Siberian Ulyana Artamonova returned home after the international competition “Mrs. World”, which was held in Las Vegas, and shared behind-the-scenes details with Woman’s Day.
The competition in Las Vegas for a 27-year-old Siberian woman was a childhood dream! The first step towards the fulfillment of the wish was to win the contest “Lady of Siberia – 2017”, the final of which took place at the end of April. Then the world level is a trip to America.
What surprised Las Vegas?
My idea of Las Vegas, composed of American films, did not coincide with reality. I did not see the expected splendor, luxury and fun reigning around there. Basically, everyone goes there for gambling, where they disappear for days. In Las Vegas, absolutely all rooms have slot machines: I got off the plane, went to get my suitcase, and there were slot machines around. The main attractions of Las Vegas are expensive hotels.
How long did it take to prepare for the competition?
It took a month to prepare. It was necessary to have time to get an American visa, sew costumes, which must have been exclusive, to prepare for the performances and stages of the competition. It was a very busy month. From the outside, a beauty pageant is beautiful and simple, but in fact it is a lot of work. The route from Siberia to Las Vegas was very long: Novosibirsk – Moscow – New York – Las Vegas. I spent 20 hours on airplanes. But when there is a goal, the difficulties of a long journey fade into the background.
What did you take with you?
I had two suitcases: a separate suitcase with a national costume and the second with other things (dresses, shoes, cosmetics, etc.).
Were there any talismans?
I am so confident in myself that I do not need talismans.
Where did you live and what were you fed?
We lived in a casino hotel, ate in restaurants. I follow a healthy lifestyle and it was quite difficult to find normal healthy food. In Las Vegas, fast food is all around.
Who did you make friends with from the contestants?
Most of all I became friends with the participants from Ukraine and Russia. I communicate very well with the winner of last year, we immediately found a common language with her, she is from India, perhaps I will soon visit her. The most valuable thing that can be obtained at beauty contests is new acquaintances, which are unlikely to make in everyday life.
What was the hardest part?
It was difficult to understand the geopolitical situation in Russia and America and to understand in advance that this could greatly affect the results of the competition. I flew into complete unknown and did not know what exactly was waiting for me. New country, new people. But any difficulties do not scare me, but, on the contrary, only strengthen my desire to win. I have a very good experience behind me, gained during the project “Lady of Siberia – 2017”, which lasted almost six months, and this gave me confidence in myself, in my abilities. At the competition in Las Vegas, I got into the TOP-10.
Who supported you?
I went to the competition alone, but I was supported by a huge number of people from my native Novosibirsk and from other cities of Russia. I constantly felt the power of support from people who believed in my victory. This is the most valuable thing for me – that they believe in me, and I feel only a positive attitude towards myself. But, of course, the most basic and important support group is my relatives, family, my parents, who gave me a strong character, my son, who believes in me and is always waiting for my new victories.