Bermudian Tiffany Butterfield-Douglas is a “curvy diva and occasional catwalk slayer” who hopes to take the crown in Miss Plus Size United Kingdom. Hundreds entered the annual competition; the 30-year-old is one of 22 finalists who’ll go head-to-head for the title this September. She spoke with Lifestyle about the road that led her there.

Q: How did you get into pageants? Did you do any modelling here?

A: I entered Miss Big & Beautiful Bermuda 2008 — placed first runner-up — to get over my social awkwardness and meet new people.

It was a great experience and I loved being back on a stage (I’d danced with Miss Keya’s/UDP in my youth). I did model briefly for Trimingham’s Plus as a preteen, where I learnt how to strut the catwalk during their seasonal shows.

Q: Why are you in the UK? How long have you been there?

A: I moved to London in 2011 for my career in merchandising. I’m about to start work for a major high-street retailer in a few weeks.

Q: Was it easy to get your foot in the door as a model in England? Is this your first pageant?

A: I modelled at British Plus Size Fashion Weekend in 2014, walking the runway for several brands.

There was an open casting, which allowed professional models as well as amateurs to try out.

Not all auditions are like this, as height/size restrictions do also apply in the plus industry. But more UK brands are holding public model searches for the chance to be the face of their latest campaigns. That’s a great way for novices to get noticed. It was actually at a casting this January that I was spotted for Miss Plus Size United Kingdom 2016/17.

Q: Where do you hope to go from here as a model?

A: My focus right now is competing in the pageant, showing that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and skin tones, but a modelling contract is part of the winner’s prize package.

Getting signed to an agency is an amazing opportunity, as I love fashion and want to bring more diversity to the European market.

In my spare time, I’m also part of a collective that’s launching an online community for plus-sized women of colour in the UK, promoting individual style, body positivity and sisterhood.

Q: Ever had any flak because of your size?

A: I’ve been fuller-figured my entire life. My dad’s side are on the larger size, so I was never singled out, or made to feel less for my weight by my family.

A lot of people associate being plus-sized with an unhealthy lifestyle, but I’ve done gymnastics, dance and cheerleading.

Yes, I was picked on every now and then by my peers, but I deflected the harsh words with humour.

I believe in being active rather than focusing on diets, because how comfortable I feel in my skin is more important than any number on a tag/scale.

Q:Is there any way Bermuda can support you?

A: I have an official Facebook fan page (https://goo.gl/mMECzQ) that Bermuda can follow to see all my progress and preparations leading up to the pageant.

There’s a special prize for the contestant with the most page ‘likes’, so every like helps!

Q: Are you scared about getting on stage?

A: I’m more excited than scared. We contestants have already formed a bond, messaging daily online and planning meetups. There’s a boot camp this summer in the English countryside to help us get ready. I know it’s a competition, but I feel the friendships I build will be one of the most rewarding outcomes.

Q: Who is sponsoring you, paying for your dresses, make-up, etc? How does all that work?

A: I’m still looking for sponsors. We’re required to showcase three looks, as well as make appearances, so that’s a lot of outfits.

By supporting me with a financial donation, sponsors get a full page advert in an international magazine (140,000-plus readership), a feature on the pageant website and their logo on the event programme.

Q: When will the winner be announced? What happens if you win?

A: The pageant is September 24. Venue is to be confirmed, but it will likely be on the south coast of England. As the winner, I would receive several prizes, including a beautiful crown and a two-week Caribbean cruise.

I’d also be the title-holder for a year, and work with the organisation to encourage and uplift other plus women.

Q: Is there a website people can go to?

A: Check out the Miss Plus Size United Kingdom website (www.missplussizeuk.com) for up-to-date details about the contestants, venues and much more.