From ‘background music’ to beauty queen

From ‘background music’ to beauty queen, Ashley-Rose Viljoen makes time stop with her effortless beauty and classic sense of style.

The 17-year-old had no expectations when she entered the Miss Newcastle pageant just a few months ago, opting for a more modest way of thinking.

“I’m an introvert which made the process a little more difficult,” she explained. “I entered Miss Newcastle hoping to gain experience and self-confidence.”

Ashley-Rose admitted she was not did not have many friends at school.

“I wasn’t super popular, which is why me winning was so unexpected.”

The starry-eyed brunette said people often referred to her as the ‘background music’ throughout her Miss Newcastle rollercoaster ride.

Describing herself as more of a tomboy, she found the pageant world a bit daunting at first.

“At first when I sat down my legs used to shake, my face would turn red, it would burn,” she said. “But after doing it over and over again, I got used to it. It became like breathing.”

The judges commended Ashley-Rose on her ability to always stay true to herself.

“Some people answered the trick questions in a false way because they didn’t want to offend anybody. I prefer to be genuine, because that’s what people vote for.”

Referring to herself as somewhat of an ‘underdog’, the alluring beauty said she loved the feeling modelling gave her.

“Modelling forces me out of my bubble and gives me the feeling of free falling.”

Sourcing her motivation from fellow model and Miss World, Rolene Strauss, Ashley-Rose lit up as she spoke about the icon.

“We can all relate to her; she also comes from a small town. She put Volksrust on the map internationally and that is a big inspiration to all of us. Even though we’re from Newcastle, we can do anything we set our minds to.”

The most memorable part of her Miss Newcastle journey was spending time with the other contestants.

“We all just clicked; it was the best!” she exclaimed.

Ashley-Rose could not put into words how overwhelmed she was when the announcement came on May 9.

“When they said my name I was kind of dumbfounded. I was shocked; I just squealed.”

Acknowledging she has big shoes to fill, Ashley-Rose plans to start a women’s empowerment circle and hopefully found charity organisations.

“We’re looking into fun things for the town. Newcastle has a lot of potential.”

Ashley-Rose thanked the Ladies Lions Club for giving her the opportunity to be a part of such a magical journey.

Without her sponsor, Lavender Blue, she would not be where she is today. She is and will continue to be grateful to all those who placed their bets on her.

“I’ve sort of offset the balance a bit. I was never the popular one and now people know who I am,” she concluded.

The Newcastle Advertiser congratulated Ashley-Rose and wished her all the best for her reign as Miss Newcastle 2015.

Click on the links below for more galleries.

The Crowning of Miss Newcastle 2015

Miss Newcastle 2015 – Diamonds and Divas

Miss Newcastle 2015 – Swimwear disigned by Kevin Ellis – 1

Miss Newcastle 2015 – Swimwear disigned by Kevin Ellis – 2

Miss Newcastle 2015 – Swimwear disigned by Kevin Ellis – 3

Miss Newcastle 2015 – Evening gowns – 1

Miss Newcastle 2015 – Evening Gowns – 2

Miss Newcastle 2015 – Evening Gowns – 3

Miss Newcastle 2015 – Diamonds and Divas – 2

Miss Newcastle 2015 – Diamonds and Divas – 3