Just three days after being crowned Miss Universe Jamaica, (MUJ) Kaci Fennell is the centre of attention in the lobby of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. There are stares, congratulatory handshakes, and requests for cellphone photos. The smiling 21-year-old handles it all, with the effortless ease of a seasoned pro that belies her age.

The newly minted queen is meeting us for cocktails and convo at the hotel’s Blend Bar + Lounge. It’s a familiar place for both her and us, considering that a year earlier, she was one of our hand-picked photo subjects for a fashion editorial to tease trends at New York Fashion Week. The pretty, personable Fennell is ready to gab about pageant lessons, loving Audrey Hepburn and her secret weapon to wrest the international crown come December.

Take us back to coronation night, last weekend. How did you feel when you were announced the winner?

My heart sank to my big toe. I couldn’t believe it. Of course I was in the competition because I wanted to win, but still hearing your name, it’s still a feeling of ‘Whoa, that’s me!’ It was an amazing moment.

We hear your mum was a huge fan of former Miss Universe Jamaica Sandra Foster. Did that influence your decision to enter?

I wasn’t aware of beauty pageants when I was eight years old. But when my mum mentioned Sandra, Kimberly Mais, and Nicole Haughton and I looked them up, I found them gorgeous. They are all beautiful women and they have been inspirations to young ladies like myself to become strong leaders in society and I decided to enter the pageant to be that strong leader.

Do you believe beauty pageants have meaningful impact, beyond being seen as superficial artifice?

Most definitely. They build a woman’s confidence, self-esteem and respect for other individuals. You are in a competition with 18 other girls and you will enter the world stage alongside scores of girls from other countries. You learn to interact with a host of personalities and appreciate the different struggles these women have been put through.

What’s the most important lesson you took away from the pageant?

Patience — because I don’t have much to begin with.

What did you like least?

There were occasions we would have events suddenly, and given only a few hours’ notice beforehand. You have to get your act together, but it comes with the territory. You have to be prepared 24-7.

What’s your cocktail of choice?

I’m having a lime squash. I’m off alcohol; I haven’t had a sip in eight months.

Who does your hair?

Generally, Sharon Foster at Jazz Hairstylists. Today, however, I went to Lisa Hutchinson because my hairdresser is off the island. I put my trust in Lisa and it was huge for me because I don’t trust anyone with scissors in my hair, but she did an impeccable job.

Who does your nails?

Martina’s Nail Place.

What perfume are you spraying?

Versace Yellow Diamonds.

What’s playing on your iPod or car stereo?

I’m in love with Sam Smith’s album In The Lonely Hour. He has such a beautiful voice. Every song touches you in some way.

What’s your beauty regimen?

I drink tons of water to stay hydrated. I think water works wonders. And I do moisturise.

Flats or stilettos?

Stilettos, without question. I don’t speak for all women but I feel like a supermodel in high stilettos.

What’s your idea of the perfect man?

I can’t pinpoint a specific personality trait that I would like to see. It has to be a connection, and compatibility. I don’t look any further than that.

What’s your idea of the perfect date?

Just us being ourselves. There is no particular setting. He could carry me to Scotchies or all the way up to Strawberry Hill, so long as we have that connection, then that moment would be fabulous.

You revealed a love for the late Audrey Hepburn onstage at the MUJ pageant. Why are you a fan?

I love Audrey, not just for her beautiful face but for her beautiful soul. We all know her as a great actress, but a lot of us don’t realise the great humanitarian she was, as well. She lent most of her life being an ambassador for UNICEF. She created housing schemes in Africa, facilitated access to clean water and access to education for those struck by poverty. Who wouldn’t admire a woman like that?

What’s the secret weapon you will be employing to take the Miss Universe crown back to The Rock?

I am quite analytical, so I believe I could use that in my favour to win the pageant. And just my personality: being myself won me the MUJ crown in the first place, so why can’t it get me the international crown as well?

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

In a classroom teaching my students.

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