Good morning, Swansea!
A Swansea student is preparing to step onto the Miss Wales stage this year, balancing university life with fundraising, training, and community work along the way.
We caught up with competition finalist Laicee John to talk about what the journey has involved so far, stepping out of her comfort zone, and why representing Wales means so much to her.
Catch you on Sunday!
Andrew.
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Meet Laicee
Laicee John is a Swansea student studying Primary Education in Welsh, all while preparing for the Miss Wales final, which takes place at The Riverfront in Newport on April 18th.
I’m really passionate about helping children build confidence from a young age. Alongside my studies, I’ve volunteered in schools internationally, including in Sri Lanka, and I’ve recently started sharing my journey through a platform called Little Voices, Growing Futures, which focuses on empowering young children to find their voice.
On entering Miss Wales
For Laicee, entering Miss Wales was less about the event itself and more about challenging herself and using the platform as a way to support the competition’s two chosen charities, A-Sisterhood (a UK-based organisation that seeks to empower, support and protect women worldwide) and Beauty with a Purpose, which drives humanitarian projects globally.
Honestly, I was shocked at first [about making the final], and then I just felt incredibly grateful… It’s not just about the glamour - it’s months of fundraising, training, charity work, and personal development. The sisterhood between the contestants has been amazing. Everyone is so supportive and genuinely wants to see each other succeed.
Opal Suchata Chuangsri (Miss Thailand) is crowned Miss World 2025
On what the competition means
If Laicee is crowned Miss Wales, she will go on to represent Wales at the prestigious Miss World in El Salvador later this year, competing to win against women from more than 100 different countries.
Representing Wales would be such an honour. What excites me most is the chance to showcase the kindness, community spirit, and resilience we have here. It is a little bit scary because of the scale of it, but I remind myself that growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.
On Little Voices, Growing Futures
Alongside preparing for Miss Wales, Laicee has begun developing a platform focused on helping young children build confidence and find their voice.
Little Voices, Growing Futures came from my experiences volunteering abroad and working in classrooms here in Wales. I saw how powerful confidence is when a child goes from whispering to proudly speaking up. It’s something I’m passionate about sharing, advocating for child-centred, confidence-building approaches that support parents, carers, and educators.
On finding the confidence to try new things
A central part of Laicee’s journey is encouraging younger people to see confidence as something built gradually rather than something you either have or don’t - whether that’s a small step in the classroom… or entering a pageant!
Confidence isn’t about being the loudest person in the room - it’s about trusting yourself and knowing your worth. You don’t need to have everything figured out. Just take small, brave steps, whether that’s putting your hand up in class, applying for a job, or trying something new. Your voice matters, and you are enough.
Follow and Support Laicee
If you’d like to follow Laicee’s journey to the Miss Wales final, you can find her on Instagram at @laiceeella, where she shares updates, fundraising events, and behind-the-scenes moments.
Public voting for Miss Wales is open too! You can vote for Lacey by texting WELSH LAICEE to 64343 (spelling must be exact). Texts cost £1 plus your standard network charge, with voting open across the UK and Northern Ireland. Terms & Conditions apply.
Big thanks to Laicee for sharing her story!
Got a Swansea story you want to share? Reply to this email and let us know!
I’ll catch you on Sunday!
Andrew.
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