PAGEANT FINALIST FINDS PURPOSE
COOLY Rocks On Miss Rockabilly finalist and Grow Bold Ambassador Rachaelle Gaultier was experiencing a dark time in her life before deciding to take the leap and enter the 1950s pin-up-style pageant.
The 50-year-old, who goes by the stage name Rachaelle La Belle, said she was suffering from personal issues such as empty-nest syndrome and felt like her life was imploding.
She said in her search for meaning she did what any modern woman would do – turn to Google.
“I then knew that I was doing the right thing by moving on from a relationship that was not making me happy, and I read articles which advised to focus on what makes you happy,” she said.
“It did not take much brain storming to identify that I love dressing up in ’50s pin-up-style clothing and I love the classic car and rockabilly culture.”
When Ms Gaultier saw the competition to become an Ambassador for the event, she said she “knew it was just meant for me”.
“There it was – the opportunity to really enjoy the festival and do things I never would normally get to do like being part of the parade.
“I saw they were taking entries for the Miss Rockabilly Pin-Up girl competition. I entered and I was lucky enough to gain a place as a finalist.
“Life really does throw you curve balls at times and I cannot believe I have come from one of my darkest hours just two months ago to having the time of my life.
“I was at a mental breaking point, but by throwing myself into activities that I love and the rock ’n roll and pin-up community that I love, I am feeling much better and more positive.
“I am excited and honoured to be chosen as the Feros Care Grow Bold Ambassador and I only hope my story can be an inspiration for someone else out there going through a tough time in their life.”
Last year, Miss Ruby Alabaster beat 11 other finalists to take the top title. This year’s Miss Cooly Rocks On event will be held on June 6 at the Twin Towns Showroom. It will be followed by the first-ever Harvest Moon Swing Ball.
The Miss Rockabilly Pageant will be held on Friday, June 7, at the Coolangatta Hotel Balcony.
Cooly Rocks On runs June 5-9 at outdoor stages, venues, streets and parks of Coolangatta.