Why is Miss Taranaki putting on quite a show?

‘‘If you wanna do something go and do it. Don’t be scared of what others think, just go out there and smash it.’’

That’s the advice of 19-year-old Jenna Bellve, and it’s advice she lives by.

Not only is the New Plymouth teenager the current Miss Taranaki, she’s now become a Top 20 finalist in Miss Universe New Zealand 2017 - and as part of the competition she’s organising a fashion event this weekend that could help her clinch the title.

Around 200 girls entered the nationwide pageant and Bellve was one of 40 selected to attended a ‘Stiletto Camp’ in April, which involved a make-up and grooming workshop, professional pictures and a media workshop.

The 40 girls were then whittled down to 20 in a live broadcast on Facebook.

‘‘It was extremely nerveracking and a lot of suspense waiting. I got quite emotional so luckily my name was called out quite early,’’ said Bellve. ‘‘I really wanted to get through for Taranaki and represent the region.’’

As finalists, the contestants are expected to organise an event as part of an Entrepreneurial Challenge - which is why Bellve has put together a Taranaki fashion fusion show, a mix of dance, music and fashion, that’s taking place this Saturday at the Mayfair.

‘‘As soon as I got the challenge my brain went crazy with ideas so I merged all the things that I love together,’’ she said.

She has not only planned the show but will also feature in it, dancing, modelling as well as hosting. ‘‘I’ve had so much fun planning this so hopefully it’s successful. This has been almost like a full-time job, absolutely crazy but really amazing.’’

Part of the proceeds from the challenge go straight to Variety, a children’s charity which aims to help disadvantaged children.

‘‘If I raise $1300 dollars it means I get to sponsor one disadvantaged Kiwi kid for one year, so I won’t stop till I’ve at least done that,’’ she said.

The two contestants with the highest totals in the Entrepreneurial Challenge will be immune from elimination when the contest moves from 20 girls to 10.

Bellve is heading to Thailand next week with the other 19 finalists to shoot the swimwear section of the competition’s Grand Final and a TV programme.

The final will be at Sky City Auckland on August 12 and anyone hoping to support Bellve or get tickets to her show can do so via her Facebook page.