RENESSA ORTIZ is living proof that chance opportunities can transform lives.
Ortiz, 23, who won the Miss Tobago pageant on March 3 at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex, told WMN she was never interested in beauty competitions and had no desire to participate in one.
But that changed last October when Christopher Nathan, founder and CEO of Coco Velvet International Fashion Model Management, convinced her to give it a try during the early stages of the Makin’ Style initiative.
The initiative, which sought to promote a greater appreciation of the fashion and beauty industry on the island, featured three components: the Tobago Creative Arts Workshop; the Top Model TT contest; and the signature event, Miss Tobago Beauty pageant.
The aspiring designer, who will represent Tobago in the Miss Trinidad and Tobago World pageant in Trinidad later this year, said she enrolled in the creative arts workshop specifically to get ideas on how to develop her business, Ren Creates, which specialises in female clothing.
“I entered the Makin’ Style competition to pursue fashion design and styling for the development of my business. But I got into the pageant by chance because Mr Nathan, who said he has an eye for scouting talent, asked me to compete,” Ortiz said.
She said she had also vowed last year to “take risks and do things that resonate with who Renessa is, come out of my comfort zone.”
Ortiz, who represented the village of Golden Lane, shook her head and laughed as she reflected on how that leap of faith turned out.
She not only won the Miss Tobago competition amid thunderous applause from the audience but also captured the Miss Intelligence title.
In that segment, Ortiz was asked to give her take on what it means to be a modern woman. She responded by saying that a modern woman is one who is both revolutionary and family oriented.
Ortiz, in her answer, also said she considers Association of Female Executives of TT president Melena Simon-O’Neil, a Tobago-born entrepreneur, to be a modern woman.
“I had the opportunity to meet and network with her on various occasions and she would have created a space for me to share my story at one point.”
Ortiz also drew lusty applause from the audience in the evening gown competition. She wore her own creation – a slim-fitting, royal blue dress, which she said, embodies all of her achievements thus far.
She explained, “The neckpiece symbolised the two layers of growth in my business. The intricate detailing on the sleeves is an armour showing my resilience and the strength that I draw from God to do anything that I have to do.”
Religion has always played a role in Ortiz’ life in Golden Lane.
Describing her early childhood as sheltered, Ortiz said she later became an active member of the Golden Lane Seventh-Day Adventist Church. She sang in the church’s choir and also taught vacation Bible school to young children.
Today, Ortiz observed, crime has infiltrated the peaceful community, much to the dismay of residents.
“It has definitely caused members of the communi
