She has represented The Bahamas as a national track and field athlete, and won a number of medals in the heptathlon at the CARIFTA level, for glory not only to herself, but to the country. Sasha Joyce hung up her cleats for high heels and takes on another arena of competition -- the 61st annual Miss World Beauty Pageant.
Joyce hopes to become the second Bahamian woman in as many years to advance to the final round of the world's largest beauty competition, scheduled for Sunday, November 6, in London.
And she is expected to stand out and have a competitive edge at the pageant, dressed in top notch jewelry, shoes, daywear, cocktail dresses, and gowns valued at $30,000. Diamonds International provided Sasha with a $10,000 pair of diamond earrings, fit for a queen. However, those earrings won't outshine her pearly whites, courtesy of Dr. Barry Russell at the Bahamas Orthodontic Center and Dr. Kenworth Newbold at the Smile Center who together gave the queen a $5,350 smile.
Patricia Chatti of Cia Monet, donated more than $3,000 worth of clothing and accessories, and the boutiques Via Mare and Nassau Gals, each contributed more than $1,000 worth of items. Also adding to her incredible prize package was: The Shoe Village, the Luggage Store, Sacha Cosmetics, Coles of Nassau, Indira Moss, Sherri Hill for La Casa Hermosa, Alisha Hill, BG Haute, the Mall at Marathon and Classy Loft.
Bahamian designer Apryl Jasmine created Sasha's national dress, which will be worn during the Miss World parade of nations. The two-piece ensemble incorporated coral inspired fabric from Bahama Hand Prints, adorned with shells and beading. Jasmine also served as Sasha's stylist, assisted by Miss Bahamas Organization staffers Zhivon Young and Anishka Lockhart.
Prior to her departure for London, Joyce spent a week in training with world renowned pageant coach Grace Fontecha who has a proven track record of producing winners and finalists in international competitions, including our very own Braneka Bassett who was a finalist in last year's
Miss World pageant. She also had her hair prepared by Natalie Dyson of Florida Hair Extensions.
"Words cannot express how grateful we are for the generosity of all who gave," says MBO president Michelle Malcolm. "I would especially like to thank everyone who contributed to Sasha's prize package, but I would like to especially thank Apryl Burrows and Ashley Lauren Kerr for providing invaluable assistance in our efforts to prepare her for the biggest competition of her life. I am confident that she is going to be a force to be reckoned with in London, and build on the success of her predecessor as she goes after the Miss World crown."
Miss Joyce presented key pieces of her wardrobe to the media and the general public during a reception sponsored by Elements Lounge in the Mario's Bowling and Family Entertainment Palace, prior to her departure.
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