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Journey to the crown: An exclusive interview with Kaziah Liz Mejo, Miss Teen Diva 2023-24 finalist
Kaziah Liz Mejo from Kerala has been selected as one of the finalists for the nation’s biggest and most prestigious beauty pageant for teenagers and adolescents - Miss Teen Diva. Born in Abu Dhabi, Kaziah is a student at Abu Dhabi Indian School in Al Wathba. Alongside she is working as a professional model. The young multipotentialite is a trained classical dancer and a brown belt Karate champion. She is a trained violinist and drummer and has also received formal training in singing. In the past, she has won and judged a national beauty pageant and has also been part of the Dee Dance Pro show in the UAE. In addition to that she is also the recipient of the award for excellence presented to her by the former Indian diplomat, bureaucrat, politician and the member of Indian parliament, Dr. Shashi Tharoor. In this exclusive interview with the Beauty High Magazine, she talks about her preparations for the Miss Teen Diva finals and her journey till now.
Q. Many congratulations to you for getting selected for the national finals of Miss Teen Diva 2023-24 competition. How does it feel? What were the first thoughts that crossed your mind when you got the news that you have gotten selected to compete at the 2023-24 Miss Teen Diva contest?
Answer: I still remember watching then Miss Teen Diva contest for the very first time when I was 12. The beauty, intellect and leadership displayed by the contestants set a burning fire of desire in my heart. Since then I knew that stage is where I was meant to be, and now here I am as an overjoyed finalist of Miss Teen Diva 2023. With a mind of prayer and a heart of hope I submitted my application form, soon after which I got my selection letter. I ran to my mother and simply said, “I am going to be the next Miss Teen Diva.” She was so incredibly proud and happy for me. I couldn’t stop daydreaming about the stage, the crown and process of the competition. I was more dedicated and determined than ever to make sure I represent my state and myself with honor and dignity and most of all with hard work.
Q. Tell us something about the place you belong to.
Answer: I belong to the state of vast diversity, literacy and amazing food, Kerala. A southern state of architectural excellence, cultural heritage and hometown of spices. Waking up to the fresh smell of masala tea and banana chips is such a beautiful sentiment. My early adventures of Kerala include exploring the unique attractions of the state, like houseboat rides through a network of lagoons. One of my favorite aspects of my hometown is its strong tradition of arts, including classical dance forms like Theyyam, Thirvathirakali, Kathakali and Mohiniattam which I have trained in for 9 years. A newly found talent of mine is Kalaripayattu- a martial arts form that originated in Kerala, roughly translated as "practice in the arts of the battlefield. I could not be prouder to be a part of such a fascinating state with a perfect blend of tradition and natural beauty and cannot wait to make my state proud.
Q. Enlighten us in regards to your preparations for the upcoming Miss Teen Diva competition.
Answer: My preparations for the competition started the day I got my acceptance letter from Glamanand. I’ve been actively working with multiple organizations like Emirates environment agency and joined student led organizations called Parivarthan- a non-profit set to alleviate global hunger and lead humanity towards a more prosperous future. I have also worked with an organization called Kitaab where we transform used paper by recycling it and creating new books. I have given multiple interviews where I had gotten the chance to advocate for empowering and inspiring women all over the world. I am also a brand ambassador for a company called SpiritEcoHealth that sells decomposable and eco- friendly sanitary pads. Besides these, I have trained under gleamdiva academy and continuously practiced for each sub contest of Miss Teen Diva, including ramp walks, Question and Answers and speeches. I knew I wanted my wardrobe to be nothing short of stunning so I reached out to multiple designers and stylists. This pageant means the world to me and I am making sure I do everything in my power to put my best foot forward.
Q. In your opinion, what are the qualities / traits that you believe could help you move ahead in the competition?
Answer: I have been competing in pageantry from my childhood. I am also a competitive classical dancer of 12 years which has instilled in me qualities like discipline, hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I believe that everything I have achieved in life is a result of these traits; with the competition being only a few months away, I make it a point to work on myself daily. My qualities of being consistent, observational , confident and moving forward with a positive attitude are traits that I believe will get me forward not just in this competition but also in life.
Q. Tell us something about your hobbies and areas of interest.
Answer: Being someone who loves to explore my talents and skills, at the young age of 16, I am a professionally trained classical dancer of 12 years, I play the drums and the violin, I love to sing and am also a brown belt in karate and a student of kalari. I am also an actress and model. I have been performing on stage for as long as i can remember, being on stage gives me a sense of purpose and serenity. I have trained in dances like bharatanatyam, kuchipudi, mohiniyattam and folk dance which provided me a strong foundation for all types of dances. I have acted in a Malayalam movie called ‘Shylock’ along with the superstar Mamooty. In my spare time, I also take part in anchoring events, debates and literary competitions. I live by the rule to not just exist, but rather live to the fullest.
Q. Any quote or saying that has a profound impact on you.
Answer: When I was 10 years old, my mother said to me, “If you’re doing something, do it a 100% or else don’t do it,” and that has stuck with me through everything I’ve ever done in life. That saying has taught me to never do anything half-heartedly, but to always put my best foot forward and give it my all. Those words have always been a driving force of mine to work hard until you achieve your goal. To this day, everything I’ve become is a result of my mother’s constant support and encouragement. Any time I embark upon a new journey in life, her words echo at the back of my head reminding me that hard work and a strong heart full of desire results in success.
Q. Who / what is your biggest support system?
Answer: My biggest supporter and biggest critic since day one has always been my mother and sister. They have always guided me and rather than picking me up every time I fall, they taught me how to get up myself and start again. My mother has always been persistent in inculcating me with values of discipline and determination. My sister, 19 years of age has always been someone I looked up to, her grace, elegance and charming personality always brought a smile to people's faces, just as I intend to do. I believe that constructive criticism can aid in personal growth immensely, something my family definitely does!. Through thick and thin, I know I can look back to see my family cheering me on and being my pillars of support.
Q. When you look back in time, what is the biggest life lesson that you have learnt?
Answer: For the longest time, I always felt inferior, lesser than and was engulfed with insecurity. Being a young 13 year old girl in a world that constantly tried to mold you into something you’re not was truly a struggle I faced during my teenage years. That phase of my life was one of the toughest but most needed lesson of my life. I had let the world and society make me feel as though I wasn’t good enough if I wasn’t perfect. It took me a lot of time and courage to understand that imperfections add to the beauty of simply being human. I understood the fact that there is only one of you, and that is your greatest power. Gaining self-confidence through sheer force and determination will forever be my greatest achievement. Believing in my abilities and working towards it is why I am here as a finalist of Miss Teen Diva.
Q. In your opinion, what is the best way to handle criticism?
Answer: As a girl who constantly put herself out there, by being on stage and in the limelight from childhood, criticism is something I constantly dealt with. I have always taken advice and guidance from people as I believe that it is one of the best ways to perfect yourself. I have dealt with a lot of negative comments about myself, which as a young girl, may get to me. In those instances, I make sure to analyze myself to see where I may have gone wrong, but I always make it a point to never ever let those comments stop me from pursuing my dreams and aspirations. I abide by the saying “The final proof of greatness lies in being able to endure criticism without resentment”- Elbert Hubbard.
Q. One piece of advice that you would like to share with the individuals who want to join the beauty pageant industry.
Answer: I have been participating in pageants since my early childhood. The entire industry had always amazed me, the poise, elegance, influence and leadership that the contestants portrayed always set my heart on a burning fire of desire. I was 14 when I won my first beauty pageant, I remember being both excited but also nervous of what life had in store for me. I believe that pageantry is a gateway of opportunity and a platform to voice your opinions and bring about positive change in the society. I can feel my heart swell with joy and gratitude while answering this question. To all the pageant aspirants out there, believe in yourself and submit your application, because you never know what life can turn into. In this world, where everyone is out for the other, be a part of the few who drive to make change and be a force of greater good to not just yourself, but also your society, and most importantly- your country!
Q. Lastly, any message for the readers.
Answer: I would firstly like to thank the august viewers who have taken time to get to know me, a girl who aims for the stars and makes sure it hits. As I move forward with this prestigious journey of Miss Teen Diva, I hope for your fullest support and love while I aspire to inspire. I hope the little things I’ve shared in this questionnaire brings a smile to your faces and gives you a new sense of understanding. Stay tuned to see me in action on the finale of Miss Teen Diva 2023.
Soon, Kaziah Liz Mejo will be seen walking down the runway at the upcoming edition of Miss Teen Diva beauty pageant. As she prepares for this prestigious event, we wish her all the very best for her journey.
