Universal Beauty In Town

Universal Beauty In Town

By Ana García

Click aqui para español- >Belleza Universal en La Ciudad

Sarah Nunez was crowned Miss Louisiana RIM in 2018 and Miss NOLA in 2017, and the Louisiana beauty queen graces our cover as New Orleans prepares to host the 71st Miss Universe competition for the first time.

Viva Nola: Where are you from?

Sarah: I am originally from Chalmette, Louisiana. We are neighbors to New Orleans. So when Hurricane Katrina hit, both my mom’s and dad’s homes were destroyed, so we moved around a lot, but I found my way back. 

VN:  What is the process for participating in beauty pageants?

Sarah: To become a part of the pageant circuit, you have to reach out to the pageant system of your choice. I was recruited by a sponsor of one of the pageants in 2017 and I fell in love with competing and meeting so many amazing people along the way.

VN: What are the benefits of participating in beauty pageants?

Sarah: I have made so many friends along the way because you form a sisterhood with a lot of the participants. Also, I was able to travel and create so many memories along the way through volunteering. There are so many opportunities that come with it.

VN: How can girls get into beauty competitions? 

Sarah: The best way is to reach out through the pageants’ websites and to see if there are any preliminary pageants to compete in first. The organizations make it easy to apply. I have been a part of a few different systems like Miss Louisiana Collegiate, Miss Louisiana USA, and Miss Louisiana RIM, an international system. 

VN: What advice would you give to girls who dream of being a “Miss”?

Sarah: Be yourself and NEVER give up. I know it may sound cliché, but that is what makes you stand out from the rest. So putting in the work will do nothing but elevate you in the future. 

VN: As a former Miss Louisiana and Miss NOLA, what does it mean to you to have the Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans?

Sarah: I am so excited to see the Miss Universe pageant here in the city. I have always dreamed of seeing it live, and now I have the opportunity to do it.

VN: We will have many visitors for the pageant. What do you like the most about Louisiana?

Sarah: The thing I love most about Louisiana is each city's culture. The people of Louisiana are so warm and welcoming with a touch of spice, which is ALWAYS a good thing! 

VN: What do you like the most about New Orleans?

Sarah: What I love about New Orleans is the people here, plus all the food! I work at a large venue in New Orleans, and everyone I meet is always so happy to be there. It’s a beautiful thing. I also love to cook and eat, so the food is just an added bonus. 

VN: What would you say to a person interested in visiting New Orleans for the first time?

Sarah: If you are visiting New Orleans for the first time, my biggest suggestion would be to research all of the cool spots to see because even though I live in the New Orleans area, currently, I am STILL finding hidden gems throughout the city!