2023-09-22 14:40:00
“I often come here, in the Halles Saint-Géry district, when I see friends.” At the Le Roi des Belges café, Jennifer Tabotasa is still on cloud nine since last Saturday. Last weekend, in De Panne, the Brussels resident was elected “Miss Brussels 2024” and succeeds Schaerbeek resident Beyza Ozciftci. “I was not excpecting that at all. I was so happy.”
It must be said that the 24-year-old from Brussels entered the competition somewhat on a whim. “When I turned 24, I made a list of things I wanted to do. I needed a new challenge. I applied, and that’s it,” she smiles. “I was a little afraid of the reactions. But the people around me have been super positive and very proud of me.”
Berchem, then Molenbeek, then Aalst
Surprising thing for a Miss Brussels: Jennifer Tabotasa is above all Dutch-speaking. Among his parents from Cameroon, it is the language of Shakespeare that is spoken. A Brussels resident, she can certainly express herself in the language of Molière, but it is in the language of Vondel that she feels comfortable. “I lived in Flanders for many years,” she says.
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In 24 years, the young woman has indeed traveled quite a bit. A child from the northwest of Brussels, Jennifer Tabotasa was born in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe. Until she was five, she lived in Molenbeek before leaving for East Flanders. Aalst first, then Zottegem, then Ghent for a while. Before leaving for a year in Australia. “I worked in the Horeca industry, I surfed… Magnificent moments.”
Returning to the flat country, she settled in the historic center of Brussels, the opulent Congress district. “Brussels is my hometown and I have always kept a connection. Brussels is the place where I feel at home.”
And it is precisely because of this attachment that the stereotypes that stick to Brussels in Flanders annoy him. “When I said that I came from Molenbeek in Flanders, some people reacted as if I came from a war zone, from a ghetto. These are just stereotypes. Brussels is a magnificent city.”
Meeting with Beyza Ozciftci, the new Miss Brussels: “One morning, I received an email, I thought it was a joke”
Homemade clothing
At the start of autumn, the Miss is entering her third year of marketing at the Odisee high school. Studies that she began during the pandemic. Two sectors are already eyeing him: real estate and clothing. When it comes to clothing, she knows a thing or two regarding it. “I made this shirt.” From an old unused blouse that she had for working in the hospitality industry, the Miss, with a few cuts, made a blouse.
”My bag too, I made it with jeans.” Far from luxury boutiques, Brussels residents are more likely to frequent second-hand stores. “It is imperative to think regarding our consumption. You can find very chic things second hand, really. And what’s more, I love vintage.”
Of course, a deadline remains in the mind of the Brussels resident: the national final, early next year to succeed Emilie Vansteenkiste, Miss Belgium 2023. “My dream was to have a crown (laughs). I’m so happy already. The rest is a bonus.”
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