• Education

From Swakopmund to Las Vegas

Elizabeth Joseph

Miss Namibia first princess for 2017, Romily Mouton, from Swakopmund, knows all about the sacrifices one has to make to ensure dreams and goals are achieved.

She is currently in Las Vegas for the Miss Continents beauty pageant that started yesterday and will end on the 23 June.

In 2017, Namibia witnessed a shining moment for this young and ambitious woman.

She describes the moment as “beautiful” and says that it was surreal.

“I think I was expecting the first princess title. I experienced it before the pageant that that's what God wanted, so I wasn't surprised at all,” she said.

Mouton said she wants to bring the Miss Continents crown home once again. Namibian beauty Andeline Wieland took the crown last year and Mouton is hopeful she can repeat the feat this year.

She said for her departure that she can’t wait to have a change of scenery and see what happens in Las Vegas.

“I am going big, I will not be ordinary because that's not who I am. I am destined for great things and I guess we will just have to wait and see what God does,” she said.

“I think this is a whole other ball game and so much more is required of me. Shortly of Miss Namibia, I lost my father. I struggled and I am still struggling with the loss, so I couldn't really do as much as I wanted during my reign as Miss Namibia first princess. I am hoping to accomplish more after the Miss Continents competition,” she added.

She said God inspired to enter the Miss Namibia pageant.

“He spoke to me about the pageant when Lizelle Esterhuizen, our stunning Miss Namibia 2016, was crowned. I didn't know what God was going to do but I knew that I had to be obedient,” she says.

Mouton explains her inspiration has always been God and she believes He gave her certain talents and passion for a reason.

“Young girls, you are loved! Invest in yourselves, if you have a dream, go after it. If there is a passion stirring in your heart, make it work. You didn't receive your passion for nothing. You are successful, you are beautiful, and you are special! God knows where He needs you to go,” she adds.

Asked if people treated her differently after her first princess achievement, she was quick to say she has not experienced any different treatment.

“The young people I come into contact with make me feel like I make an impact in their lives. They build and inspire me. My first princess title has made it possible for me to be exposed to so many different little angels and I love every moment of it,” Mouton said.

In the next few years Mouton wants to focus on finishing her studies at the University of Namibia (Unam).

She says there were many people who made her feel like a true princess.

“I would like to thank all my sponsors and everyone who made me feel beautiful and special. Not only financially, but in any capacity they could. I want to thank my biggest sponsor, Simonis Storm, and the managers that individually sponsored some funds towards my trip.

“I am thankful for my physical training and diet from VisionFit EMS Studio. I had two photographers investing in me that I need to thank, Liandre Claasen and Helene Grundeling. My make-up was sponsored by Make Up Addict. I AM hair salon made me look glamorous by doing my hair and nails.

“G4S also assisted with purchasing some of my extra needs. I had individual sponsors, they know who they are, and I would like to that them as well. I would like to thank my country for standing behind me and even when they couldn't contribute financially, they certainly encouraged me to be my best and give my best,” she says.

Miss Continents is certainly a much-anticipated competition and we wish Romily Mouton plenty of strength.