Copyright © All Rights Reserved 2017 B.R.E. Productions International, Inc and Miss Teen Dream USA Pageants
a personal journeyBY AUDREY BEHARIE
The Pageant Founder of “Miss Teen Dream USA” is British born Audrey Beharie who is of Jamaican/Indian and Cuban extraction. Audrey is a former "Miss Afro West-Indies" Titleholder and an ex-model who trained at the London Academy of Modeling, in London, UK by renowned celebrity modeling coach, writer and body language expert, Judi James, who has trained some of the big names in the industry including the likes of supermodel, Naomi Campbell. As a child growing up in the 60s in London, Audrey suffered tremendous amounts of discrimination, bullying, intimidation and self-esteem issues that she dealt with on a daily basis. Being beat up, verbally abused, chased, spat at and physical altercations were part of Audrey's everyday life. However, although still a child, Audrey made a concerted effort NOT to allow these circumstances to otherwise fashion the way she looked at life, the beauty of creation and the "great" things about being alive! She channelled all the "bad stuff" that was going on around her and converted them into "great, inspiring, positive and beautiful horizons" and created a place where she could focus on doing "great things" for the future! Even at a young age, Audrey was always a "deep thinker" and through the anguish, she refused to become a product of the scenario and situations that she could NOT change due to prejudices, victimization and violence that she had to endure and managed to maintain an optimistic, bright and upbeat disposition throughout to motivate her to do "great things for others". |
the early days"you never know what angels you will entertain in life!"And then, when Audrey was 20 years old, she was approached by a Pageant scout at an event and told that she should enter the Miss Afro West Indies Pageant which was a prestigious event held in London, UK. Audrey, a very Plain Jane who NEVER wore make-up and wore her hair back in a simple ponytail, looked at the gilt card given to her and tossed it to the ground! "Me? In a PAGEANT?
That was just to silly for words!" she has said. However, unbeknown to Audrey, her friend had secretly retrieved the card from the ground as she had somehow seen Audrey's natural potential .... she had plans of her own! She contacted the Pageant Director, PAID the Application Fee and then went ahead with the arduous task of encouraging and TELLING Audrey that she has actually ENTERED her into the Pageant! Eventually, after much persuasion and encouragement from her friends and family, she agreed to participate and.... the rest is history! |
hOW WINNING THE PAGEANT CHANGED MY LIFE"NEVER BE AFRAID" |
After winning the coveted “Miss Afro West-Indies Pageant” in 1981, when we was just 21 year old, everything drastically changed. The Miss Afro West Indies Pageant allowed Audrey to discover the wealth or enormity of being confident in our own self and appreciate the development of her self assuredness.
The prize package that Audrey was awarded a cash $3,500 (which was a lot of money in 1981!), a 1-year contract with the Pageant organization, an all-expenses paid trip to Barbados and Nigeria, Africa in the capacity of "Miss Afro-West Indies 1981", a plethora of sponsored prizes and the incredible opportunity to train at the prestigious modeling and finishing school - The London Academy of Modeling, in London, UK which specialized in grooming young ladies in all aspects of etiquette, social graces, deportment and social/interpersonal skills. The Academy was run by renowned celebrity modeling coach, writer and body language expert, Judi James, who has trained some of the big names in the industry including the likes of supermodel, Naomi Campbell. So, armed with expert coaching from Judi, her Pageant Chaperone Claudina, and the entire Page together with mentoring and guidance from the London Academy Of Modelling, her confidence soared! During her reign, she was able to use these skills throughout the year of her capacity as Miss Afro West Indies and for the rest of her life to explore, experience and NEVER BE AFRAID to stretch to the highest heights and go out and enlighten, encourage, enrich and embrace the unique qualities within young girls from all walks of life culminating in her eventually launching “The Miss Teen Dream Pageant” in the UK. |
DUTIES DURING MY REIGN"ALWAYS have faith & KEEP
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AND IN CLOSING..."BELIEVE IN YOURSELF"She states, “I strongly believe that winning Miss Afro West Indies in my 20s changed my life and
perception of what life is about! I am truly PASSIONATE about making a difference and, if I am able to change the life and perception of just ONE young girl and the way they look at themselves then, for me, this is a job WELL DONE! We receive no financial help right now but this still does not deter me from my primary aim, hope and prayer which is to be able to create workshops and programs addressing the issues that girl young face on a daily basis and, eventually, take it around the Country – mentoring, nurturing and encouraging and providing a “light” to youngster everywhere because, “from small acorns great oaks grow!” I firmly believe that every young girl deserves to experience a level of pride in “who they are”, self-esteem, confidence & personal assuredness so they can become successful in everything their put their hands too without giving up the integrity and essence that makes them truly SPECIAL & UNIQUE as I believe that my experiences are for a reason, because our “youngsters of today are our Citizens of the Future!” |