Hello to our loyal readers. Our Influential of the month is the one and only Reign Congrejo. I first met Reign when we were both trying out for the Miss Costa Rica Sims pageant last year, which this lovely lady as we all know went on to win.  As her year as Miss Costa Rica Sims draws to a close, Reign took some time out of her hectic schedule to reflect on her time in Second Life with me.

Reign, at the outset let me congratulate you on being Costa Rica Sims Influential of the month.

Thank you so much Lacy it is quite an honor!

Let me start by asking you what brought you to Second Life?

It just so happens Lacy, that my RL cousin was playing the game on her laptop and I asked her what she was doing and she showed me. Immediately I made an account and that is when the fun began. That was in April of 2007

Yes the famous boom of 2007. Can you give us some insight into your Second Life?

I started and still work at Rock a Bye babies. I have been a doctor there for 4 years. I love working with people who cannot have children in real life and who are able to experience near realism here.

I am also a fashion designer in Second Life and that introduced me to the world of Second Life modeling which I thoroughly enjoy and work very hard at. I have attended many schools and belong to some of the best agencies here. I love modeling as it keeps me focused. Last year I decided to compete in the Miss Costa Rica Pageant after being told about it by a friend of mine and was most surprised to win the crown. I went on to compete in Miss Virtual World 2011 where I placed in the top 12. My latest project is the Miss Ebony International contest which I started with my business partner, Devine Hunt.  We have had a really successful first year.

Can you share with me your thoughts about the Second Life fashion industry and tell your brand?

The fashion industry in Second Life is great. Having dealings with it in real life gives me more appreciation for it here. So many designers with creativity in one place is unbelievable. I admire many SL designers. I started designing 3 years ago with a group called the "Naked Closet" with SynsualSyn Sawson and Maliki Lupindo, who along with ShellyLove Lemay taught me all I know about designing. I am still evolving and learning new techniques and that is what keeps me drawn to Second Life. "Evolve" my brand is my journey through fashion as I see it. Fashion is Art that tells a story. I am Latin in real life so I love color and try to use it at every turn. Our Motto is Evolve.. Be Unique, Be You and just keep Evolving.

How has your year as Miss Costa Rica been?

It has been a fun filled year. I am also the Director of Costa Rica Sims Pageants and I have never had so much fun in my entire Second Life. I made some fantastic friends and learned a lot. I want to thank every one on Costa Rica Sims for making me feel welcome and honored to have represented this amazing community over this last year.

What can you share with me about this year's Miss Costa Rica Sims finalists and the pageant in general?

Well if I am to be bias this years Miss Costa Rica Sims pageant will rawk. Its full of surprises and very different than the past. We will have the audience join in and have some fun. We changed the swimsuit competition to something that will blow you away so everyone will have to come and see. The girls this year are just fabulous to work with.  No Diva's here, all are working hard and very professional, this will be the hardest year ever.

Now I am going to ask you a tricky question. If you may please respond not as Costa Rica Sims Pageants Director but as the current Miss Costa Rica Sims. Do you have a favorite or one you feel most comfortable passing the crown to?

To be honest this year is going to be a real toss up.  All the finalist(s) are just amazing.  Each have their own individual style yet very professional and really kind. All girls have what it takes to be the next Miss Costa Rica Sims because they possess-poise, confidence, style, professionalism and a genuine kindness by far of ANY pageant I have seen or been involved in.  Good luck ladies I wish you the best.  Have fun, make friends along the way but realize you made it this far as being the best, but there is only one crown.

How did you come to be resident of the Costa Rica Sims and what is it about your Second Life home that you enjoy the most?

A friend of mine told me about Costa Rica Sims and when I visited, I just didn’t want to leave. There are so many things to do, that you never have to venture out unless you choose to. I love the community and sense of serenity you feel here. I also love water sports so having all those activities here is fantastic. But to be honest what I most enjoy is sitting by the ocean and watching the sunset. What a beautiful experience.

In conclusion Reign commented:   “I want to personally thank Giancarlo for believing in me and being a joy to work with and the many friends and family who helped me when I thought I could not accomplish my dreams. Thank you Costa Rica Sims for your continued support, I will love and cherish you forever.”

As usual we invite you to join us this coming Sunda, August 28th, 2011 at 12 noon SLT at The Influentials Lounge as Costa Rica Sims pays tribute to a gorgeous lady who is more than just a pretty face as she comes to the end of her reign as Miss Costa Rica Sims.

Don’t forget, if you want to keep in touch with your friends and all things related to Costa Rica Sims that we have groups on a number of social networks where you can do just that:

Facebook

Plurk

Twitter

Flickr

Thank you for taking time out to read our blog, your continued support is what keeps us striving in making Costa Rica Sims the best place to live Second Life.

Lacy Muircastle

Costa Rica Sims Estate Blogger