Single mother, businesswoman and mover and shaker, Gizéla Möller, is one step closer to the Mrs Universe South Africa crown!
The 48-year-old contestant from Somerset West has made the cut as one of the pageant finalists gearing up for the penultimate round of the prestigious competition.
Möller will be vying for title honours as one of 10 finalists to compete in the crowning event which is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg during March next year.
“The final round involves securing sponsorships, collaborations, and organising our Santa Shoebox drive for our NPO, Spreading the Love, benefiting around 400 children,” shared a proud Möller.
“The week before the crowning, we will undergo various judging sections, including a swimsuit segment to promote body positivity; interviews with a panel of world-renowned judges; and presentations on domestic violence, discussing the issue and proposing solutions. From here on out we will also be preparing for the on-stage gala event that entails choreography, another swimsuit segment, and presenting a national costume and evening wear. The event will see the top five finalists being chosen and asked a question on the national stage by the judges before the queen is crowned.”
Möller entered the competition to broaden her reach as a champion for positive change and making a difference as a professional image consultant, stylist and self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur who is often told that she transforms others (“Not just a contestant”, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 3 July). The novice shared her hopes for people to understand that she is not a perfect pageant girl, but a normal person who faces challenges like everyone else and wants to share her experiences to inspire others to overcome their adversities and circumstances. She embodies her motto adjust your crown, recognise your worth and stride forward with confidence. It is this attitude which inspired her “Straighten your Crown” campaign which she hopes to introduce at schools and workplaces as she believes a confident woman in the home raises ladies and gentlemen, and there is something powerful and attractive about a woman who knows her worth.
Asked to recall her initial reaction when she learnt that she was through to the next round, Möller shared her excitement following the dramatic lead-up to the announcement.
“The build-up to the semi-final judging day was intense. After the third round, I was overwhelmed with emotion, knowing I had given my best effort. The following day, Saturday, was the finalist sashing event. It was a stressful day as my hotel room in Sandton had a door issue, trapping my evening dress, shoes, makeup, and hair styling tools inside. I finally got into the room 30 minutes before the event, leading to a frantic rush and tears. Despite the challenges, I arrived at the sashing event. I was surprised to be nominated in the top four for the interview section. When the top 10 finalists were announced, I was called up fourth, feeling both elated and empathetic towards the other contestants. It was a bittersweet moment, filled with gratitude and the emotional weight of the competition,” she recalled.
Möller further shared that the most memorable part of the competition for her is “hands down” the philanthropy work.
“I so appreciate the doors opening whereby I’m able to inspire and speak, especially the youth,” she added while highlighting a visit to Solomon Qatyana Primary School where she engaged with 200 girls as beneficiaries of a sanitary towel drive.
Commenting on her strategy adopted to make her stand out above the rest, Möller divulged, “Keeping my cards close to my chest”.
How has this journey shaped her? It has prompted her to publish a memoir. “I would love the world to know where I came from, what I went through and what the Lord has done. Many see me today and put me on a pedestal, but have now idea of the battleground I was in to get me where I am today. I feel that this book will be an inspiration to many.”
Now the avid contestant maintains her positivity, no matter what comes her way. “What will be, will be and I’ll accept it with grace and understanding. Realising that this does not come around often, I am determined to embrace every door that opens and treasure every moment to the fullness.”
