(Seychelles News Agency) - Twenty years old, passionate about singing and writing poetry is the way one can describe Raphaela Dugasse, another courageous young girl who has taken the challenge to battle for crown in this year’s Miss Seychelles….Another world beauty pageant.

Yet another contestant hailing from the second most populated Seychelles island of Praslin, Dugasse who is 1.65m tall, says her body elaborates her physical beauty, nevertheless she believes that; “Beauty lies within ones heart hence advising fellow young women to always consider themselves beautiful.”

The Human Resources assistant who hopes to be a successful and hardworking woman, while building a successful marriage and three kids in the future, is very much concerned about the environment especially about the effects of pollution which she believes  are not only contributing to climate change but is also the root cause of many diseases.

Love is a positive feeling that nourishes the soul

“Do not do to others what you don’t want them to do to you”is more than just a wise saying for Dugasse; it transfers a message that she considers intrinsically motivating, as she aspires to become the best person she can be.

Three qualities she reckons every woman should possess in order of priority are ‘a good heart’, ‘strength’ and a ‘smile’ which she firmly believes are the assets which can mould any woman into the person she is destined to become.  

Fascinated by the positive attitude of the people around her, the young Seychellois is proud of her fellow citizens who are devoted to moving forward, while the most beautiful aspect of the Indian Ocean island nation she calls home is the culture; from the arts, the music and the literature.

Eager to face new challenges in life Dugasse is not afraid to encounter and go through trials which she says are beneficial to one’s growth and development.

One such recent challenge is her decision to join the Miss Seychelles beauty pageant which she proudly says has been a new experience which she will truly treasure thanks to the encouragement and support of everybody who have seen her through every single step of this incredible journey.

In spite of her being keen on facing new challenges Dugasse admits that she is inspired bySherlyn Furneau who took home the Miss Seychelles........Another World title in 2012 someone she describes as having a kind soul.

“Her smile reveals her kind-heartedness and her attitude encourages me.”

SNA: What is the one thing you never leave the house without?

RD: “I can never leave the house if I don’t have my phone with me.”

SNA: Your take on fashion is?

RD: “The simpler you dress the better! Too much of anything is bad for you, and dressing up by putting on too much, is not sensible practice.”

Less than two weeks before one lucky and deserving young Seychellois lady is chosen to represent the island nation at the next Miss World Beauty pageant in London in November Contestant Number 2 Raphaela Dugasse believes that if she wins the Miss Seychelles title she can be an inspiration to others by promoting good values which she feels are on the decline.