I am issuing a consumer health warning on Haagen Dazs limited edition Peppermint Bark. White chocolate ice cream with crunchy dark chocolate and peppermint candy pieces. This ice cream is so good there ought to be a law against it.

Miss Brazil, Preciouss Metall

Kate: Preciouss, what drew you to the MVW contest? Why did you apply?
Preciouss: I didn’t know MVW existed, I had just heard about Miss Universe in SL, and when I saw the opportunity to join MVW I said to myself, well why not try it.
Kate: Did you hear from a friend? Read it in the BOSL group?
Preciouss: I believe it came out in a BOSL notice. I read over the notecard and I knew I had to try out.

Kate: I see that you are a very active model. What drew you to modeling in SL?
Preciouss: I was in a photo contest and one day the CEO of EnVogue Modeling Agency Cyberwarlock Writer saw me standing there at the voting place. He recruited me to join his agency, he said I had a very pretty avatar and said I could be a beautiful model. I attended classes with his academy where I got started in modeling and have been there ever since. He’s always praised me and has helped in my pursuit of becoming one of SL’s supermodels.
Kate: Do you have time for any other interests in SL?
Preciouss: Yes, indeed. I am very active in SL on a daily basis. I model, I train other models, I build, I do photography, I design Goth beds, I design clothes, I help out anyone who needs my services, I like to attend concerts, and most of all shop for clothes.
Kate: For the beds and clothes… are there places people can see your work?
Preciouss: At the moment I have my beds on Xstreet, and some clothing but not all, I have clothes made that still needs to be boxed. I am opening a shop soon where you can shop for my merchandise.
Kate: This year in Miss Virtual World is different from last year… there seem to be a lot more skill contests… a lot… how are you holding up?
Preciouss: I would like to think that I have scored some good points in these contests. I have a style all my own and my look is different from the other models, which I would like to say, makes me stand out .
Kate: Yes, I think you have something there… it seems important for each finalist to be unique.
Preciouss: Yes, I agree. We can’t all look the same, it’s our sense of style that makes us who we are.
Kate: So how would you define your unique sense of beauty and style… your personal approach?
Preciouss: I would like to think that my style is different from others, by the clothes I choose and what I feel comfortable in at the time, whether it be a skirt, a gown, or perhaps a pants set. I love the colors of white and black and red. I am somewhat picky when it comes to purchasing clothing. Sometimes I like to wear my hair long and wild. Sometimes I like an updo. I think overall it’s a casual but elegant look, similar to how I dress in RL.
Kate: The latest Miss Virtual World challenge is to style yourselves from the 20’s… very chic and elegant for the grand opening of the BOSL Express. How are you doing with this latest photo challenge?
Preciouss: I am just about done. I went to work on it immediately, purchasing what I needed. I looked around for the outfit and accessories. I didn’t want to waste time in doing so. I just need the hair and I’m done. I am happy with what I have chosen and in my opinion it is my own unique look.
Kate: I think you have the kind of attitude that will bring you in with a strong finish. Where do you get your energy and inspiration from?
Preciouss: I hope you’re right Kate. I have good mentors who help me out, who believe in me. They are strong, independent individuals. They encourage me and support me in everything I do. They have pushed me to be the model I have become, and for this I am grateful. My RL brother, who I look up to, encourages me to be who I am.
Kate: That’s nice that you acknowledge the people who support you and give you strength! Have we missed anything? Is there something else you would like people to know about you?
Preciouss: I would just like people to know who Preciouss Metall is, aside from being a model. I am the type of person who puts my friends, family, or just about anyone’s needs ahead of my own. I like to help anyone whom I can be of service to, whether its helping them build, giving them money, sharing of anything I have. I am a friendly person and I truly care about everyone’s feelings. I try to think of myself as a true and genuine friend always helping others.
Kate: Do you have any advice for a potential Miss Virtual World applicant?
Preciouss: Yes. I would like to tell all future models to try their hardest, set your self a goal and then do it. One thing to remember is, never let anyone tell you, you can’t do it, that you’re not good enough. It’s not about being good enough. It’s about hard work and dedication. Right before joining MVW I was unsure I would even make it as one of the semi finalists with so many Top Models in the running. This was my train of thought at the time. As you can see, I have proven myself wrong. I did make it, I am one of the finalists, a model amongst some of the most beautiful women in SL, and you too can do it, just believe in yourself and never be afraid to ask for help, there’s always so many models willing to help. Just be yourself, you can do anything you set your mind to.

The Grand Finale for the Miss Virtual World will be held at the Patch Thibaud Auditorium on December 19, Saturday. See you there!

Kate Stockholm is a senior staff writer for Best of Second Life Magazine and a Miss Virtual World Organization executive. She was last year’s Miss Sweden and winner of Miss Congeniality.

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