At 27, Stella Vangioni has been crowned Miss Corsica, thanks to new competition rules allowing women over 24 to participate. A native of Bastia, she has lived in various cities and founded an eco-friendly swimwear brand. Preparing for the Miss France pageant on December 14, Stella shares her insights from a recent trip to Ivory Coast, expresses her passion for fashion, and emphasizes her commitment to mental health advocacy.
Stella Vangioni Crowned Miss Corsica at 27
At the age of 27, Stella Vangioni has made her mark by being crowned Miss Corsica. Thanks to recent changes in competition rules, women over 24 can now participate, allowing Stella to finally pursue her passion for pageants, which she has had since she was just 17. After attending a preparatory trip in Ivory Coast, she is set to join 29 other contestants at the Miss France election on December 14 at the Arena Futuroscope, where an all-female jury will evaluate the participants.
Originally from Bastia, Stella has lived in diverse cities including Montreal, Geneva, Milan, and Paris. Her life is quite dynamic; she has launched her own brand of eco-friendly swimwear, “Umanu Swimwear,” and is also pursuing her career as a model and actress. Fans of the series Un si grand soleil may recognize her as Victoire Delorme, a role she has embraced passionately. Stella shares her journey with us in this exclusive interview.
Insights from the Preparatory Trip
Reflecting on her experience, Stella shares, “The preparatory trip was fantastic! It’s surreal to finally be part of something I’ve watched on social media for years. Now, it’s my turn, and I find it truly extraordinary.”
Discovering the Destination
When asked about her reaction to the trip’s location, she says, “I had a hunch it would be in Africa, and I was thrilled! This destination has been on my travel list for a while, especially since my parents planned to move to Benin. My sister and I had even imagined visiting both Benin and Ivory Coast. It’s amazing to be here today.”
Competitive Spirit During the Journey
For Stella, competition is a personal journey. “I see it as a challenge against myself. It’s about my mindset and my energy. Everyone here has their own space; we are all winners,” she explains.
Her Swimwear Brand Journey
Stella excitedly discusses her swimwear brand, which she has been working on for over a year. “I’ve received all the swimsuits, and it’s coming together beautifully. I can’t wait to launch them! I even wore one of my swimsuits during the trip,” she reveals.
Expressing Fashion Freedom
With the newfound freedom in outfit choices this year, Stella expresses her enthusiasm: “I adore fashion! I’m excited to showcase my personal style and have the chance to express who I truly am.”
Engaging with Social Media
Stella shares her comfort with social media, stating, “I’ve always enjoyed using social media. It’s crucial for building a community and sharing our experiences, but I also want to savor every moment of this journey without getting too caught up in it.”
Acting Experience and Camera Comfort
Discussing her acting role in Un si grand soleil, she notes, “While both acting and pageantry involve being in front of the camera, they are quite different. In pageantry, I share my own story, while acting requires adopting a character from a script.”
Managing Image as a Miss
Stella reflects on her learning experience, saying, “As Miss Corsica, I’ve realized I can’t control everything. I’ve come to understand that not every photo will reflect how I feel about myself. Learning to let go has been important.”
Her Motivation to Compete in Miss France
Stella reveals, “The idea of participating in Miss France has been on my mind for the past decade. Friends have always encouraged me, but I never found the right time until now. A few years ago, I began following the Misses’ journeys, and my desire to join grew stronger. A friend’s encouragement finally pushed me to take the leap.”
Advocating for a Cause
As a titleholder, Stella is passionate about advocating for mental health awareness. “Choosing a cause was challenging because I want to address many issues. However, mental health is close to my heart. Just as we visit a doctor for physical injuries, it’s vital to seek help for mental well-being. I hope to collaborate with organizations to educate and dismantle taboos surrounding this topic,” she states.
Interview conducted by Julie Caron during the preparatory stay in Ivory Coast.