Black Press Media is a proud partner of the Miss BC pageants, with this year鈥檚 event taking place June 29 - July 1in Fort Langley. As part of the People鈥檚 Choice Award, we are posting contestants鈥� biographies online for readerstolearn more about the women and girls from their communities and to put in their vote.

Submitted by Crystal F. of Abbotsford:

I鈥檓 always looking for new ways to engage with my community and network with people so when I heard about the Miss BC program and learned that it wasn鈥檛 a beauty pageant but rather a self-development and community based program, I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet some new people, learn something new and have some fun!

Owning an independent mortgage brokerage company is serious business and I realized early on that I had a knack for making people feel comfortable and at ease. I was able to take some of that seriousness around personal finances and add a slice of fun when I created my business moniker 鈥淭he Mortgage Chick鈥� and I have enjoyed helping make peoples home ownership dreams come true while also mentoring new mortgage brokers learn the mortgage financing ropes ever since.

I鈥檝e definitely had many challenges along the way, both personally and professionally, and I strongly believe my ability to rise above these challenges, is by leaning on those close to me and keeping my standards high.

I truly believe that 鈥榯he happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.鈥� I wake up every morning, put a smile on my brain and get out there and face the day鈥檚 challenges and look forward to the successes.