Ms Lima said her grandmother and her two children, aged 20 and 14, had encouraged her to enter the competition after years of telling her the time was right. Before joining the pageant, Ms Lima spent 16 years working behind the scenes as a hairdresser and make-up artist, preparing contestants and performers for the stage. Ms Lima said she loved the profession and enjoyed working with clients of all ages. Despite describing herself as an outgoing person, Ms Lima said appearing in Mrs Gibraltar had helped her overcome a lack of self-confidence. Asked what advice she would give to other women, Ms Lima encouraged them to believe in themselves and pursue their ambitions, regardless of their circumstances.