A taxi driver who won a national beauty pageant says he never gives up on his day job.
Caitlin Nash-Robinson, 32, has been driving taxis for QA Taxis, a family business, since 2018.
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But when she’s not behind the wheel, Caitlin struts the stage at British pageant competitions up and down.
She estimates she has driven 8,000 miles in the last five years to compete.
Caitlin first developed a passion for pageantry in 2014 when she volunteered behind the scenes.
She started competing in ‘Miss Devine UK’ in 2017 and came third in the same competition in 2021 just four years later.
Caitlin, who wears a size 22, was also runner-up in ‘Miss Voluptuous UK’ in July 2022.
But her greatest achievement to date, she says, came just two months ago when she won the title of ‘Miss Diamond Curve UK’ in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
Caitlin and her rivals were rated for their costumes, stage presence, and confidence.
Her title means she is now eligible to compete internationally and she will fly to Las Vegas, USA in July 2023 for the ‘Regency International Pageant’.
Kaitlyn loves fancy shows but has no plans to permanently switch from being a cab driver.
“Pageantry is a hobby for me,” said Caitlin, who is from Grantham, Lincolnshire.
“I love my job. I enjoy being a taxi driver. It takes hours and hours to drive, but I don’t know what else I can do.”
“The first time I got the chance to be on stage myself, I found the bug right away.”
Caitlin was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in 2020.
She added, “I can’t say I’m proud to be plus size because of my weight medical condition, but I’m proud of what I’ve achieved. I’m wearing something
Kaitlyn, who won the curvy category at Miss Diamond UK, said she was pressured to enter the curvy category not simply because of her weight, but decided to do so to represent other plus-sized women. I’m here.
“I am proud to be an advocate for people who have faced prejudice against their bodies,” she said.
“A lot of people comment, ‘I wish I had your trust,’ but it’s not an easy process.
“It takes time and can be frustrating. Every day is a learning curve.
“I try to foster acceptance for all.”
Caitlin has two coaches to help her with her shows, and says, “I can’t believe it.”
“You’ll be judged on your stage presence, clothing to match your skin tone, confidence on stage, eye contact, and walking confidently,” she said.
Caitlin’s job as a taxi driver in the family business means she’s not only used to driving to her conventions, but she’s also flexible with her time between work and hobbies.
“I’m flexible with my work and I’m still doing the family business when I’m competing,” she said.
“Balancing your time is so easy. It’s as if you’re taking extra time to go to an event, knowing that you can have a few extra hours the next day or week.
While she doesn’t plan to attend pageantries full-time, Caitlin says she’d like to attend Fashion Week in New York or Paris, as other pageantry winners do.
“Pageantry is big in the UK, but you don’t always get cash prizes,” she said.
“Some past Regency winners have had the opportunity to walk at fashion weeks in New York and Paris.
“I represent that level of plus-size women. I want to do that.”
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