Confidence Grows With Age

Beauty queen Shany Hagan, 50, spent years with low self-esteem – but now, there's no stopping her

- Lucy Notarantonio And Frances Leate

Despite being timid and shy at school, always the quietest girl in my class, I secretly loved the idea of being in the limelight. I'd watch beauty pageants on TV as a teenager, totally in awe of the women competing – they were so glamorous and beautiful as they strutted on stage in their sequinned gowns and designer bikinis.

‘I wish I could do that,’ I thought, but I'd always struggled with my confidence and being dyslexic didn't help. I spent most of my teens and 20s terrified that people would think I was stupid, so I'd rarely speak up or do anything to make myself the centre of attention.

I looked after myself, though – went to the gym five times a week and ate healthily, drinking plenty of water. My dad, John, 75, had always looked really young for his age and told me about the 'magic' face mask he created using Manuka honey. I started using it on my face every night, and although a bit sticky, as I hit my 30s, people would comment on my fresh-faced, youthful appearance.

Star for the day

With long blonde hair and a good figure, I'd often have men asking me out but I'd usually refuse, too shy to take them up on it.

I somehow fell into a career in sales, and suddenly had no choice but to talk to people. As a result, slowly but surely, I came out of my shell and my confidence grew.

In my spare time, I even worked as an extra in soaps and films. I’d​ get my hair and make-up done, and be given a nice outfit to wear. I loved feeling like a star for the day.