Meet Nicole, Miss Earth 2014
Kgomotso Molelekeng | Tuesday April 8, 2014 11:30
Gaelebale says she started her modelling career at age 10, explaining that it has always been her dream to win a beauty pageant. It finally came true on March 29, 2014 when she was crowned the queen.
“I feel the career choose me as I was a tall child. This contributed to my passion for modelling and I also started being active in beauty pageants,” she says.
Gaelebale won Miss Ledumang in 2008, was a Miss Botswana finalist in 2010, became Miss Global Botswana 2012 and then again Miss Botswana finalist in 2013.
“Loosing the other beauty contests motivated me to try even harder and not give up. I remember being sad when I did not make it, but I knew one day my tears of sadness would turn into tears of joy as hard work pays off,” she says.
The 22-year-old entered Miss Earth as it creates an environmental diplomacy platform and as a young woman she wants to be part of this great initiative.
Gaelebale told Showbiz that she now gets to practice her leadership skills and share the knowledge she has acquired. Her mandate as Miss Earth queen includes working with children on environmental issues.
So far she has completed a project at Itumeleng Primary School, which she says started a week ago with two other finalists.
The project is an environmental fair and beauty pageant, which was a huge success in raising environmental awareness, Gaelebale says.
“The plan is to carry it on to other schools,” she says.
Gaelebale will be leaving in November to represent the country at Miss Earth World in the Philippines. She adds that so far she has been busy preparing for the world competition.
“I am working on my project, practising my talent display, getting my national costume ready and not forgetting gym because it is important to be in great shape. When I get there I will be competing against other beautiful women. I am also reading about all the environmental issues the world is faced with because as much as I need to look good I also need to be well informed,” she says.
She adds that she would not be where she is today were it not for the great support she gets from her family.
“My family keeps me grounded when times are hard and sometimes when I doubt myself, their faith in me grows stronger and this keeps me going. When people believe in you that much you make sure that you do not disappoint them,” she says.
She advices young girls who may be interested in modelling to put education before everything else. She says that they have to be mindful that modelling is a temporary industry, which has an age limit.