From the moment I heard about the Simple Star competition I was not only extremely excited, but felt a sense of dedication too. It all began with a phone call from my friend Georgie; she had seen the competition advertised on a packet of the Simple Cleansing Wipes, and her first words to me about it were ‘I’ve just seen something that you’d be perfect for!” That packet of Cleansing Wipes is now sitting in my bedroom, framed (courtesy of Georgie!) and every time I see it I feel that same sense of excitement. I’m only just beginning to overcome the shock of winning, and sometimes I still can’t believe that this dream came true.
My campaign to become the winner of the Simple Star competition was something that dominated much of my summer – Simple became a big part of my life and I knew from the very beginning that I didn’t want that to end. I began to post videos on my YouTube channel asking my viewers and subscribers to vote for me, and the response was absolutely fantastic. Not only were people voting for me, but many were going out of their way to let me know why they were voting – they truly believed that I should be the Simple Star, and wanted to see me representing a brand that they love. With the help of those who had seen my videos, I began to promote my Simple profile on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, and before I knew it I had reached over 1,000 votes. The videos I post on YouTube are predominantly beauty-related and fellow beauty video bloggers were posting videos on their own channels asking viewers to vote for me. The level of support I received was both hugely appreciated and heart-warming – the fact that people believed in me made my sense of determination even stronger. I was thrilled when I made it through to the ‘Top 50’ most voted for, and then on to the ‘Final 10’.
On the journey down to London for the Beauty Bootcamp I was excited and nervous in equal measures; I had been waiting for this day all summer and couldn’t quite believe that I had really reached the final stage of the competition. As soon as I reached the building where the finals were to be held I felt much more at ease – everyone I met was incredibly welcoming and the other finalists were lovely people. We began the day with a series of challenges which related to the four areas specialised in by the Simple Advisory Board. Dr Chris Bundy led us through an exercise in getting to know one another, highlighting the different ways in which we communicate. We then had a cookery show-style challenge with nutrition expert Fiona Hunter, which was great fun and extremely informative. Julia Bishop then taught and quizzed us on matters of fitness and physical health, and the morning was concluded with a skincare master class and challenge from make up artist Caroline Frazer who, as a beauty enthusiast, I had been very excited to meet and learn from!
By lunchtime we were all feeling very nervous; the realisation that, by the end of the day, we would know the winner of the competition was beginning to dawn upon us all. After our break it was time for our ‘New Product’ presentations to the judges, as well as a stint on-camera to answer a few questions about the day and to promote our idea for a new Simple product. Once all the tasks had been completed, we waited for the judges to deliberate and choose the Simple Star. We were all naturally talkative ladies, and judging by how quiet we all were at that time, it was extremely nerve-wracking for all.
I can still feel the butterflies in my stomach as I recall our time in the final judging room. I was the last of the ‘Top 4’ to be called forward by Simple’s Global Marketing Director Alex Pike, and was so grateful that I had made it even that far. The winner’s name was on a certificate wrapped in tissue paper; as Alex turned the certificate around and called out my name I was in a complete state of shock. I couldn’t believe that all my hard work had paid off, and that something I had been dreaming about had come true. I am still just as excited when I think of winning as I was in that moment. The other contestants all gathered round to give me a huge hug, which shows that I was initially correct about how lovely and genuine they all are.
I had an absolutely amazing experience at the Beauty Bootcamp and cannot wait to begin my work for Simple properly in January 2011. I plan to give the role my all, and spread the word about all that Simple, and I, endorse; natural beauty, purity in skincare and, of course, goodness. I look forward to all the challenges the role brings and to representing a brand which I truly believe in. I am so grateful to Simple for this opportunity and to everyone who helped me in my journey to ‘Simple Stardom’; it has been wonderful so far and I am thoroughly excited for the future.
28/04/2012 | Posted by Miss Hannah Leech
Congrats well done
25/04/2012 | Posted by Miss Layla Mathieson
Congratulations. Well done!
18/04/2012 | Posted by Miss Alicja Hajnrych
Congratulations! I hope I am a winner one day!
11/04/2012 | Posted by Miss Lorna Patrick
congrat ulations, welllll done!
11/04/2012 | Posted by Miss Hannah Skinner
well done, congrats!!
17/02/2012 | Posted by Mr Josh Devonport
congrats
31/01/2012 | Posted by Miss Emily Gilbert
Well done :D
29/01/2012 | Posted by Miss Maariyah Yusuf
Well done!
25/01/2012 | Posted by Miss PANTIRU ioana
the only thing i can say is congratulations, even if a lot of people did that before... but you really deserve it... ^^
03/11/2011 | Posted by Miss Nadia Harris
:-)
03/11/2011 | Posted by Mr bilal abid
well done!
30/08/2011 | Posted by Miss Hannah Parry
congrats
28/08/2011 | Posted by Miss Molly Gay
cool
21/08/2011 | Posted by Miss Sanchia Rebello
well done
19/08/2011 | Posted by Miss Sophie May
Congrats!
11/08/2011 | Posted by Miss Scarlet-Holly Broker
Well done Charlotte
05/08/2011 | Posted by Miss Sara Nikki
Congrats!!!!!
05/08/2011 | Posted by Miss Sara Nikki
Well done
26/07/2011 | Posted by Miss Laura Macdonald
congrats :D
14/07/2011 | Posted by Mr jo jo godfrey
Well done !!!
26/06/2011 | Posted by Miss Rhianna Shah
well done :)
25/06/2011 | Posted by Mrs Eva Vanhaesebroeck
well done, congratulations!
25/06/2011 | Posted by Miss Saskia Moss
well done to who ever won
24/06/2011 | Posted by Mrs Rebecca Marta
Congratultions. Hard work got its just reward. I like that
27/05/2011 | Posted by Miss Katie Drury
well done girls
09/05/2011 | Posted by Miss Molly Roberts
congrads!!!
07/05/2011 | Posted by Miss Neysha Jasme
x :) This looks awesome, when I have some spare change, I'll be sure to buy it! Looks brilliant! MUST TRY IT! This looks great - I can't wait to try it! :) x
26/04/2011 | Posted by Mrs Sylwia Kolodziej-Flisek
well done! :)
25/04/2011 | Posted by Miss Emma Downie
Congratulations, enjoy!
22/04/2011 | Posted by Miss Lucy Howard
x
18/04/2011 | Posted by Miss Bethan Ardran
ooh!
18/04/2011 | Posted by Miss Bethan Ardran
Weellll done btw :P
14/04/2011 | Posted by Miss Marisa Patel
sooo exciting! =)
06/04/2011 | Posted by Miss Kerri Heaney
exciting stuff x
04/04/2011 | Posted by Miss Kelly Dosanjh
well done
25/03/2011 | Posted by Ms Jenny Hamilton
sounds exciting!
19/03/2011 | Posted by Miss Nk
wow x
19/03/2011 | Posted by Ms Jenny Hamilton
xD
19/03/2011 | Posted by Ms Jenny Hamilton
xD
02/03/2011 | Posted by Miss Jessica worsfold
well done!!!
02/03/2011 | Posted by Miss bethany worsfold
missing out again
02/03/2011 | Posted by Miss stephanie worsfold
well done!
28/02/2011 | Posted by Miss Stephanie Usher
Gutted I missed this offer :(
28/02/2011 | Posted by Miss Clare Crook
Wish I'd signed up before this comp! You are so lucky!
18/02/2011 | Posted by Miss Sophie Atkin
so glad charlotte won this :) i love her youtube channel :) shes so charistmatic to watch and down to earth which makes watching her tutorials enjoyable rather than tedious and patronising like some others ive watched before :) x
04/02/2011 | Posted by Miss Hettie Taylor
well done!
31/01/2011 | Posted by Mrs janet goodlad
Ace
30/01/2011 | Posted by Miss Charlotte Winterbourne
:D
23/01/2011 | Posted by Miss Amy
congratulations!!
21/01/2011 | Posted by Miss Maria Arribas
congrats
21/01/2011 | Posted by Mrs Louise sutherland-knowles
Congatualtions!!!
15/01/2011 | Posted by angie wong
Congrats
09/01/2011 | Posted by Lily
Congrats
02/01/2011 | Posted by Miss Ellie Blackmore
bootcamp sounds cool :)
30/12/2010 | Posted by Miss Alison Bate
Well done Charlote, you will be fantastic at representing a brand such as Simple.
16/12/2010 | Posted by Miss lisa Pounder
oh congrats to you!!
14/12/2010 | Posted by Miss madelena da costa
congratulations! Sounds great fun
14/12/2010 | Posted by Miss victoria edwards
congratulations Charlotts enjoy every second of it xx
07/12/2010 | Posted by Miss Hannah
wow, lucky you!!! weel done thou!
07/12/2010 | Posted by Miss Hannah Cherry
Sorry, put 'weel intsead of well!
07/12/2010 | Posted by Mrs sultana khatoon
congrats
04/12/2010 | Posted by Miss Hannah Mcintyre
congrats !xxxxxxxx
03/12/2010 | Posted by Miss Rebecca Foxon
Well done Charlotte.
03/12/2010 | Posted by Miss louise eyres
Well done Charlotte :) x
01/12/2010 | Posted by Miss Elisabeth Eccles
Ah well done Charlotte!!
27/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Charlotte Winterbourne
Congratulations on winning......JEALOUS
25/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Jess Olive
Congrats on winning - wish i was you!! <3
25/11/2010 | Posted by pikachu09
Well done charlotte! It sounds like you had a great time! I'd love to do that, but its not exactly likely i'll get picked :D
25/11/2010 | Posted by Ms Ayesha Saleem
well done xx
24/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Melissa Bright
well done charlotte! i hope you have a good time doing an awesome job!!
21/11/2010 | Posted by Miss zara mahmood
Congratulations :) hope they do something like this again
xx
20/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Rebecca Russell
Congratulations
20/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Kirst
Well done Charlotte. xx
20/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Kirsten Cunningham
Well done!!
20/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Zoe Snell
well done!!!!!
19/11/2010 | Posted by Missy
Congratss and good luck x
19/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Rebecca Russell
Congratulations!
18/11/2010 | Posted by Mrs Julia Cridland
congratulations!
17/11/2010 | Posted by Mrs sultana khatoon
wish knew it earlier
17/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Amy Brown
congrats, this is amazing xxx
15/11/2010 | Posted by Mrs Pratibha Gavurla
Well done Charlotte :)
14/11/2010 | Posted by marlen imad
weldone)marllee
14/11/2010 | Posted by Natalie Middleton
Well Done :)
14/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Kirsten Cunningham
Well done Charlotte!! Your soo lucky :D xx
13/11/2010 | Posted by Miss laura s
Well Done!!!
13/11/2010 | Posted by Lorrel Walker
Well done charlotte- you deserved it! And good luck with the future! :)
13/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Rachael Bacon
Well done...and good luck for the future with Simple :) xx
13/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Rachael Bacon
Well done...and good luck for the future with Simple :) xx
12/11/2010 | Posted by Mrs SUE JONES
well done!!!!!!!!
12/11/2010 | Posted by Miss sammi jo
How lucky! Well done
12/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Tegan Kensa Davies
Hi, Sorry to jump on Charlottes blog, but thought I would Thank Holly Taylor for her comments, as it was the teen boot camp that was in Shout magazine this month, and I am a carer for my mum. So thank you for dropping by to make a comment it is most appreciated,
10/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Rebecca Davies
weldone :) x
10/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Eliza Chatwin
Well done.!
09/11/2010 | Posted by debbie meredith
Well done Charlotte....best of luck and best wishes for January....how exciting......
09/11/2010 | Posted by boo
i wish i knew about this earlier.. congratulations Charlotte :)
09/11/2010 | Posted by Mrs sultana khatoon
congrats Charlotte...............my best wishes are with you
09/11/2010 | Posted by Miss madelena da costa
congratualtions girl!
09/11/2010 | Posted by Miss andrea mccann
welldone Charlotte, a great oppoyunity and career ahead, enjoy xxx
09/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Beth Michon
Congratulations
09/11/2010 | Posted by Mrs brin goodlad
Wow,well done you
09/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Victoria Howkins
I saw the video for this on youtube that Simple posted you were in shock! :)
09/11/2010 | Posted by Miss chelsey pass
well done !!!! :)
09/11/2010 | Posted by Mrs Beth Peake
Congrats! What a lovely story too, :D x
09/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Abi Bourne
well done!!
08/11/2010 | Posted by Mrs Catherine Joyce
Well done Charlotte - it sounds a fantastic opportunity for you!
08/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Laura
Congratulations!
08/11/2010 | Posted by Miss r
congratulations :)
08/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Lorraine
Congrats Charlotte! You obviously have a passion for beauty and journalism. Much deserved, well done!
08/11/2010 | Posted by Mrs LUCY JOHNSON
Well done. Congratulations.
08/11/2010 | Posted by Miss holly taylor
Read about the winner in shout , great that shes a cearer
08/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Hannah-Grace
Well done Charlotte, Congratulations!
08/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Becki
congratulations and good luck!
08/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Lucy Carr
Congratulations! :)
08/11/2010 | Posted by Lauren Higgins
congradulations! that is a fantastic opportunity! x
08/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Jenna Strain
Sounds awesome Im jealous x
08/11/2010 | Posted by Miss marie christie
well done charlotte you did really well congrats x
07/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Anna Ainslie
Congratulations Charlotte...sounds good fun
07/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Laura Waldram
gahhhh I wish I'd entered. next year.
07/11/2010 | Posted by Miss fiona rushton
well done xxxx
07/11/2010 | Posted by Miss EMMA RIGHT
great stuf xxxx
07/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Georgie
Congratulations my lovely! I'm so proud of you!
You truly deserved it.
:) xxx
06/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Megan
Congratulations! xx
06/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Kat Bodenhamer
congrats to the winner
06/11/2010 | Posted by Miss
congratz
06/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Gina Thiara
Congratulationss :)
04/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Silvia Sanchez-Blackman
well done! good luck for the future x
04/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Ruby
Sounds amazing. Congratulations :)
04/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Carys Bennett
Congratulations!!
You seem very worthy of winning
x
04/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Jodie Lianne Smith
you deserve it!! well done :)
04/11/2010 | Posted by MissLP
Well done for winning, i wish i entered!
04/11/2010 | Posted by Miss deanna middleton
congrats!
04/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Florence Riley
Glad you enjoyed it. Congrats and well done!! :)
04/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Amelia Sykes
Congratulations! x
04/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Fatheha Shaid
Aw well done!
04/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Lucy Smith
Well done, congratulations!
03/11/2010 | Posted by nataxa uchiha
lvery nice congratulations you deserve
03/11/2010 | Posted by Miss
sounds great.......well done!
03/11/2010 | Posted by Miss michelle price
Sounds exciting!
03/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Tegan Kensa Davies
Congratulations Charlotte, and great write up...I know that feeling that bubbles in your stomach every time you think of that moment that they caled your name, and even watching something on tely where someone wins something and you know how they feel.
It was a great experience, and it sounds like you had a great time and had lots of things to do, just like us under 18's had.
Well done again.
03/11/2010 | Posted by Lydia
Congratulations! I'm glad that someone won who wanted it that much!
03/11/2010 | Posted by Miss sammi jo
Sounds awesome :D
02/11/2010 | Posted by Miss hannah tarpey
Well Done! X
02/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Victoria Howkins
Charlotte, I didn't know you wrote on here, haha! I remember the day well for me as a teen :)
02/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Victoria Howkins
I saw the competition on holiday actually in the Mizz magazine -it looked so cool!
I also am a subscriber of PunkChyaz! :) xx
02/11/2010 | Posted by Miss SH
I didn't know about this either
02/11/2010 | Posted by Ms Lily Akbari
oh ;:'( i wish i'd entered,.... i didnt know it was on until a week after the competition closed. but still, good luck ! :) x
02/11/2010 | Posted by Miss Emma Hosking
Congratulations, i love the idea of framing the simple wipe packet :)