My name is Gail Wilson, I am 26 and I’m from Falkirk. As a teenager I attended Graeme High School and now own my own successful business.
ENVY Gowns was originally opened in 2009 by my mum. We are a special occasion dress shop specialising in Prom, Grad Ball & Pageant gowns.
I began working with my Mum as a Saturday assistant when I was 15, and became a Director in the business when I left school at 17.
Over the last decade I have learned the ropes and grown in confidence in relation to business practices and learned how to deliver a very high standard of customer service.
And although it’s obviously been a horrendous year for all businesses, we seem to have bounced back well and I’m excited to see what the future holds.
As many others, my mental health has suffered during the last few years.
I often found the social pressures associated with young people and the internet, would compound my anxieties over body issues, family bereavements and my general health.
Sometimes I felt I was focussing too much on myself and then realising the difficulties others were facing, drove me to ask myself the question : How can I help?
Most recently during the pandemic I become a frontline worker, stepping in for others who were shielding, serving the public in these difficult times.
Over the years I have focussed on local as well as national charities and organised or took part in many fundraising events.
These have included organising a charity ball, family fun days, fashion shows and regular raffles.
Since the inception of my business I estimate we’ve raised over £10,000.
My chosen charity during Miss Scotland, is GB4G (@Give Blood4 Good), which is a new blood donation charity and already I have donated my first pint.
This charity focuses on young people and raising their awareness of the importance of regular and life long blood donation.
I’ve always admired many of the previous Miss Scotland’s from afar who have worked hard in their role to promote their country and for the Charity work they undertook.
It took a bit of courage to actually send in my application. But with my Mum having had a stroke, it made me realise how precious and short our time can be and how important it is to go for it in life.
The most important aspect of Miss Scotland for me is Beauty with a Purpose!
The Miss Scotland Winners and Finalists, over the years, have raised over half a million pounds for charities and importantly, every penny stayed in Scotland which I am proud to be part of.
But for me it’s not about wearing the crown, it’s about what you can achieve for your charity and your country, whilst you are wearing it and it’s the same philosophy for Miss World.
The issues I have faced in life including with my mental health are not unique or new and I have used my positivity and hard work ethic to drive on, always looking for ways forward and opportunities to improve the lives of those around me.
Hopefully the judges will see me as someone with a face that can open doors so I can promote this amazing country!
