Edgars Club Magazine August 2018 - Celebrity Interview

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AUGUST 2018

EDGARS CLUB MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018 EDGARSCLUB.CO.ZA

SA Miss

TAMARYN GREEN our crowned darling

CANDYCOATED PASTEL LOOKS TO COVET

club member EXCLUSIVE FLIGHTS & HOLIDAYS

FOR LESS

WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH YOUR MIND AS THE CROWN – MAKING YOU MISS SOUTH AFRICA 2018 – WAS PLACED ON YOUR HEAD?

It was pure joy. While standing there, waiting for the announcement, I was thinking that it really could be either one of us.

If this is God’s plan for me, then my name will be called.

WHEN DID IT FINALLY SINK IN FOR YOU?

When I watched the playback in my room the next morning. I started crying all over again. It’s what I’ve always wanted and now I have it.

SPEAKING OF WHICH, WHEN IS IT THAT YOU FIRST KNEW YOU WANTED TO BE A BEAUTY QUEEN?

WHEN JOCELYN STIEBEL SAT DOWN TO CHAT TO THE REIGNING MISS SOUTH AFRICA, 23-YEAR-OLD TAMARYN GREEN, IT BECAME VERY OBVIOUS TO HER WHY THE SMALLTOWN PAARL GIRL IS THE CHOSEN ONE

In the back of my mind, growing up watching Miss South Africa and Miss Universe, I always knew. But I literally decided the day before Cape Town regionals that I was actually going to enter. But I didn’t see it as being a beauty queen; I still don’t. Instead I saw the women who competed on stage being so comfortable in their own skin,

radiating confidence – I wanted to be like that. Rolene Strauss really stood out to me. She was also studying medicine at the time of entering; she went back to her studies afterwards and graduated as a medical doctor.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR DECISION TO POSTPONE YOUR STUDIES

It was a very difficult one. I spoke about my idea to enter the competition with my dad and he suggested that I first finish medical school, as I only had eight months left, and enter next year. But the day before Cape Town regionals I just had this feeling, and we were sitting at Spur with the family when I said: ‘Dad, I’m sorry but I have to do this.’

And he totally supported me.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING FOR YOU TO ACHIEVE AS MISS SOUTH AFRICA?

I really want to inspire other people; I want to be a beacon of hope to others out there with dreams, no matter how big or small or what challenges may be in the way. Other than that: my campaign. Every Miss

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South Africa gets the chance to pitch for a campaign that will make a difference.

I am really passionate about my idea, and although it’s still a secret, what I can say about it is that it has to do with health… and that it’s very personal.

WHO WAS YOUR BIGGEST SUPPORT SYSTEM THROUGHOUT THE COMPETITION?

My dad. I’m a Daddy’s girl. We are very alike; our personalities align. He has this way with words, and I consider him to be wise. My roommate during the competition, Akile, was also a great pillar of strength. We first met at Cape Town regionals and, once we reached top 12, ended up drawing each other’s names out the hat to room together. We really got to know one another and realised we share the same beliefs and faith in our Creator.

WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR MISS SOUTH AFRICA JOURNEY?

Throughout the competition they told us not to compare ourselves to the other contestants. But that was easier said than done. I am a simple girl and I come from a modest household and family. I never pampered myself. But it seemed like the other contestants knew about haircare and nails and make-up, and so many of them knew every detail about Miss South Africa’s history. It was intimidating, and

Every Miss South Africa gets the chance to pitch for a campaign that will make a difference EDGARSCLUB.CO.ZA

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Whether you like it or not, social media plays a big role in how we communicate, inform and present ourselves to the world. It’s here to stay and we can take advantage of it CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: TAMARYN WITH HER PARENTS, DAVID AND ELLIRENE; TAMARYN IN HER GALLUZZI E GINI GOWN; BEHIND THE SCENES WITH MAKE-UP ARTIST CHERYL PARKER; MISS SOUTH AFRICA TOP 12 FINALISTS OPPOSITE PAGE: TAMARYN GREEN ON STAGE WITH RUNNER UP THULISA KEYI

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often made me doubt whether I am the right person for the job. I felt like I still had so much to learn. But it was during those moments when I called my dad and he put everything back into perspective.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST PROFOUND MOMENT?

That everyone has struggles and adversities. It was during a book-club meeting hosted by a former Miss South Africa, when we all got to tell our stories, that I realised that every single one of us has our own challenges.

TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE PAGEANTS YOU HAVE WON BEFORE?

I haven’t really won any official competitions before. There was my high school one called Miss New Orleans and then I won a couple that were more community driven than competitive. But I did realise early on that I loved being on stage. I chose to be MC at my sister’s 21st birthday party and I was mayoress of the Junior Town Council in Paarl.

YOU LIVE IN JOHANNESBURG NOW. WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO GO HOME TO YOUR FAMILY AGAIN?

In July I have my homecoming in Paarl. I can’t wait for that; it’s going to be a big event.

BEAUTY PAGEANTS HAVE A LONG HISTORY. HOW DO YOU THINK THEY STAY RELEVANT AND WHAT MAKES THEM STILL IMPORTANT IN SOCIETY?

The women who enter Miss South Africa have a long road of healthy competition

PHOTOGRAPHY: MARK CAMERON, STYLING: BRITTANY PENEBRE & TAUGHEEDA JACOBS, HAIR & MAKE-UP: CHERYL PARKER/SUPERNOVA, MODEL: TAMARYN GREEN, IMAGE: GALLO IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

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ahead of them, which really promotes inner growth, excellence and empowerment. I personally feel that in this competition I learned things about the world and myself that I wouldn’t have anywhere else. Of course, the winner is granted the unique opportunity to make positive change and be a role model to many people in the country, but the top 12 also have a platform from which to work and create change and opportunity. Rolene [Strauss] was a huge role model to me, and I aim to follow in her footsteps.

HOW DO YOU THINK WINNING THE CROWN WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE?

QUICK FACTS • Galluzzi e Gini designed the dress Tamaryn wore on her winning night • For the first time ever in the pageant’s history, the top 12 were able to help design their dresses • Tamaryn doesn’t really like chocolate • Tamaryn has one older sister and a younger brother • Even though she’s the middle child, Tamaryn’s still waiting for someone to tell her exactly what middlechild syndrome is • Tamaryn was head girl at her high school • Tamaryn wants to enter into paediatrics after she graduates

It has already. It’s still a little overwhelming – all the attention, and people looking at you and recognising you.

But it’s much more than that; I have a big responsibility. I must represent my country for the rest of my life, not just one year.

Your legacy as Miss South Africa continues after your year is up.

I want to be a voice for people who struggle to be heard, and I want my voice to have sway.

IF ANY, WHICH DUTIES AS MISS SA ARE YOU MOST NERVOUS FOR?

I thought I would be nervous for talk shows and interviews. But I actually really enjoy them. The morning after the announcement I had 11 radio interviews lined up. I’m nervous for Miss Universe; a lot of international comparisons are already being made. Traditionally Miss Universe is a style icon, and I feel like I am only just beginning to learn to be one of those.

IF WE WERE TO OPEN YOUR WARDROBE WHAT WOULD WE FIND?

When the creative director of the Miss South Africa organisation came to visit me in my new home in Joburg, he took a look at my wardrobe and was shocked. Like I said, I’m a simple girl.

I didn’t really dress up a lot. While I was studying my everyday uniform was scrubs and sneakers.

IS HE GOING TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR WARDROBE THEN?

Yes. When I get back to Joburg I’m looking forward to a brand-new wardrobe.

WHICH ISSUES IN SOUTH AFRICA ARE CLOSEST TO YOUR HEART?

Health; within health, domestic violence, infectious diseases and how to break the stigma of them, and child health. I feel that there’s a prevalence of child trauma in South Africa, and this is something that can be prevented. Education and gender equality are important too, as I think if those were up to scratch then it would help the rest.

DO YOU THINK SOCIAL MEDIA PLAYS A ROLE IN BEAUTY PAGEANTS?

When I entered the competition I had 8 000 Instagram followers. After I was named Miss South Africa, that night my followers grew to 74 000. So, my answer is yes. Whether you like it or not, social media plays an influential role in how we communicate, inform and present ourselves to the world. It’s here to stay and we can take advantage of it. It’s my role to keep in touch, and communicate my passions and goals via social media.

It furthers my reach.

QUICK Q’S Instagram or Facebook: Instagram Tea or coffee: Green tea Chocolate, sweets or chips: Chips What song do you play on repeat?

Lately, a gospel song called ‘10,000 reasons’ but I love anything from Ed Sheeran Describe your sense of style in three words: Elegant and simple yet striking Books or movies: Movies Favourite bingewatching series: Friends Best place in South Africa: I haven’t travelled much of South Africa – something I am really excited to do as Miss South Africa Dream holiday destination: Thailand Sneakers or high heels: Sneakers Biggest fear: Being really badly hurt or the victim of a violent attack

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