Winning Beach Hop pageant restores confidence for local women

Hollie Peterson described her outfit as "the mum going out for a picnic in pearls". Photo / Supplied

Winning the 2020 Beach Hop Burgerfuel Vintage Show was less about receiving the sash for Te Awamutu local Hollie Peterson and more about restoring her confidence.

The 23-year-old was among 40 contestants and she dressed up in her 50s themed outfit, completed with a set of pearls that were gifted to her by her late grandfather.

"We were all waiting back stage and I was getting super anxious, I had never done this type of pageant before. My head was telling me to run and I was close to - I was about to stand in front of thousands of people, but something told me to just push through," says Hollie.

Hollie had done pageants in the past, but stopped after having her daughter and says at some point her confidence changed.

At the Beach Hop event she had her dad, sister, niece, nephew and partner in the crowd supporting her.

Contestants went on stage in groups of seven and each had the chance to walk around the stage, show off their outfits, do a couple of poses and chat with the host.

With the host they spoke about where they are from, their favourite classic and if they could rock 'n' roll dance.

The judges then narrowed the group down to the top 12 and Hollie was the second to make it.

"I was super surprised and excited, I jumped up and down on stage," says Hollie.

The final 12 did another walk around the stage and the crowd cheered on their favourites before the placings were announced.

Hollie says her heart was racing in the moments leading up to her win.

"I was so happy, not just that I had won but because I had pushed myself to so something to help me gain my confidence back and to show my daughter that you can do anything you put your mind too," says Hollie.

Hollie received a stash and got to take home a new Panasonic 50 inch television.

"I loved doing this, I encourage others to push themselves to do things they enjoy even if they may have lost confidence," says Hollie.

"My family and friends were so proud of me; I think my dad has told the whole town so already."