A Lady Who Faced Hardships for Her Ginger Locks Has Become the First Redhead to Be Crowned Miss England

Jessica Gagen, 26, beat 30 other beauty queens and took the title at the final for Miss England. But this wasn’t just a regular victory, there is a story behind it. Young Jessica went through unimaginable hardship for something which has defined her look since day one—her natural red hair. But she decided to take it upon herself to overcome every prejudice and shine bright, proving that “Everything is good when it ends well.”

School wasn’t easy due to her hair color.

Jessica is studying aerospace engineering and is a model. Following her traumatic teenage years in secondary school, Jessica detailed her challenging quest to rebuild her self-confidence.

Jessica didn’t mention it much during last year’s competition, as she’s a big believer in leaving negativity in the past, but since there’s never been red-haired Miss England, she felt it was important to speak up and educate people about what redheads face in school.

She soon modeled on international catwalks.

Jessica revealed that when she was in 7th grade, she used to eat her lunch in the school bathroom, because on the occasions she’d try to sit with some of the girls, they’d stand up and leave her by herself. “I used to get really upset about it all, but I’m determined to show kids who are facing the same thing that it won’t happen forever.” After being signed by a modeling agency after she turned 18, Jessica’s confidence grew as she took to catwalks across the globe.

Becoming Miss England

She competed in Miss England for the first time last year and finished as runner-up, narrowly losing out to Rehema Muthamia in the final. She was, however, determined to triumph this year. And she did.

In the 94-year history of the pageant, she became the first winner with red hair. Now, she has gone one better to take the title of Miss England 2022.

“There has never been a redhead win the title before.”

Talking about her participation in Miss England, Jessica stated: “For me, by competing in Miss England, my campaign last year and this year is to help get girls interested in science, technology, engineering, and math. But after realizing there has never been a redhead winner, I looked back, and I thought, there are not that many redheads on TV.”

After winning the Miss England title, Jessica said: “It’s nice to be able to represent the younger kids and say ’I have been through it and you can use that pain to raise your game.’ Make it your superpower.”

Lots of people have gone through tough times, just like this woman who used to feel embarrassed about her looks but ended up winning everyone’s affection with her incredible strength.