Miss Hidden Threader, Lydia Le'alona Moananu, a 25-year-old auditor and accountant at Penn and Co. Chartered Accounting stands out as a beacon of faith and community spirit. 

Hailing from the villages of Falefa and Luatuanu’u, Lydia is the youngest of seven siblings, and her journey to the Miss Samoa stage is deeply intertwined with her commitment to sharing her faith.

For Lydia, participating in a beauty pageant transcends traditional competition. 

It is a mission to spread hope and truth through her unwavering Christian faith. Her participation in the Miss Samoa pageant is not merely about wearing a crown; it’s a platform to reach out to others and offer them a sense of spiritual fulfilment.

Raised in a devout family, Lydia has always viewed her faith as central to her identity. 

"I see my role in this pageant as an opportunity to share my faith, just as one would recommend a good restaurant to a friend," she said. 

"It’s about offering something valuable that will enrich lives." 

As a youth leader in her church, Lydia is no stranger to the challenges faced by today's youth. She aims to use her platform to address these challenges, emphasising the importance of personal engagement and face-to-face interactions for building meaningful connections.

Despite her strong conviction, Lydia faced initial resistance from her family. 

Some relatives were concerned that the pageant platform might not be appropriate to spread the gospel. They worried that the focus on beauty could overshadow her spiritual message. 

However, Lydia is resolute in her belief that addressing spiritual needs is crucial, and she sees the pageant as an opportunity to address what she believes is a fundamental lack in many lives: a connection with God.

Lydia reflects on the impact she hopes to make: "People often try to fill the emptiness in their lives with temporary fixes, leading to feelings of brokenness. The gospel offers new chances and opportunities for a fresh start." 

She is passionate about helping others realise that completeness comes from acknowledging a higher power and making God a central part of their lives.

In her current role as an auditor and accountant, Lydia excels in a field that demands precision and integrity, qualities she also brings to her advocacy. 

Her approach to the Miss Samoa platform is methodical and heartfelt, focusing on creating fellowship opportunities and engaging directly with young people to provide support and guidance.

Looking forward, Lydia plans to organise events that foster community spirit among both boys and girls, aiming to inspire and uplift. Her vision is to create spaces where youth can find support, and grow spiritually and emotionally.

As the Miss Samoa crowning night approaches, Lydia remains grateful for the chance to share her beliefs and connect with others. 

"This pageant is more than just a competition for me; it’s a chance to bring hope and truth into the lives of others. I am excited to use this platform to reach out and make a difference."