Erin Claire Chapman @erinclairechapman
«When I was 10 I was accepted into a modeling agency but at the time I had to choose between modelling and competitive dance, I of course stayed with dance…»
«…but I hadn’t realized that I actually signed up for Miss Universe Canada! Safe to say that after my first national pageant experience I was hooked…»
«I would say that my creativity is my unique stamp. I am not afraid to be bold and take chances through a creative lense…»
«…but what’s stopping you from doing something right here and right now? The worst thing that can happen is that you don’t enjoy it, you have a new experience under your belt, and you move on with your life…»
«I started dancing when I was one and a half years old and began competing across North America when I was 5 years old. I only really know life on a stage performing in front of people so to me it feels like home where I belong.»
It is an honor to present from Canada – Erin Claire Chapman – model – Beauty Queen – Miss Elite Americas 2021 – dancer. Erin very kindly grants me an unmissable interview and we meet her now!!!
Welcome Erin Claire Chapman!!!
1.- Erin, you were born in Canada ,What do you like about your hometown in Canada? What are your hobbies?
I am born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario in Canada. Ottawa is the capital of Canada (home to our parliament building) and one of my favourite things about the city is the Rideau canal which in the winter becomes the world’s largest outdoor skating rink.
2.- What makes you laugh a lot or does it give you a lot of joy?
I have a one year old puppy named Sundae and she makes me laugh a lot. My family has this saying, «I can live without a lot of things, but I can’t live without a dog» and it is so true. Sundae is so smart, sassy, and silly that she is always making me laugh.
3.- Model , Beauty Queen, Miss Elite Americas 2021, When do you decide to take your first steps as a model and beauty pageants? What feeling do you have achieving your dreams, your passions and being a recognized influencer woman today?
When I was 10 I was accepted into a modeling agency but at the time I had to choose between modelling and competitive dance, I of course stayed with dance. In university I was again accepted to the agency and began modelling around my city. Funny story, I actually stumbled into my first pageant! I saw a targeted ad on Facebook for a pageant and thought it might be fun to try since I love performing, but I hadn’t realized that I actually signed up for Miss Universe Canada! Safe to say that after my first national pageant experience I was hooked.I am so grateful for pageants to have helped me grow as a person, try new things, and meet incredible people all around the world.
4.- What do you think is the distinctive, unique stamp of Erin in each activity carried out as a person and model?
I would say that my creativity is my unique stamp. I am not afraid to be bold and take chances through a creative lense. I believe that this aspect of my personality helps me stand out and it’s what makes me unique. A funny story is that when I was representing Canada at Miss Glam World we had a culinary challenge where we had to be as creative as we would making vegetable platters provided by one of the sponsors. Every girl cut up their vegetables and made a nice spread but I decided to use the seeds of the peppers and the skin of the onions to make ballerinas. After we were done I looked at everyone around me and thought I misunderstood the brief and really missed the mark, but I actually ended up winning the challenge!
5.- Whats is the main virtue that any woman must have to be a model?
Empathy and kindness is key! This industry is amazing and empowering but can also be harsh. I am someone who has to work extremely hard for my pageant body and it is often accompanied by body dysphmoria. Everyone is going through their own journey and in pageants and modelling you are putting yourself on display to be judged. While it gives us a great platform to lead by example we have to be kind to everyone around us because you never know what someone else is going through,
6.- Are you aware of being an influential woman for thousands of girls who want to be models? How important is it to you to be an idol for many girls and teenagers?
It’s funny, you never think that you are an idol for someone until they tell you directly and then it hits you how much of a platform you really have. I just try to be the best, unapologetic version of myself, and live life authentically. I think that’s all anyone can hope for and through my platform I can inspire others to do the same.
7.- What was your feeling the first time you modeled in front of a video camera? What did you feel the first time at a beauty pageant?
I started dancing when I was one and a half years old and began competing across North America when I was 5 years old. I only really know life on a stage performing in front of people so to me it feels like home where I belong.
8.- What do you think about the power of social media today?
Social media is a powerful tool but there is so much out there that we have to be careful with how much we consume. Since my day job is also in social media and digital content I like to find time during my sday to purposefully unplug and live in the moment.
9.- How do you like to interact with your followers on social media? Whats your favorite social media?
I love liking people’s posts and commenting to lift other women up because when someone deserves a compliment I like to give it to them. I would say that Instagram is my favourite platform but I do get carried away watching TikToks, it’s just so addicting!
10.- What would you advise young people who have talent but do not dare to take the next step? What would you advise parents who do not support their children’s talents?
What’s the worst that can happen? I believe in living life through bucket list moments. Some bucket list items of course take longer to achieve but what’s stopping you from doing something right here and right now? The worst thing that can happen is that you don’t enjoy it, you have a new experience under your belt, and you move on with your life; that doesn’t sound like a risk at all to me. For parents out there, let your kids have as many new experiences as they can because you never know what they might find. Your child is their own person, you might not agree with some of their talents and what they want to do with their spare time but as long as they are doing something they love in a safe and positive environment, be there to support them along their journey.
11.- What important lessons have you learned from the world of fashion and beauty pageants?
A lesson that I am still in the process of learning is how to love my model. It has been a winding road of ups and downs but even on days when I don’t particularly like the way I look I think about the process and how much fun getting ready for a competition can be. Also, one sure fire way to feel incredible is to put on a sparkly evening gown and strut your stuff!
12.- Erin, being a model for you has been easy? Were there obstacles? How did you overcome obstacles?
The obstacle in this journey has always been my body. I have a curvier and athletic build and the industry still loves a slimmer physique. Everyday is a new story along my journey but all you can do is take it one day at a time and continue with positive self-talk.
13.- Have you thought about being an actress? Do you like the entertainment industry?
I would love to be an actress or in the entertainment industry. Currently in Ottawa I do background work in lifetime movies and I also work in broadcasting at my day job. I was extremely involved in theatre in high school (even winning awards) so I would love to get back to it. My dream job would be a fashion/entertainment correspondent for ETalk.
14.- Worldwide, women have acquired a greater role even though there are societies where they are still abused. What is your opinion of the role of women in the future in these societies?
Women have always been leaders but we have spent centuries being silenced. Now that we are actively speaking up and making our voices heard I see women having the same seat at the table as men. Both men and women bring something different to the table and so we should all have a seat to be able to voice our opinions and come up with new and creative solutions to old and new problems. This goes beyond gender, representation matters and diversity, especially when it comes to people with decision making power, should always be of the utmost importance.
15.- Erin, what is your motivation and what do you feel grateful for every day?
My motivation is to try new things and constantly improve. I have a «bucket list» of things I want to do in my lifetime and the curiosity to try new things keeps me motivated. I am grateful to live in a country, have family/friends, and a work ethic that supports my curiosity for life.
16.- Erin Do you like to travel? What countries do you know? What other countries would you like to know and which places do you recommend to visit from Canada?
I LOVE to travel! My grandpa was with the foreign service so my mom grew up all around the world (primarily London and Tokyo). I grew up hearing all these amazing travel stories from my family but since my childhood was spent dancing I am now doing more travel in my 20s. For my job I have travelled to South Korea, Peru, Japan, and China and through pageants I have been fortunate to travel to India and Egypt. I have a Europe trip planned for once COVID has settled down a bit more and I love travelling across North America when I have a few days off work. If you’re coming to Canada of course the three main places to visit arre Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal but you can’t go wrong with anywhere in Canada because our culture differs so vastly from coast to coast! But if you’re coming in February, come to Ottawa to skate on the world’s largest outdoor skating rink and join us for Winterlude!
17.- You and me (Jaime William) are going to play ping pong, I will tell you one word and you will answer with another word that comes to your mind.
– Marriage – Love
– Childrens – Family
– Love – Yourself
– Canada – My home!
– Travel – Explore
– Abortion – My body, my choice
– Dance e- verywhere
– Sing – in the shower
– Europe – Bucketlist
– America – Comfortable
– Sport – Necessary
– Money – Comes and goes
– Parents – DNA buddies
– Dreams – Aspirations
– Passion – Fire
– Madness Percentage – We’re all a little bit mad
– Character – Be silly
Interview conducted by Jaime William Mostacero Baca with Erin Claire Chapman – Canada
English language
Erin Claire Chapman Contact: Instagram – Whatsapp
Interview authorized in writing by Instagram – Whatsapp: Erin Claire Chapman – Perumira – Jaime William
All Rights Reserved in the name of Erin Claire Chapman – Perumira – Jaime William