I thought I was never going to make it until I moved to Liverpool
A woman told how she began achieving her dreams after moving to Liverpool. Born and raised in North Africa, Felicia Kehli said she was accustomed to a society which did not always encourage women’s creativity in particular careers.
The 26-year-old, who lives in Toxteth, had always wished to become a model. However, due to negativity and a lack of support from some people in her home country, Algeria, Felicia put her aspirations on hold for some years.
The former John Moores student told the ECHO: “There is no one there to push you, and there are very few opportunities. It’s not the same scale as it is here in Europe. Women back home don’t take the step into these jobs because they fear society and the judgement. This is something I felt. I thought I was never going to make it or do it.
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“Women are expected to do a normal job. It’s mostly a conservative country, and so jobs where you don’t expose yourself, show yourself and show your skin to the world are more encouraged. Showing your skin isn’t appreciated in our society, and so every other job was taught as being ‘okay’, but this wasn’t.”
Felicia, an artist and dancer, moved to Liverpool to study; however, after settling, she saw the opportunity to do much more than that. The international journalism masters graduate began starring in and organising charity fashion shows to raise funds for the likes of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and women’s rights campaigns. Her work led her to be crowned Miss Liverpool this year - a position she is somewhat familiar with, having been named Miss Elegant Algeria in 2017.
She said: “When I was growing up, the idea of me becoming a model was frowned upon by many, but I was defiant. This is my opportunity to be heard and seen and taken as an example to inspire other women all over the world.
“Algeria is still liberal compared to other countries; there are women out there who have it worse off living with extreme views in their culture. I want to show people that you can be a woman and still achieve your dreams.
"Pageants were my dream, and there was more to them than just being beautiful and showing off skin. It’s delivering a mission and doing good. It’s about being an ambassador for your area and your part of the country.”
On Friday, October 18, Felicia will compete against 70 women from around the country for the prestigious title of Miss Great Britain. While the crown would be very beneficial for her career, Felicia hopes that by winning the competition, she will inspire others to fulfil their dreams despite any adversities holding them back.
She added: “To become Miss Great Britain would be huge. I will always continue my mission supporting women going through abuse and trauma, those who are suppressed and don’t have a voice.”