Toni is a women’s studies and psychology student at Florida State University who aspires to be a medical doctor. She has worked as president of the Caribbean students association on campus. In her free time Toni enjoys singing, cooking, vlogging, volunteering and singing.
In her interview with Ms. Namita Nayyar, President Women Fitness Miss World 2019, Toni Ann Singh talks about her life journey and future dreams and aspirations,
1. You have won the Miss World Pageant 2019 marking the first time in history that a person of Jamaica-base and Indian origin has won the title for Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss America, Miss Universe, and Miss World. How do you feel about being a part of this historic moment?
I am proud to share a moment like this with these strong and empowering women. I believe representation is so important. I remember the first time I realised girls could become doctors was also the first time I met a female doctor. I hope that any girl looking at one of us will see herself reflected, and realise the greatness of the potential that lies within. I look forward to a world where celebration of beauty, in all its forms becomes the norm, so that there will no longer be a need to discuss race, color, or creed when discussing the capabilities and accomplishments of women.
2. After your ground-breaking win, you took to twitter and said “To that little girl in St. Thomas, Jamaica and all the girls around the world — please believe in yourself. Please know that you are worthy and capable of achieving your dreams. This crown is not mine but yours. You have a purpose.” Define your purpose and how you wish to achieve it?
I was born to serve. When I sing, I don’t just sing for myself. I sing for all the hearts that feel so many emotions but are unable to express themselves. When I studied, I didn’t just seek to learn for myself. Coming from a very rural area of Jamaica, I knew that I needed to make the most of all my opportunities in order to bring that knowledge, ideas, insight and experience home to benefit my community. I have no exact plan, or really any set idea on how I will continue to serve. I do know, however, that I will continue to answer the call to action when I hear it.
3. During the competition, you earned a resounding applause from audiences for singing Whitney Houston’s hit “I Have Nothing”. Is this talent that you wish to nurture further as a career? How would you define role of music in your life and its benefits?
I always tell myself, “If the door opens, I’ll walk through it.” Music has been a part of my identity my entire life. When I’m happy, sad, sick, trying to stay awake or on long road trips, I sing. I can truly say there is always a song in my heart that helps me to get through everything life throws at me.
4. Getting to fitness, tell us about your workout routine that you follow on a day-to-day basis with all that travelling?
If I don’t get the chance to go for a run, or to hit the gym, I’ll usually watch a workout video online and get my heart rate up that way.
Things I do every day, no matter what:
- 100 total calf raises. (Some days I have to get clever about where I sneak them in, but it helps me to walk comfortably in heels)
- 100 jumping jacks before showering for bed
5. An optimum balanced diet is a significant factor to look and feel your best. What is your diet routine while preparing for competition or not. Foods you love to eat, would advise women to eat? 5 foods you avoid in your diet?
To represent your country at Miss World there is no requirement to be a certain dress size or particular shape, we promote body positivity, confidence and healthy attitudes to our bodies. When preparing for this year’s festival and final in London, I tried to make sure I ate food that kept my body healthy and hydrated. This included: watermelon, avocado, leafy greens and fish. There was no strict diet, and I rarely passed on dessert, but I limited snacking to fruits such as Sweet Sop and Nesberry (Caribbean fruits), bananas, pineapples, dates.
I absolutely love avocados. In Jamaica we call them Pear, and I eat them so many that at this point I should very well just become one. And it doesn’t hurt that they are full of vitamins, magnesium, potassium, Omega-3 fatty acids and literally amazing for your body.
Every night I drink apple cider vinegar diluted in water, and during the day I consume an insane amount of tea, my favourite brew is peppermint, chai, and ginger.
5 NOs:
- Processed food
- Soda
- Fast food
- Energy drinks
- Candy bars
6. With your flawless skin & shining hair, share with us your daily skin & hair care routine?
I am really into holistic health, and a firm believer in food being one’s own medicine. When I am at home, I eat pieces of raw Aloe Vera, as well as apply it to my skin as often as I can. The apple cider vinegar dilution I drink also helps to keep my skin clear. My family has always used natural products, my aunt taught me how to make my own soap. I also make my own mixture of oils that to moisturize my skin at night and lock in with a natural body lotion.
I am pretty proud of my face routine. I use an oil cleanser to remove my makeup and exfoliate multiple times a week. Twice a day, I wash my face (using my soap), apply my own concoction as a toner, apply a Vitamin C serum, and apply under the eye cream. In the morning, I will follow up with a hydration gel (hyaluronic acid is a MUST), and sunscreen. At night I apply my oil mixture and a natural lotion to seal in the moisture. Then a couple times a week I take my jade roller out of the freezer and give my face a nice refreshing massage after applying the Vitamin C serum. Self-care is so important; I usually play some music and make my face routine a ‘Me Time’ activity.
9. Now after becoming Miss World 2019, what social issues do you wish to work upon?
People are my passion. I realize that so many people have amazing capabilities but have never had the opportunities to explore them. Realizing the advantages I’ve had, even just that of an education, I have become dedicated to help create these opportunities for people across the world.
The biggest part of being crowned Miss World is the global platform it gives you through ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ to travel the world, help disadvantage people and get things done. This year I will get to visit so many humanitarian projects that focus on a wide range of social issues from education to hunger and teenage pregnancies through to making sure communities have the right social infrastructure in place.
My focus started with women because I have first-hand knowledge and I am also a Women’s Study student. There are 98 million girls around the world who still don’t have access to even basic education. Education is the passport to the future and these girls will one day become the mothers of the people that are going will lead us going forward. We can ensure a brighter future if give them the opportunity to become the best versions of themselves.
10. Five things we will always find in your gym bag?
- Headphones
- Chap stick
- Healthy snack
- Extra pair of socks
- Water bottle
11. Top three travel destinations that you absolutely love?
I have not traveled extensively which is one of the reasons why I am so excited for the year ahead. I love London and the USA. My first official visit as Miss World was Cape Town and Mvezo in South Africa, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela. Wow, the most beautiful natural scenery, wildlife and I was truly touched by the warmth of the people. There is a saying that ‘Africa gets under your skin’, from my first visit I can see why and can’t wait to explore other parts of the continent.
12. A message for all your lovely fans and followers on Instagram?
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important.
It is okay to be afraid, and to doubt what you may be capable of. But only you can shine the way you were created to, and the world needs your light. If you are looking for a sign to get out there and walk in your purpose…. This is it.