After a rigorous few months preparing for the Miss Bahamas Universe Pageant and not being selected for the final five, many thought Vandia Sands was broken. Although she was a clear favorite for queen and had an amazing support system during the journey the public opinion was that she was overlooked for what ever reason.
After the MBU pageant was done Vandia was contacted by the Miss Earth Bahamas Organization and asked to accept the title and travel to the Philippines for the international pageant. We catch up with Vandia to see how she feels so far about her new experience.
Have you always been interested in the modeling and pageantry industry?
A: Yes, I have always had an interest in modeling. I remember vividly being a child and hosting play fashion shows with my neighborhood friends. Although I was a “tom-boy” growing up, I would model with my mom in Fashion Shows that the Police Force would put on. This was something I looked forward to every year and continued to pursue even after graduating college.
Do you remember your first experience in the industry?
A: I remember walking in the mall while on vacation with my family in Florida and a few scouts from Elite Model Management approached me but neither my aunt or myself knew any better so we declined. But my first professional experience came after college when I was scouted and signed by Quatre Modeling Agency in Dallas, Tx.
So Vandia you were just a contestant in the MBU 2013 pageant, now you are the official Miss Earth Bahamas. How does that feel?
A: I knew you would ask me that question! It actually feels AMAZING! The Miss Bahamas Earth Organization is like a dream come true. I must say that they play an important role in my life not only in preparing me for internationals but they operate like a family and they’re doing a tremendous job seeing to it that I am comfortable at all times! After MBU I knew it was not over for me but just the beginning because I’m not one to ever give up and it made me aware that all of my hard work was not in vain.
How did you choose your platform?
A: I chose to promote recycling because it is something I began to love unknowingly as a college student. Recently, I participated in the International Coastal Cleanup day with Dolphin Encounters and that encouraged me with my platform and made me aware that is inevitable that we keep our environment free from waste that can contaminate our beautiful beaches.
Has there been any unexpected barriers or support since taking on the Miss Earth crown?
A: Not at all! I feel that I am in the right place at the right time. I have a wide range of supporters worldwide. Most importantly, my family supports me 100% and I must say that they keep me grounded and through them I develop the strength to go on.
What do you look forward to most during your year as Queen?
A: I look forward to creating my own coastal cleanup day which will catapult the notion of keeping the Bahamas Clean, Green and Pristine. I also look forward to spending more time with younger females and becoming a role model for them. I want to pay it forward to my community and those young ladies just as my life experiences propelled me to do so.
What advice would you give to young girls who may be aspiring to be a Queen?
A: My advice to young girls would be to always put God first in all that you do! In any competition it is good to know your competitors but most importantly know yourself. Believe in yourself because if you don’t, no one else will. Please don’t become entangled in the physical crown and sash because it’s not just about a title but more importantly about your journey and making a difference in the lives of others.