From 6.5k applicants this year, there were 3 regional heats for Simply Be Curvy 2010. The first was in Dublin & 50 applicants were invited to that while the other two heats were in Limerick & Sligo & 35 applicants were invited to each of these.
The standard this year was exceptionally high & the judges had quite a job trying trying to whittle these numbers down to the final 16.
But eventually after long deliberations the 16 finalists from 13 countries across the country were selected.
Brianna Connaughton from Passage East, Co.Waterford is 24 years of age. She is the co-ordinator of a Garda Youth Diversion Project. The project is called "The Sway Project" & helps kids that are getting into trouble & being brought to the attention of the Garda. They're sent to Brianna so she can try to turn their paths away from future crime or antisocial behaviour.
Brianna is very passionate about her work & is dedicated to this project. She studied Social Care in Waterford I.T & is hoping to continue her education & study for her Masters in Criminology Sept 2010. Along with having a passion for fashion (especially shoes!), Brianna also loves travelling & will be going to America over Christmas & then Japan in the New Year.
She wanted to enter Simply Be Curvy to "show women with body image issues that regardless of size, self acceptance & being happy with your curves is what's important & it's about being beautiful on many levels & recognising your own beauty". Brianna is very family orientated & has a great circle of friends that are her support network & encouraged her to go for Simply Be Curvy...& how she's glad they did!!
