“So many doors have opened. I have achieved everything I wanted to – and more.”
These are the words of local stunner and probably the most beautiful person you’ll ever meet, Shelbe Pretorius.
Shelbe recently represented Krugersdorp as a Top 12 finalist in the Miss South Africa 2017 competition. Even though she did not walk away with the title and crown, she still feels like she has won.
“So many doors have opened for me and I just need to sit down and decide which door to choose,” she said.
Shelbe told the News that the journey was one in a lifetime. It was her first pageant and the contestants were spoiled and taken good care of. They were taught business skills and were empowered as women.
“This was not just my journey, it was a journey of many people,” she said. She believes this seven-month journey would not have been possible without her supporters and those who shared her vision.
See video here:
https://www.facebook.com/shelbe.pretorius/videos/987749061359113/
Shelbe added that she has grown as a person and the experience changed the way she sees herself. She also proudly said that she realised that there is so much more to her and that she is capable of achieving much more.
This is the message Shelbe had for the community and her supporters: “Even if the world does not agree with the vision you have for yourself or understand your purpose in life, it does not mean that you are not good enough and that you are not able to achieve it.” She said one must be comfortable in one’s own skin and with who you are.
What is her next goal?
Shelbe would want to start a women empowerment school where women will get to know and accept themselves. She believes that women feel empowered when they know they have power.
The journey:
Shelbe told the News that although she felt she had disappointed her followers and fans with her placing in the competition, she realised that this journey has opened so many doors for her that it makes everything worthwhile. She added that she has taken from it precious friendships that will last a lifetime.
“Everyone asks me what I would do differently should I enter again, but I can honestly say that I would not change a thing – there is nothing I would or could do differently,” said Shelby.
She also said she will never change as a person and that the opportunity only ignited a fire within her to become more and do more.
Interesting facts about Shelbe:
• She lived in India for a few months after matriculated and did modelling for Bollywood.
• She brushes her hair every night before she goes to bed.
• She’s the owner and director at FLAIR Promotional Models and started her business at the age of 19.
• She is terrified of birds.
• She will watch any movie if it is based on real life.
• She has travelled to India, Dubai, Croatia, Seychelles and Montenegro; however South Africa is still her favourite destination.
Shelbe thanked the community and her supporters for all their support and encouragement throughout the journey.
“This is definitely not the last you will see of me; this is only the beginning of much greater things to come,” she said.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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