When a crown becomes a platform - A Tracey-Anne Buckley Aggett Story
Tracey-Anne Buckley Aggett has earned many titles since she first won a fishing competition at age six: creative stylist, visionary, ambitious entrepreneur, motivational speaker, gentle soul. Few of these come with the glitz and glam of centre stage. Instead, they tell the story of a woman who pursues purpose. A woman who is down-to-earth, a loyal friend with a generous spirit, someone with a heart for the downtrodden – and who just happens to be strikingly beautiful.
And so it stands to reason that when Tracey-Anne was crowned Mrs KwaZulu-Natal earlier this year – and more recently, chosen to represent her birth country as Mrs Zimbabwe at the 2016 Mrs Universe pageant – her first reaction was: “It’s not about the crown.”
This beauty queen has her priorities straight and is determined to beat the cliché by truly demonstrating what it means to turn a ‘crown into a platform’. Her sincere desire is to be a voice for those who are unable to plea their plight – in particular, women who are victims of domestic abuse and children in need. Tracey’s personal battle to fall pregnant and the loss of two children before carrying to full term has also opened her heart to women struggling with similar problems.
Placing the spotlight on domestic violence is her soon-to-be-launched non-profit organisation, Chains of Care. This programme will train social workers to spot abusive situations and equip teenagers with the skills to deal with issues such as peer pressure, a destructive home environment, addiction, bullying and rape. The programme will also support the family in which the abuse is taking place by facilitating a healing process for all involved. Should Tracey win the Mrs Universe title, she would have the opportunity to launch this programme internationally through the numerous channels at the disposal of the Mrs Universe organisation.
Another initiative which is close to her heart is her ‘Little Conquerors’ campaign. Striped children’s socks will be sold to raise funds for young cancer patients in government hospitals. Funds raised will go to the Cansa Foundation. Tracey hopes to launch a National Striped Sock Day during which scholars will wear their striped socks to show their support for this worthy cause.
A significant step towards turning her vision into reality is the opportunity for Tracey to showcase these projects via her participation in the Mrs Universe pageant. Making this happen will require significant funds and Tracey is reliant, to a large degree, on sponsorships. Participants in the Mrs Universe pageant are responsible for covering the cost of their flights, accommodation and expenses during their 11-day stay in China. Individual and corporate sponsors will help make this possible for Tracey.
“It’s important that sponsors understand that they are not investing in me as such. They are investing in my opportunity to change communities – possibly even for generations to come. When someone invests in my cause, they invest in a far bigger picture that goes beyond just another title for Tracey-Anne.”
Tracey’s bubbly personality, incredible work ethic, entrepreneurial experience, excellent speaking skills and positive ‘can do’ outlook on life will all stand her in good stead should she earn the Mrs Universe crown and the opportunity to showcase the worthy causes she supports.
From fishing with her dad as a little girl to, as a dynamic young woman, casting her nets much wider to impact the world, this pint-sized beauty with a heart for the broken is on a mission. A crown would merely be the launch pad and high heels would soon make way for comfy work shoes and striped socks as she gets down to the core of the mission: making a difference.
To support Tracey in this journey, contact traceyanne@fashlous.co.za and follow her on Facebook under Mrs Universe Zimbabwe Finalist Tracey-anne Buckley Aggett, Instagram MrsUniverseZim_tracey_anne