Entertainment
Maya Marcellin Enters Her First Pageant With a Message of Healthy Living
Maya Zareiah Venice Marcellin, 18, is competing in her first pageant as a contestant for Miss Teen British Virgin Islands 2025.
Born Jan. 9, 2007, she is the daughter of Stephen and Shornell Marcellin.
A graduate of Elmore Stoutt High School, Marcellin is currently pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts at Hamilton Lavity Stoutt Community College. She said she sees pageantry as more than competition, describing it as a chance to strengthen her voice and serve her community.
“As a pageant contestant, one of my biggest goals is to use my platform to inspire others and make a meaningful impact in my community,” Marcellin said. “Through pageantry, I hope to grow as a leader and uplift others, turning this dream into a reality.”
Her platform, Eat Well, Move Well, Live Well, focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle through dance, fitness, and nutrition. “By encouraging others to stay active, make balanced food choices, and embrace wellness, I aim to inspire my peers and community to live longer, stronger, and healthier lives,” she said.
Marcellin also spoke about her dual ambitions of becoming both a professional dancer and pastry chef. “Dance—particularly in styles such as ballet, contemporary, and modern—gives me the power to tell stories through movement, expressing passion, emotion, and grace,” she said. “Meanwhile, baking lets me bring happiness to others through sweet creations made with care.”
She added that she envisions launching a youth program promoting healthy living through physical activity and nutrition. “Whether performing on stage or creating in the kitchen, I am dedicated to perfecting my craft, following my dreams, and sharing my love for both art forms with my community and beyond,” she said.
This is Marcellin’s first pageant. Her favourite colour is yellow, which she said represents her “bright and cheerful personality.” Outside of her studies, she enjoys travelling, discovering new places, and relaxing with movies.
Since 2002, the Miss Teen British Virgin Islands pageant has empowered young women to embrace their culture, serve their communities, and represent the territory on regional and international stages. This year’s contestants, including Marcellin and Ms. J’Seanna Barnes, will compete for the opportunity to serve as teen ambassadors, champion causes, and inspire change throughout the Virgin Islands and beyond.
Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.
Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.
Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.
By Ray Winter
Designer Andrea Wilson is one step closer to her New York Fashion Week debut this February, having completed the first round of casting calls in the British Virgin Islands late last December.
A total of 10 emerging models from across the territory gathered on Sunday, December 28, at the S’thetics on Tortola for the ‘I Landed in the Big Apple’ casting call. The runway show itself will take place
on February 14 at the Midtown Loft Studio in Manhattan.
At the casting, models were put through their paces — from runway walk and posture assessments to a high-energy photo booth challenge designed to test both poise and presence.
“I can already say that the girls from the first casting call turned up and did not disappoint. I am loving the energy of this group,” Andrea shares during an interview at her Hannah’s Estate boutique on Tortola, where vibrant swimwear and luxurious resort pieces from her previous four collections line the space.
With model submissions arriving from the United States, Guyana, the United Kingdom and the United States Virgin Islands, the next round of casting is scheduled for mid-January.
“I am truly looking forward to the next round, which will have both in-person and virtual assessments,” she explains, pausing between calls from her organising committee discussing VIP bags and venue décor.
“I have been crazy busy over the past few weeks since the date confirmation poster was shared on social media. My social media accounts are overly active with messages from up-and-coming models and others with major runway experience, from international pageants to designers’ showcases. They all want to walk the runway.”
“I am humbled by the level of support from all corners,” the designer reveals. “I have received encouragement from models, family and friends, colleagues, and even strangers. “It has not been an easy journey.”
Behind Andrea’s first New York runway presentation lies a deeper milestone. This year also marks the tenth anniversary of her brand, The Islander Swimwear. A decade defined by both wins and trials — from a successful brand launch to fractured business partnerships; from the devastation of hurricanes Irma and Maria to the uncertainty of Covid-19 lockdowns — has shaped the designer’s resilience.
Still, Andrea beams as she fine-tunes the final details for her Valentine’s Day debut.
“I learnt something from all my stumbles. I have learnt that I can take it all and still stand with all my scrapes and bumps. I am from a family of women who have shown me that it is okay to stumble because you gain knowledge for the next chapter.”
“I am the Caribbean phoenix,” Andrea grins.
Born in Guyana and based in the British Virgin Islands for more than two decades, she brings a rich cultural lineage to her work. With roots that trace back to St Lucia and Suriname, her heritage weaves seamlessly into her creative vision.
“I started a brand with very little money, but I had gumption and ideas about creating a different Caribbean swim and resort wear look that came from my love of travelling around the Caribbean. That’s why my brand is called The Islander; every collection reflects the natural beauty of my beloved region. A decade later, and this region still sparks my creativity, inspires me daily.”
Her swimwear and resort collections are defined by bold, original prints created by Andrea herself, each reminiscent of mosaic artwork. Drawing inspiration from the Caribbean’s natural beauty — from vibrant coral reefs to rolling waves and sun-drenched beaches — every piece tells a story, capturing the depth and allure of the region.
A glimpse into her boutique reveals the essence of her design philosophy. Perched above the Caribbean Sea, the space commands sweeping views of Nanny Cay Marina, where yachts of every scale glide in and out with effortless glamour.
Inside, the atmosphere is light and breezy, layered with striking details: driftwood repurposed as jewellery displays, recycled marine pallets reimagined as plinths, and accents of dried coral and shells that echo the surrounding seascape.
Part store, part studio, it is here that Andrea, whose background is in graphic design, has spent recent months immersed in the creation of her collections, preparing for her much-talked-about debut in the Big Apple.
In February, Wilson will present three collections during the show and has invited fellow Virgin Islands designers Germaine Smith of Kymasia and Morgan Creque to join her on the runway, creating a collaborative moment that highlights Caribbean creativity on a global stage.
“When I confirmed that the showcase was definitely going ahead, I wanted to share the stage with other designers in the territory – that’s how Germain and Morgan came on board,” she explains.
The runway experience will be further elevated by handmade jewelry created exclusively for the show by Ammique Mills of BVI Artistry Boutique. Her eco-conscious designs—crafted from sustainably sourced natural elements found throughout the Virgin Islands—will complement the collections and underscore the region’s deep connection to the sea and land. Select pieces from Mills’ work will also be included in VIP gift bags, offering guests a tangible expression of Virgin Islands artistry and sustainability.
Another non-negotiable was ensuring Caribbean models took centre stage.
“I wasn’t going to stage a Manhattan show during New York Fashion Week, celebrating the spirit of the Caribbean, without models from my home region. Hell no,” Andrea shakes her head from left to right.
“That’s why I’m holding two casting calls, complete with online voting, to promote our Caribbean models and let the public have a say in who will be the cover model, centrefold and back cover model for the ‘I’Landed in the Big Apple’ runway show.”
“I’m excited,” she laughs heartily. “This is my Caribbean fashion love story.”
“New York, here we come.”
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