My failures push me to work harder

Who is Mary Esther?

I am a God fearing and humble personality who is very passionate about family and loves life.

What’s the relevance of beauty pageantry in society?

It provides young women with an opportunity to be positive influencers to their communities, countries and the world at large to address issues like HIV & Aids, drug addiction, poverty, prostitution, education etc. A crown holder is provided a leadership position and a platform on which she can impact the society and make a difference.

What was your motivation to get into the competition?

I have always been passionate about modelling. So I thought this was the perfect opportunity for me to pursue my modelling career and represent my country on an international platform. But most importantly, it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to make a difference to the society and leave some sort of positive impact. I wanted to be a voice of hope among youth. To just encourage them to always dream big, use their talents and never give up.

What did you study?

Electronic Media

Apart from modelling what else do you do?

I am the Marketing Administrator for CNBC Africa & Forbes Africa.

Who is the most influential person in your life?

My mother. She is my mentor and my greatest influencer.

If you won a lottery worth millions, what would you do with the money?

I would first take care of my family’s immediate financial needs and then venture into business. Thirdly, I have grown up as an orphan. So my heart has always gone out to orphaned children, I would definitely invest in an orphanage where destitute children can be taken care of.

What makes you blush?

When a guy I have a crush on shows interest.

Name one thing you failed at and the lessons learnt

I have had so many trials and failures especially in my modelling journey. So many doors have been closed on me, audition after audition and always finding myself in that same dark room of disappointment. But I have always found my strength in failing. Because I am always almost too eager to turn my failures around rather than get stuck in that one dark space of disappointment. My failures have only pushed me to work harder. I have learnt to be very strong and to never take any opportunity for granted. 

What is your greatest contribution to society?

I carry the crown with the responsibility to make a difference. In the occasions that people have heard me speak, I have always taken the opportunity to speak life and life in abundance. I endeavour to be the voice of hope among our youth. To let the world know that addiction is but an illness that can be countered not only through the much needed medication and rehabilitation services, but through love, kindness and extending that helping hand.

What do you like most about yourself?

I like everything about myself.

How do you describe your own personality?

Strong, confident, humble and self-driven.

Describe a beauty queen?

A beauty queen to me is a real person. True beauty is more than the outward attractiveness of a person. A true beauty queen has a humble soul; a humble personality that most young girls and young women can relate to and can look up to.