A Richmond entrepreneur will be competing for the title of Miss Universe Canada at the age of 33.
Mia Fiona Kut, founder and CEO of Luna Nectar, a sustainable haircare product business, is a delegate at this year's pageant and will represent Vancouver at the competition on July 25 and 27 in Windsor, Ont.
"I've never thought about entering a pageant before," said Kut.
She told the Richmond News she didn't think she could compete in a pageant since she had already "aged out."
Previously, Miss Universe Canada had an age restriction of 18 to 28, and didn't allow women who were married or had children.
The pageant officially removed these restrictions this year and opened the pageant to women of all ages and marital status across the country.
Kut described the removal of the restrictions as a "monumental step forward."
"It really shows that there's no age or status limit for beauty and it ... allows for more diverse voices to represent and advocate for global issues on a large platform," said Kut.
The national beauty pageant is a great way to get involved with the community and to "cultivate a platform to advocate for global issues" including education for young women, she said.
Kut's life was previously put on hold for a year after developing post-concussion syndrome from multiple sports injuries, combined with COVID-19.
After a year of medical challenges, she was inspired to help and uplift young women.
"I want to advocate for greater educational opportunities and empowerment for young women and to spread awareness about the importance of brain and mental health," said Kut.
The Richmond resident will be hosting a gala collaboration with Miss Universe Canada to support SOS Children's Villages at the end of June at the Westin Bayshore.
Benefits from the gala will go towards helping mothers and their children in the Dominican Republic and adolescent girls in Nicaragua.
Community members can vote for their favourite contestants to win the People's Choice Award by clicking here.
Kut was also a recipient of the 2019 BC Business 30 Under 30 Award and is currently a nominee for the YWCA Metro Van Women of Distinction Award in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
"It means a lot to be recognized for something that you're building no matter what industry you're in," said Kut.
"It's really great to get everyone's support and (for) the mission that I'm trying to accomplish in the beauty industry."
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