WATCH: From bully victim to beauty queen
Kelly hopes to continue giving back to her community through the many platforms at her disposal
From being bullied to being one of the most beautiful women in local and international pageants, Kelly Griffiths (25) is not one to back down from a challenge.
“If your life isn’t challenging, what keeps you going?” she asks matter-of-factly.
The part-time economics student and full-time employee at a local IT company, took time from her busy schedule to chat to Express about her recent international success, why being bullied made her a better person, and why there is still room for pageantry in today’s society.
The tall blue-eyed beauty sits with poise, dressed in white jeans and a sparkling pink jersey. Her perfectly manicured hands are folded in her lap, and her long blonde hair falls elegantly to the side.
It’s easy to see why this Kempton Park belle made waves at the Miss Star Universe pageant in Portugal last month. Not only was she crowned second runner-up, she was also named Miss Photogenic, Miss Top Model and Miss Best Body.
But Kelly’s success didn’t come easy. She started with pageantry at the age of 14 but had to stop when her parents could no longer afford it.
“We were less fortunate so my parents couldn’t buy me dresses or things for pageants,” she explains.
It was only when she recently started working that she was able to pay for everything herself. Kelly remains grateful to her parents and says that this difficult time taught her to be kind to others.
For this reason, charity work lies close to her heart. That, and the fact that she was bullied at school.
“It wasn’t easy,” she explains. “I used to be teased about my teeth and my ears. But if it wasn’t for the bullies, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Because of everything that Kelly has been through, she believes strongly that pageants remain important.
“Beneath the crowns and dresses, it’s all about self-confidence,” she says, her eyes steadfast. “It builds character.”
She is no stranger to pageants; she does about 20 a year, many of which are for charity.
“It is important to give back to the community but remain humble and kind.”
As she speaks, it is impossible not to look at her golden locks, which reaches all the way to her waist.
“I am growing my hair to donate it to Cansa,” she explains.
It is no wonder her role model is the queen of hearts herself, the late Princess Diana. “She always gave more than she received.”
Kelly hopes to continue giving back to her community through the many platforms at her disposal. She hopes to add one more to her arsenal when she enters Miss South Africa next year.
To aspiring pageant winners, her advice is: “Stay humble. Never forget who helped you to get to where you are, and never stop trying.”
