the hospitality industry, while other prizes took her total haul to an estimated £45 000.
Cheered on by her family and friends, the 20-year-old took top points across three rounds: modelling swimwear, eveningwear and a special business plan presentation category.
Organisers of the pageant had made a refreshing break from the mould by dropping the clichéd segment which asks models about their charitable intentions. Instead, Miss Zim Diamond contestant had to present a business proposal with logical income generation as well as community value.
Soon after her coronation by Pop star Shingai Shonhiwa of the Noisettes, Pearl said: “Though I have spent half of my life in the UK, I am Zimbabwean through and through, and proud to have been chosen to be ambassador over the next year.’
She is studying for a degree in Global Development and Politics at Leeds Metropolitan University. Founder and organiser of the pageant, Glorianne Francis, said it was her aim for the pageant to attract tourism and foreign investment in Zimbabwe by selecting admirable and talented delegates to portray a positive image of the Zimbabwean woman and the beauty of Zimbabwe as a country.
Coming a close second crowd-favourite was Lorraine Chinouriri and second princess, Ngoni Namate.
Pearl will now take her platform nationally when she travels to Zimbabwe to compete for Miss Zimbabwe crown. Victory there would give her a shot at the Miss World title next year.
Post published in: Arts