Q&A with Miss Teen Staffordshire Galaxy and NSCG student, Raya Holford

BTEC Business Management and Administration student Raya is excelling both in and out of the classroom. Alongside her studies at NSCG, she was recently crowned as Miss Teen Staffordshire Galaxy and is now preparing to compete for a national title. 

We caught up with Raya to hear about her journey into pageantry, how she balances competing with her studies, and her exciting plans for the future.

Can you tell us how and when you first got into Pageantry?

I found out about pageantry through social media. It looked like so much fun and something that would help with my confidence, so one day I just decided to go for it and apply!

We followed your journey when you were crowned Miss Teen Staffordshire, what was the process for being crowned in that competition?

I applied to be Miss Teen Staffordshire through the Miss Teen Great Britain website. I had to fill out my information and send in some photos. I was then lucky enough to be selected for the semi-finals!

For the semi-finals, I had to answer questions about who my idol was and what I would do with my title.

Have you been in any more competitions since we last caught up with you?

After placing in the Top 25 at Miss Teen Great Britain, I knew instantly that I wanted to continue with pageantry.

I’m currently a finalist for Miss Teen Galaxy UK, and I hold the title of Miss Teen Staffordshire Galaxy. If I win the UK title, I will be setting off to Orlando, Florida in August to compete for the international title!

What is your favourite thing about pageantry?

I have gained so much from competing this past year. My confidence had grown massively, and I’m now able to do things that I never thought I’d be able to.

I’ve also found some of my best friends through pageantry. Everyone is so kind and uplifting and there is never any unhealthy competition. We all support each other endlessly and it makes the experience even better. I’ve truly found friends for life.

How do you find juggling the pageantry world with your studies?

In all honesty, it can sometimes be slightly overwhelming. With everything that comes with pageantry, such as charity work and appearances, it can be hard to balance everything.

Through time I’ve learned how to balance my education, pageantry, work and my personal life. It can be difficult sometimes but it’s worth it in the end. I always make sure I prioritise my mental health and give myself a break if need be.

What are you working towards at the minute?

I’m currently working towards the title of Miss Teen Galaxy UK. I’ve been doing a lot of charity work for the Christie NHS Foundation Trust, and I’ve had a lot of training and coaching to help me with my interview skills and my pageant walk.

I compete next month which is so exciting! I’m putting in lots of hard work and hope to bring home the crown.

What is your favourite thing about studying at NSCG?

I enjoy all aspects of studying at NSCG. The college has really good facilities and everything is always well kept and accessible. The teachers are all really nice and understanding, and I have a really good friend group which helps me look forward to College.

What are your future plans for life after NSCG?

I’ve currently got an offer from Keele University to study Business Management and Entrepreneurship, which I will be starting in September 2025. I plan on staying at University for 3 years, and after that I want to start up my own business.

I also plan on continuing with pageantry and hope to one day bring home a national and international title!

Where is your favourite place to hang out at NSCG?

I really enjoy hanging out at the college Starbucks, I’m a big fan of coffee so it’s really convenient for me. It’s also a great social area where I can talk to all my friends.

I also like sitting at the high chairs outside the library. It’s a quiet and secluded area so it’s great for revising.

Which artist do you have on repeat at the minute?

I’m a big fan of Sabrina Carpenter, I have her songs on repeat and I’m going to see her live in March!