Sara Žižić from Nikšić has been present on the catwalks for some time, but only this year did she decide to try her hand at the official pageant for the most beautiful Montenegrin woman organized by the MissYu agency, and the jury awarded her the first runner-up ribbon on that occasion.
Žižić, who graduated from medical school and is currently studying laboratory technologist in Belgrade, has been modeling since childhood, and two years ago she was the face of Montenegro Fashion Week.
In an interview with "Vijesti", she shared her impressions from the recently held Miss Montenegro pageant, revealed whether she was satisfied with her placement, and what her future plans are, as well as the obligations that come with the title of first runner-up.
"Everything was in accordance with the organization, they didn't surprise us this time either," Žižić briefly comments when it comes to the organization of the beauty contest, and then adds that she decided to apply for this competition "out of pure curiosity and fun."
"A beauty pageant, which also gives me the opportunity to represent my country, which I love very much, so why not?" she says, and then answers the question of whether she expected the jury to award her the first runner-up ribbon and whether she is satisfied with the second-place position.
"I have to admit that expectations were high from the start, but I had built my name and work in the fashion world even before this pageant, so the crown was not the ultimate goal and path to self-validation. And I'm glad that it went to someone who means more to me than me and who will be a springboard in life and work," said Žižić after the pageant, which saw Andrea Nikolić crowned Miss Montenegro.
"What I consider my personal victory and what makes me especially happy is the enormous and selfless support of the citizens, as well as my friends, who were the wind at my back throughout the competition," continues the interviewee of "Vijesti".
She also recalled how she became interested in the world of fashion, as well as her first fashion engagements.
"Ever since I was little, I've shown a penchant for fashion, and generally everything beautiful," Žižić recalls.
"I started modeling when I was little, so the desire dates back a long time. Aware of the good and bad sides of that calling, I entered the world of fashion at just ten years old and started participating in fashion shows in our country," adds the first runner-up of Miss Montenegro.
"My first business engagements were in our region, I worked for almost all domestic designers and fashion houses and was the face of many well-known companies in the country, making a handful of acquaintances and gaining numerous friendships," the model recounts.
When asked if she can draw a parallel between modeling and beauty pageants and highlight what is more interesting to her, and how easy or difficult it is to balance that hobby with studying, she says that "beauty is just one of the values bestowed by nature."
"I always put education first, it's my priority, and I can make compromises as long as it doesn't significantly affect my schooling," she points out.
"Modeling is my great love and as long as I manage to enjoy it without feeling pressured by obligations and failure to fulfill them, I will continue to do it. Of course, with good organization, desire and will, nothing is impossible," Žižić, who is in her third year of studies, is confident.
When it comes to her future plans, as well as the obligations that come with the title of first runner-up, the interviewee of "Vijesti" explains that the ribbon will not have too much of an impact on her fashion engagements.
"My career before and after this competition is at the same level and I continue where I left off. My time is still coming, I am a young girl, with many plans, dreams, wishes and goals that have yet to be achieved...", Žižić answers with a smile.
Although this has not been the case in recent years, the Miss Yu agency, backed by Vesna Jugović and Milanka Đorđević, who also hold the license for the Miss Serbia pageant, used to send first and second runners-up to the Miss Universe and Miss Europe pageants, as well as other international competitions.
If there is a chance this year that sending the second and third-place girls from the official Miss Montenegro pageant to foreign competitions continues, Žižić says she is more than willing to represent Montenegro.
"I am always open to collaborating with true professionals, people with whom I share similar life and professional values, and if it is in line with my professional vision," she says.
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