Krista Henry, Staff Reporter
Erica Aquart Perkins and daughter Marlo- file
Erica Aquart did herself proud by winning the prestigious Miss Jamaica World Beauty Contest. She went one better and did the whole Jamaica proud when she captured the Caribbean Queen of Beauty title on an impressive performance characterised by charm, poise, grace and lots of confidence (1990).
Dreams transformed Erica Aquart Perkins' life. After conquering the world with her charm and beauty, Miss Jamaica World 1990 moved on to family and motherhoodin Florida, USA, then followed her dreams and became a business entrepreneur.
Mother of three, Stefan, Zachary and Marlo, Erica's love for her family and the specific impact of her youngest child led to Marlo's Inspirations. Her first product line, the Cuddle 'n' Cover Towel Apron and Bath Set, provides comfort and convenience when bathing one's child.
"The idea came to me in a dream. I'm serious; after having three kids, my last child Marlo was so hectic. I work from home - I guess with a girl, I didn't want to take any chances, 'cause she's a girl, I wanted to be safer. For some reason it wasn't as hectic when I had my boys. In the midst of the craziness it was a remedy that would help me and other mothers," she said. Started in 2004, Marlo's Inspiration has grown to become a daily part of life for mothers.
Most graceful queen
One of Jamaica's most graceful beauty queens, Erica moved abroad to live with her husband Marlon Perkins, and attests that life has been great with a new family and a beautiful home. While she may not be in the island, Erica does her best to stay in touch through reading the local papers online every day. She also keeps her links with Miss Jamaica World organiser Mickey Haughton.
"I think Mickey is doing a great job. It was organised when I entered, but much more so now. There is more in it for the girls; it really boosts their careers. The girls are really ambitious. They are going to school, doing things, it's really beauty with a purpose," she said.
With the recent scandal in beauty queen pageantry with Miss U.S.A. Tara O'Connor's involvement with alcohol and subsequent rehab time, Erica has not lost faith in the good of the contests. "She's (O'Connor) a young girl who got led astray by her peers. Everyone has been young, there are many influences in your life, you just have to learn to separate right from wrong. Don't penalise her or take away her crown. There are others who need help. She can teach other young ladies, educate other young ladies that it's not necessary, learn from her and build yourself," she said.
Erica attests that the beauty pageants are a good opportunity and many queens have achieved great things.
Book release
As for her daughter Marlo, Aquart Perkins would have no problem if she entered a pageant. "Definitely, if she wants to do something like that, with my experience I know what's right from wrong. My daughter's beautiful, she will succeed in whatever she wants to do," she said. With a deep love for children, Erica is preparing to release a children's book on how to raise kids. She will also be adding other products to her arsenal.
It is an arsenal that was noticed by America talk show diva Oprah Winfrey, as Erica got the opportunity to showcase her bath set on Oprah's show. "The producer at the time thought it would be good. He wanted to spotlight my idea, moms doing their thing," she said. She states that prior to the show her sales were good, but she experienced a boost after the appearance.
Erica is still encouraging girls to enter beauty pageants, but "if you want to enter, do it from your heart, not just because your beautiful. Have a purpose for doing it; uplift your country and use it in your future endeavours. I enjoyed educating people that Jamaica is not just a tourist country. It's all about being a representative and contributing to the country."
