The title of Miss Paradise has historically been a very prestigous title to hold in the drag community. From the hilarity of Ceemour Cox to the high-energy of Alexis Milian, Miss Paradise has annually represented a certain kind of drag and done it properly. This year, Verona Sky took the crown and sat down with Entertainment Editor Cookie to look back on her reign, her plans for the future, and what Paradise has meant to her this year.
What made you want to enter the Miss Paradise Pageant and represent Paradise for a year?
Paradise has always represented themselves as a well-rounded diverse venue that is respected in our community. I have always felt that the title of Miss Paradise was something I wanted to strive for in order to further my career in drag. I have looked up to past queens who have had Miss Paradise titles, such as Nikky Sky Blake. For years, I was told who to date, who to befriend, and that straight was right and gay was wrong. It wasn’t until I came to NJ that I learned more about myself and my passion to perform. I have worked very hard to get to where I am today. This past year has been an amazing one and I thank Paradise for giving me the opportunity to represent them.
How did it feel to be crowned Miss Paradise?
In life we set goals; goals that when we accomplish them, we have a feeling of self pride, and the feeling that we can do anything we set our minds to. This title was one of those types of goals. I felt honored of course to have won, and I knew that I could truly bring something new to the table in representing Paradise. I am still very proud of myself that I was able to achieve this goal.For me, the feeling was nothing short of amazing and the feeling is still very much fresh in my mind.
What are some of your best memories of your reign of Miss Paradise?
This is kind of a difficult question for me as it is not over … yet, but I have to say, all in all, the best memory for me is not a memory but a feeling. As the current queen,I have met so many wonderful people and have been shown such love and respect by all my friends and family. When I am there, it is like a second home for me, a home where I am comfortable because I am with family. Of course, the best memory I am sure for any contestant, is the moment that she realized all of her hard work has paid off because she is the one being crowned.
The pageant is coming this winter, where the 2013 Miss Paradise will be crowned. How do you think it will feel to give up your crown?
I sometimes wish that titles were like the presidency, where you reign for a 4 year term. (laughs.) But since I do have to step down, I will do so with pride, and the knowledge that I did the best job that I could. I just sincerely hope that the next girl to hold the title will do so with just as much pride and love that I have, and also raise the bar to an even higher standard; to be a great example of someone who represents the title.
You’ve mentioned several times that to you, Paradise is a “family” of sorts. What makes you feel that way?
I feel that we come across certain individuals that respect, and show unconditional love and support without judgement, and those people although may not be blood related, but are considered family to me. I also believe that we are only as strong as the people who stand behind us, without them it can get lonely at times. I have never felt this way at Paradise and consider all its employees and management staff to be my family, I love them dearly. They will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart along with my husband John.
What’s next for Verona Sky?
I have a few things in mind that I am considering, but I want to plan things out the right way that will best suit me and which direction I want to go. To give an exact answer for me is hard, but I do know this; I will do my best at what comes next as that has always been my way of life; keep moving forward , and do the best that I can. Which ever direction I go, just be sure to watch the top because that’s where I plan to be. So keep an eye on Verona Veloure Sky, I’m the girl to watch out for.
The title of Miss Paradise has historically been a very prestigous title to hold in the drag community. From the hilarity of Ceemour Cox to the high-energy of Alexis Milian, Miss Paradise has annually represented a certain kind of drag and done it properly. This year, Verona Sky took the crown and sat down with Entertainment Editor Cookie to look back on her reign, her plans for the future, and what Paradise has meant to her this year.
