UP CLOSE … with Miss Regatta 2019, Emilie Esparon |01 October 2019

‘It was an amazing journey in which I learned a lot and feel I have grown’

By Laura Pillay

Suspense filled the air at the Golden Mile Beau Vallon on Saturday September 28 as the crowd awaited the crowning of Miss Regatta 2019.

Nineteen-year-old Emilie Esparon was a crowd favourite on the evening and paraded the catwalk to the almost deafening cheers from the crowd in each segment of the pageant – casual wear, beach wear and evening dress.

Miss Esparon, Contestant 5 in the pageant, won the hearts of many with her outgoing and friendly nature, her infectious smile and much more. As her name was finally announced, the excited crowd roared with applause, satisfied with the panel of judgeʼs decision and in support of the Creole beauty.

Following her win, Seychelles NATION had a brief chat with Emilie, Miss Regatta 2019, about the pageant, her project and future aspirations.

Background and family life

Emilie is currently a third-year student at the Seychelles Business Studies Academy (SBSA) where she expects to graduate with a Diploma in Business Studies and Accounting. She is the eldest of three and lives at Au Cap with her family.

Among her many interests, Emilie enjoys socialising with friends and meeting new people.

“I would describe myself as outgoing as I love to socialise and meet new people. I prefer to meet people for face-to-face interactions though as opposed to interacting with them online. I think face-to-face interactions tend to be more genuine in a way, thereʼs that element of body language,” she said.

She is known to many after she appeared on television screens in 2015 in Bring it On and last year in the talent competition Sesel I Annan Talan where she came out second in the solo singing category.

“Iʼve been passionate about singing ever since I can remember, Iʼd say at the age of three. I come from a musical family and my mum is a singer so singing is something that comes natural to me,” she said.

“Last year I participated in Sesel I Annan Talan and I was a little disappointed at not winning since I worked and trained a lot vocally prior to the competition. But I think the winner was deserving and the show offered me the opportunity and platform to push myself out of my comfort zone vocally and I can say that I learned a lot about myself and my ability,” she said cheerfully.

In fact, she is currently working on recording a song which is expected to be released before the end of the year. The song was written by a songwriter who approached Emilie requesting she record it.

When she is not on television screens, the young creative soul enjoys watching movies and TV series and confesses that she can stay indoors for an entire day binge-watching her favourite comedy, action and drama shows.

Miss Regatta 2019 journey

As a young singer, Emilie is used to the stage but not the catwalk. As she jokes that she is quite short as compared to some pageant competitors, she notes that she decided to participate this year to boost her self-confidence.

“I expected it to be challenging which it was in some ways as we were really busy throughout – rehearsals, group activities and photoshoots. But it was also a fulfilling journey,” she said.

At first, it was about taking on the challenge and pushing myself out there but ultimately it is about wanting to give back and actually make a difference in our society,” Emilie said humbly.

Proceeds from the Seychelles Regatta lottery collected by Seychelles Round Table are used to fund charity projects locally. This year, Emilie, who was also awarded Best Charity Project on pageant night, will be implementing her project at the Presidentʼs Village.

“I was so excited to have won Best Project as I really believe in my project and I researched thoroughly before submitting my proposal. My project is to build a music room at the village equipped with some musical instruments and equipment, and to have volunteers come to the village to teach the children music. Music is therapeutic and can benefit individuals psychologically and in so many other ways,” Emilie said.

“Music is powerful and I believe it will be interesting for the children as well and they can learn to cultivate their talent. It will be an environment where they can bond with each other in a relaxed and calm atmosphere,” she added.

Emilieʼs project will be initiated in the near future and she already has some volunteers in mind to teach at the village.

She thanked all her family and friends for supporting her throughout the journey as well as the other 9 contestants who she says she will remain friends with.

“It was a busy but beautiful period for us all I think and Iʼm especially grateful to all involved with the pageant. The girls, I loved being around them all. Such a positive group where everyone was supportive and encouraging of each other so things flowed smoothly between us all. It was surely an amazing journey in which I learned a lot and feel I have grown,” Emilie noted.

Now that she is holding the crown, Emilie intends to complete her studies while taking up the duties required of her. Upon completing her Diploma at SBSA she is aiming to study forensic accounting at university level.

Forensic accounting may be a relatively new concept in Seychelles but Emilie has her sights set on a career in which she can conduct investigations and uncover financial crimes.

The accompanying photos show Emilie on the night of the pageant.