Jessica’s personality shines through

The votes do not lie – Jessica Houreau is the face of the Newcastle Advertiser’s readers.

With her disarming smile and amiable nature, it is no wonder she scooped both the ‘Readers Choice’ and ‘Miss Personality’ crowns at the Lions Miss Newcastle 2013 pageant finale on Friday night.

“It’s amazing to know it pays off to smile at people,” Jessica gushed in an interview on Monday morning.

The bright 24-year-old revealed she went into the competition being herself and standing by her personal motto of ‘treat others the way you want to be treated’.

Jessica said that had certainly paid off, considering the great personalities of every other contestant.

Speaking honestly on the behind-the-scenes happenings, Jessica said there was no fighting among contestants and watching others blossom was heartening to witness.

“I am close to all of the girls; I am so glad to have been a part of the experience.”

Jessica added the pageant has also brought about more confidence in herself and her own abilities.

As she has now reached the cut-off age (24) for entering the Miss Newcastle pageant, Jessica admitted she aspires to utilise her knowledge and experience in other pageants.

That same experience includes winning ‘Miss Spring’ at a young age while she still resided in Dundee.

Jessica explained entering Miss Newcastle had also taught her much about her community, and had inspired her to commit to more community service in future.

“It was an amazing journey. I didn’t enter before because I didn’t have time but it was something I had to do.”

Overall, Jessica believes every girl should enter into the pageant at least once in their lives.

From her own time with the contest, she understands that pageants help bring out the best in a person and highlight the importance of communities standing together.

“It’s definitely a must,” she beamed.

Jessica, who runs a guest house with her boyfriend, Christopher Reineke, said her long-time dream and five-year goal is to open an early childhood development school.

She is currently studying towards this dream.

Speaking on her inspirations in life, Jessica is certain she inherited her bubbly personality from her mother, Patricia, and received immeasurable support from her father, Michael.

“My father is French and comes from Kenya,” she explained.

Rounding off with a vote of thanks, Jessica expressed gratitude toward her sponsor, Discovery Newcastle and owners, Sean and Tanya Malherbe, her parents, friends, family and boyfriend, as well as the Lions Newcastle members.

“Thank you also to Christine and Rob Harburn from Fancy That Models and Simply You for the dress I wore.”