'Independence is my greatest achievement': Yasmin Ghislain, Miss Seychelles contestant

Miss Seychelles... Another World contestant number 12 Yasmin Ghislain (Miss Seychelles - National Pageant/facebook)

(Seychelles News Agency) - Miss Seychelles... Another World contestant number 12, Yasmin Ghislain, has spent much of her life away from her home country.

At the age of five, Yasmin moved with her family to Mauritius, where she lived for the next fifteen years. Living in the neighbouring Indian Ocean island nation was a bittersweet experience, according to Yasmin, although she says it allowed her to grow personally.

In Mauritius, she furthered her studies in English, French, Maths and Art & Design at the Saint Bartholomew College, a secondary school located in the capital of Port Louis, but a year and a half ago, a determined and independent young Yasmin decided to leave her parents behind and return to her home country of Seychelles, where again the transition was equally arduous.

“I had to get used to the food and the language again,” she told SNA in an interview, adding that upon arriving in her native country, she immediately went to look for a job and was successful two weeks later.

Without her parents around to support her, Yasmin says she has learned to be independent, an experience which has been at times overwhelming but yet remains her greatest achievement.

“It’s still a challenge… especially when it comes to looking for a house and taking care of your finances,” she explained.

Currently the 21-year-old is working as a hostess at Mason’s Travel, one of the main destination management companies operating in the 115-island archipelago.

As a hostess, Yasmin says she enjoys meeting new people every day and the job has allowed her to be independent.

After enrolling in the Miss Seychelles…Another World beauty pageant, Yasmin has been thankful for her employers support.

“I often have to leave home at 5.30 and come back very late from training, which is quite tough, meaning I don’t have enough time at home. However, I think I’ve handled it well,” she told SNA, adding that she has currently taken a week off from work to prepare for the upcoming finale of the pageant on Friday.

As a former arts student, Yasmin enjoys drawing landscapes and doing make-up. In fact, her love for art and cosmetics has swayed her towards the cosmetic industry. In the future, she would like to continue her studies and become a beautician, with the hopes of opening her own hair and beauty salon.

Since moving back home, Yasmin says she enjoys going to the beach, hiking and watching documentaries. The 1.65 metre tall contestant describes herself as down-to-earth.

“I think I’m a simple person, I can be relaxed but also disciplined and will speak my mind when I’m not happy,” all of which she says most people don’t know about her.

Not too preoccupied with fashion, Yasmin says she will wear anything as long as it fits well and she doesn’t feel overdressed.

She's no stranger to beauty pageants though - Yasmin was crowned Miss Regatta 2014 as part of the Beau Vallon Regatta festivities, a popular weekend of aquatic sports activities and fun fair which takes place in the northern district of the main island of Mahe every year.

Concerned over the issues of underage sex and teenage pregnancy, Yasmin has dedicated her 'Beauty With a Purpose' community upliftment project to aiding teen mothers throughout their journeys.

“Becoming pregnant at an early age doesn’t affect only the mother but the family as a whole, especially the child. The important thing is to know that it doesn’t have to define your life or your future,” she told SNA.

For the time being, Yasmin has interviewed many young mothers and has lent her moral support and guidance.

She believes that no one should limit their goals or become too passive in achieving them.

“You must work for what you want and not wait for it to happen. After talking to some of the girls, many have since sought jobs and made changes in their life styles,” she said.

Yasmin wants to inspire these young ladies to go after their goals and become independent, something which she intends to focus more on after the pageant.

With only one day to go before the beauty pageant, Yasmin thinks all the girls have an equal chance to do well and has faith that the judges will make the right choice.