Sunday, July 24, 2011

Héctor Joaquín BLOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Yayra Erica Nego - Miss Ghana Universe






Héctor Joaquín BLOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Yaira Erica Nego - Miss Ghana Universe

By: Héctor Joaquín Colón González

www.hectorjoaquin.com . Your Real Source of Beauty Pageants


Back in 2009, Yayra Erica Nego, 26, joined and won the U.S. state title of Miss Minnesota. This gave her the right to participate in Miss USA 2009 where she reached the Top 15. Not happy with the loss, she continued with her studies at the University of Minnesota, but eventually found another niche from which she could get the opportunity to take part in the Miss Universe Pageant. She is blessed with multiple lineage – a Ghanaian father and an American mother of German-Persian ancestry. So fast forward to 2011. She has officially become one of 6 finalists for Miss Universe Ghana 2011. Given her background in beauty competitions, she quite easily nailed the crown and outsmarted all other contenders to become the African nation’s representative to Miss Universe 2011 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

With the entry of Yayra into the fold, the contest to become Miss Universe 2011 has become stiffer and a lot more confusing. The African continent now has at least two strong bets in Ghana and Angola (Leila Lopes). And for the lady who dreams of becoming a published author, she needs to concentrate first on becoming the best representative of a country other than the one where she presently resides in. There’s a lot weighing down her shoulders to prove that a mixed breed Ghanaian-American is far better than a full-blooded homegrown local bannering the republic in Brazil.

Tell something about your family, your childhood and your experience in Beauty Pageants.
I was always taught that finding your own way and doing your own thing in life is key to success. That has filtered into my pageant life.

What is your motto? What does that motto mean to you?
Everything has a place, everything in its place. Organization helps calm the mind. With my crazy work schedule having things organized really helps me.

If you could change one thing about you, what would it be?
My addiction to gum:)

What is in your bag right now?
Two cell phones (It's a Ghanaian thing), my wallet, gum (3 differentflavors), water, planner, and a chap stick. Oh and gum wrappers.

How are you preparing for the Miss Universe pageant?
I'm preparing for the Miss Universe Pageant, by doing things I love.I'm just trying to make this a fun relaxed experience. Its ahuge honor to represent my country. Ghanaian's are fun, happy people soI'm just trying to maintain that through the preparations.

What's your nickname?
Oh I have alot of nicknames Zabby, Rabu, E, Yaya, Sleepyhead!

What was the most embarrassing moment you ever had?
About two months ago I was shooting for a client. They had adressing room made with curtains. So I was in the room changing andthey called me on set. So I slipped on my heels and started to walkout of the dressing room. Next thing I know I tripped, as I was fallingI pulled on the curtains to break my fall. So there I am, on the floor withthese curtains wrapped all around my body. Every time I kept tryingto get up I just got more trapped in the fabric. At least the makeupdidn't get ruined.

What is your Good-Luck Charm?
My brain.

Which living person do you most admire?
My mom, you name something bad that can happen to a person and itprobably happened to my mom, yet she still finds away to be the mosthappy and peaceful person I know.

What is your personal opinion on same sex marriage?
My answer is OFF RECORD: I appreciate the question however, with thecurrent political uproar and demonstration in the western region ofGhana against gays and the Christian Council of Ghana also calling onvoters to vote against any politician who advocates for gay rights, Iplead the 5th on this delicate topic for now.

Yayra's Favorites:

Favorite Singer: It changes monthly right now David Grey
Favorite Song: This changes weekly... today Maxwell Pretty Wings
Favorite Actress: Audrey Hepburn
Favorite Actor: Shia LaBeouf
Favorite Movie: The Holiday
Favorite Meal: PIZZA
Favorite Book: Move Your Stuff Change Your Life By: Karen Rauch Carter
Favorite Sport: Pilates (is that even a sport?)
Favorite Beauty Secret: SLEEP
Favorite Miss Universe: Jennifer Hawkins

Salt or Sweet? Sweet
Twitter or facebook? Neither- Email
MAC or PC? MAC
Beach or Pool? Oh tough... Beach
Truth or dare? Truth

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