Tanisha Balson is Miss Wob
Leaving an indelible mark on the competition, Tanisha Balson, hailing from Fond Canie, secured her position as the reigning Miss Wob Dwiyet 2023 by showcasing her dominance in every judged segment.
The event was charged with an air of anticipation as five talented young contestants from Waitukubuli competed for the coveted title. Despite the stiff competition, Balson stood out by consistently excelling in every competitive round.
In an interview following her victory, the photogenic Tanisha expressed her deep appreciation for capturing the title. Balson, an employee of the Central Cooperative Credit Union, outshone four other competitors at the Old Mill Cultural Centre.
"Winning that title means a lot. Dominica's culture is something I have always loved and cherished. Participating in this show reflects my genuine passion for embracing Dominica's culture," the 20-year-old winner shared.
She attributed her success to hard work and the boost it gave her confidence.
"I am very surprised and happy. I worked very hard, and this has definitely boosted my confidence," Balson stated.
She acknowledged the invaluable support of her family, chaperone, sponsors, and friends in her journey. Balson humbly recognized the collective effort that led to her victory.
Balson emphasized the importance of giving her best in every round, saying, "When you enter a competition, you must strive to excel in every aspect. I'm thrilled that I received awards in each round; it's something I had hoped for." Faith in God was another critical element of her success, especially when faced with last-minute challenges. She expressed, "Some issues arose at the last minute, but you just have to trust in God, and everything will work out in your favour."
Tanisha Balson firmly believes that education is the ultimate key to unlocking opportunities. Guided by this principle, she has achieved outstanding academic feats, graduating with honours from the Convent High School and the Dominica State College, where she earned her Associate Degree in Biology.
In her current role as a Member Service Representative at the CCCU, she sets an example of exceptional customer service. Beyond her professional pursuits, Balson has ventured into entrepreneurship, successfully managing her business, "Tan's Tints."
Looking ahead, she envisions furthering her education in medicine, with aspirations of becoming a Cardiothoracic Surgeon. She describes herself as a person of a quiet demeanour, known for her friendliness, kindness, compassion, generosity, and unwavering ambition. During her leisure time, she immerses herself in literature, spends quality time with her family, and indulges in performing arts and creative expressions.
Meanwhile, Arkysha Jno. Baptiste of Grandbay and Dubique secured the first runner-up title, while Salisbury native Chalika Vidal was awarded second runner-up and the Alliance Francaise People's Choice award. The People's Choice award was determined through public voting on social media, with the contestant receiving the most favourable reactions from the public, earning this distinction.