Just back from Las Vegas, where she created history as the first Jamaican to ever finish second in a Miss Universe pageant, Yendi Phillipps is completely enjoying the moment. Expressing her gratitude to all those who have assisted her on the journey; in-between stylish sips at Bin 26, the beauty shares her thoughts with us.

What are you sipping?

Champagne; Perrier-Jouët.

You’re at Bin 26, what kind of mood are you in?

I feel great… I believe it’s always important to say thanks to those who have helped you become… I wanted an intimate setting where I could just share with close friends and family.

How do you feel about being the only Jamaican to come so close to the crown?

It’s truly surreal; there’s nothing like working hard and reaping the rewards…like I said, mission accomplished.

The pageant ended two weeks ago; how have you been spending your time since?

I’ve been really busy, I’ve been doing a media blitz; I have a lot of events and appearances scheduled.

What will the platforms as Miss Jamaica Universe and Miss Universe first runner-up allow you?

It allows me a voice to effect change, focus on my charity — The Yendi Phillipps Foundation — and, too, my international career in modelling, media and film.

How did you find the experience of being in the competition?

It’s intimidating; here you have 83 of the world’s most beautiful women vying for one crown… (laughs) everyone has something you wished you had.

And how did you approach this situation?

I realised I went with a purpose and in speaking to my dad, Haleem Phillipps, he assured me that they were probably looking at me and thinking the same thing.

If you had the chance to take any feature from particular contestants, what would you take?

Well, I would take (Miss) Ireland’s eyes, they are amazing; (Miss) Croatia’s body, and (Miss) Brazil’s teeth… the most perfect I ever saw and they weren’t veneers.

What’s the one item you wished you had taken with you?

It’s kind of gross, but haemorrhoid cream to eliminate under-eye puffiness.

Throughout the competition, who were your besties?

Miss Brazil Debora Lyra, Miss Great Britain Tara Valtiere Hoyos and Miss Thailand Fonthip Watcharatrakul.

Do you feel your training as a dancer, model and television host prepared you for the pageant?

Everything has its part to play in the journey: dance gave me the discipline and focus, and having experienced live television makes me comfortable before a live audience.

What were you and Miss Mexico mumbling during the final moments of the pageant?

I speak Spanish, so I asked her if she was okay, and she said ‘I can’t breathe’ and I told her to take a deep breath.

What’s the best thing about being a beauty queen?

Knowing that in a time, probably not too far from now, one little girl might say she’s going to pursue her dreams because Yendi did… my job here would have been done.

What’s the best piece of advice you have to give?

It’s okay to pursue your dreams…never ignore that inkling inside.

And for the girl who succeeds you?

Research, do your homework.

Is there anything you would have done differently?

Nothing, absolutely nothing…if anything though, I’d have worn more blush (laughs).