Mrs SA: In Conversation With Erin-Jane Miller
Stepping out of her comfort zone is how Erin-Jane Miller found herself being crowned as the new Mrs SA. The finale of the beauty pageant was hosted at Emperors Palace a few weeks ago – an evening filled with glitz and glam. In essence, the finalists – all powerful, beautiful and intelligent women – wore invisible crowns. And, this is what the Mrs SA beauty pageant aims to achieve. To empowering all women in South Africa, with a queen spearheading the vision.
We spoke to Erin-Jane Miller about her Mrs SA journey. Radiant and elegant, she pondered over the answers and this is what she had to say:
Give us a little background about you and your life. Who Is Erin-Jane Miller?
“I was raised in Athlone on the Cape Flats and I am a proudly coloured South African woman. My husband, Bryan Miller and I came to Johannesburg years later to pursue our professions in the entertainment industry after meeting in high school. I started out as a performer before becoming the CEO of Recode Media.”
Why did you enter Mrs SA?
”In pursuit of my life’s purpose, I entered Mrs. South Africa to grow personally, as a leader and relationally. This journey was about stepping out of my comfort zone to refine my confidence, resilience and ability to inspire others. Ultimately, I saw this platform as an opportunity to align with my purpose, to empower and inspire growth and create a ripple effect of positive change.”
What does the Mrs SA crown symbolise in your life?
“The crown acts a reminder to always speak up for those who have no voice, to serve those who could never repay me and fight for justice especially for those who are overlooked and forgotten. The crown is a symbol of second chances to me and serves as a reminder that leadership is a responsibility and a call to serve, empower and leave a legacy of hope and transformation.”
What is the main message you want to share with other women in South Africa?
“Positioning yourself in uncomfortable situations may be the very thing you need to access your next level of greatness. You must decide to leave what is comfortable, venture out into the unknown and let go of self-doubt and fear to become the incredible woman you were destined to be.”
What was the journey like from entering to winning the beauty pageant?
“This journey has been another life-defining moment for me, having started fearful and unsure of my ability to win, not the crown, but the battle against self-doubt and fear of failing. I look back and I truly believe that I have – over this past year of self-reflection and personal development – found the woman who is now able to shoulder the responsibility that comes with wearing the crown.”
Why do you think a beauty pageant is the place to send out your message?
“I believe platforms are for purpose. Beauty pageants like Mrs SA are platforms of influence. They provide a stage to reach a vast audience. This platform is a powerful way to inspire and drive meaningful change.”
Do you believe the beauty pageant field is inclusive and diverse?
“Although there is always space for improvement in this area, I think we have made significant progress over the years in guaranteeing that young girls from various backgrounds, cultures and races are represented on pageant stages. This has been observed both in South Africa and internationally.”
What is the first thing you want to achieve as Mrs SA?
“My aim is to use my role to support initiatives that improve marginalised areas, empower women and families and concentrate on youth development. Through online and in-person mentorship programs, I also hope to encourage young women to venture outside of their comfort zones and boldly pursue their life’s purpose.”
How will you juggle your life as a wife and mother and now as Mrs SA?
“Over the past year, I have been able to fully immerse myself in the Mrs SA journey without feeling like I am disappointing anyone, since I have an amazing support system. This year won’t be any different. With careful preparation I know I’ll be able to give priority to the things that really count. I do think that my success this year will come from integrating all aspects of my life so no one area suffers.“
What words of advice do you want to give other women in South Africa if they are thinking about entering the next competition?
“It is more costly staying where you are than it is stepping out to pursue your purpose. The Mrs SA Platform provides an opportunity for growth, self-reflection and overall transformation. I encourage every woman to challenge their self-limiting beliefs and do it afraid.”
Erin-Jane Miller – the newly crowned Mrs SA – is an inspiration. In fact, she not only won the crown, but also many South Africans’ hearts. We look forward to seeing her make her mark during her reign.
