Pageantry is nothing strange to Meleesa Payne. In fact, when she was crowned Miss Guyana Universe in 2007, she already had two titles to her name- Miss Jaycees Caribbean Queen 2006 and Miss Fantasy International 2000. Her winning streak even continued after Miss Guyana Universe, leading her to be crowned both Miss Tropical Paradise 2009 and Miss Model International 2009. To say the least, 28 year old Meleesa Payne loves pageantry and, based on her many titles, she’s good at it.
Since winning her last titles in 2009, Meleesa has embarked on several other ventures to bolster her career. She is now a certified cosmetologist, professional dancer with the Classique Dance Company, a pageant trainer, runway coach, model and swimsuit designer for her line Expressions. “I am still killing it on the runway locally and internationally, but as it goes for pageants, I am off that stage,” Meleesa said in a recent interview with Bhisham Mohammed.
But being off the stage doesn’t mean that she has abandoned pageantry. Meleesa describes herself as a ‘pageant junkie’ who still keeps up to date with all things related to the industry. “I strongly believe that the standards need to be better in every way,” she said, “and the media needs to get the right information before printing. Sponsors need to support the delegates more and the franchise holders need to take girls that look the part, have the brains and train them to understand the politics of pageantry.”
To the pageant hopefuls, Meleesa advised that they fully prepare themselves before entering any pageant. “Do your research on the pageant and your country. Know about social ills and positive acts in your country. Be a ‘people person’ and get attached to a charity. Believe in a charge and do something about it. Don’t take nude pictures and try to maintain a healthy diet and exercise.” Most of all, she advised that they find a look that compliments who they really are.
With so many titles to her name, memorable moments abound, but during her reign as Miss Guyana Universe, Meleesa most remembers volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. “It was a fun and heartfelt memory to be a part of the building exercise. Fetching wood and nailing stuff was so much fun. I also remember being able to be a spokesman for my charity Beacon of Hope,” she said.
Meanwhile, Meleesa is currently focused on her swimsuit line and cosmetology practice. She is currently in the process of moving her business from its old location in the Merriman’s Mall to another establishment.