A New Year: My Precious Queen 2011

Sometimes, like real life, Second Life has a way of leading us on adventures that we don't expect. These adventures are full of twists and turns, oftentimes bringing us to places where serendipity awaits us. This is what happened on my journey during the second portion of 2010, a journey that culminated in a wonderful surprise for me on December 18th, my being selected as My Precious Queen 2011. The final selection came completely unexpected to me because I was standing on the stage in the midst of a fabulous group of women, all who would have been incredible choices as the winner.

Finalists Natasja Schumann, LadyKath Avon, Genevieve Kamala (1st Runner-Up), and Enchanteddreams Bebb
Photograph courtesy of Villemo Inglewood

Experienced models, photographers, magazine writers, modeling instructors were among them, all talented and accomplished women, and all a good representation of the elegant type of woman drawn to the My Precious Queen contest throughout the year. This is one of the most special parts of being chosen to win the contest. The winner receives the magnificent honor of representing Agnes Finney's fashion house, and she also receives this - the honor of representing the beautiful, talented women who compete in the My Precious Queen contest all year long. It is humbling and amazing.

Finalists Cieleste Magic (2nd Runner-Up), Federica Galtier, and Imani Enzo
Photograph courtesy of Villemo Inglewood

Throughout the duration of the contest, at each stage of the competition, I learned so much and had a wonderful time doing it. I never entered My Precious Queen with the intention of winning, for I knew that competition was fierce, and I was not a model when I first entered - I knew very little about what it took to win such a contest. But I knew from the beginning that it would be a terrific experience, and I managed to keep a lighthearted and stress-free perspective during the journey to the final. Fast forward to the final moments when I was standing on the stage, and sitting on the edge of my seat here in what we call real life, at my computer, my hands shaking so badly that I could barely type or navigate the runway. The top three finalists were announced, and when my name was among them, I think I even stopped breathing for a moment. When my name was not announced as second and first runner up, I nearly fell out of my chair. I've been asked how it felt at the moment when my name was finally announced, and I've really struggled to find the best words to describe such a feeling. Elation would be accurate, and amazement comes even closer. Simply said, it was wonderful. What a spectacular early Christmas gift it was to be selected as My Precious Queen 2011.

Xandrah Sciavo, My Precious Queen 2011
Photograph courtesy of Villemo Inglewood

I am excited about what lies ahead during the next six months. I will be representing Agnes Finney's My Precious fashion house at events, in shows, and at other activities to come. This blog, Behind The Throne, is a new project I am taking on and will be one for future My Precious Queens, as well. Here, I will write about this journey, and in addition to introducing you more to the woman behind My Precious Queen 2011, I'll also be introducing you to new releases as well as my personal time-honored favorites designed by the talented Agnes Finney. We are going to have a great time!

For now, I would like to send you and yours my warmest wishes for a happy and prosperous new year. May the coming year be filled with peace and love, and all of the joy you can handle. See you in 2011!