Curiously observant and often reserved, Shantara Hewlett is not your average pageant girl. The second of four girls, she was raised to “never let anyone spell and pronounce for her” as she was often told by her father. This gave rise to her inquisitive nature that was further fueled by her love for reading and learning. She is guided by one of her favourite quotes “You don’t become what you want, you become what you believe;” by the renowned Oprah Winfrey who is also one of her role models. This quote reminds Shantara that as Ms. Winfrey would have been able to escape a particularly horrific childhood to create an exceptional life for herself, she too can do the same, under less adverse circumstances, by first simply believing that she could.
During her formative years this avid learner attended the St. Theresa’s Convent School and then moved on to the Basseterre High School where she was successful in attaining 10 CXC subject passes. It was also during these years that she learned to play the steel pan, took karate lessons and was a member of the Brownie and Girls Guides groups respectively. She then went on to attain an Associate’s Degree in General Studies at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College and is currently pursuing further tertiary education while working full-time at the esteemed St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank.
Although reserved she is no stranger to the pageant world and would have participated in the local Miss National Carnival Queen pageant and Miss Caribbean United Queen Pageant in Grenada. She later served as chairperson for the National Talented Teen Pageant for a few years. On her lifelong journey of continued personal development, Shantara enjoys learning to sew, trying new cooking recipes, practicing yoga, deepening her spirituality, advocating for mental health and still engaging in her longtime love of reading.
Shantara believes that pageantry is an excellent way for young girls and women to develop into prominent leaders within their communities and the world at large. It provides us with the opportunity to learn about the benefits of nutrition and exercise, develops etiquette and speaking skills, and is an avenue for expressing one’s creativity in various ways. In addition to this the individual is afforded the opportunity to advocate against societal ills and/or be a champion of worthy causes as well as be a source of inspiration and encouragement for all youth and as such she would always encourage young women to participate.
