I believe my ancestors were Nigerian

• I’ll use my crown to empower women through natural hair

Orinthia Lloyd, winner of Miss Caribbean UK 2026, representing Montserrat, is determined to make her reign about more than beauty, fashion and the glamour of a crown. With Jamaican heritage and roots in North London, the Fashion Management and Marketing student is passionate about community development, cultural identity, entrepreneurship and natural hair empowerment.

In this interview, she speaks about her childhood, Caribbean heritage, admiration for African culture, her connection with Nigeria, entrepreneurial ambitions, beauty routine, personal fashion style and plans for life after her reign.

You recently won Miss Caribbean UK 2026. How does it feel to wear the crown?

It feels exciting. I only became Miss Caribbean UK on October 17, 2026, so I am still very new to the role. I have a whole year ahead of me before I hand over the crown around October or November next year. I see it as an opportunity to represent my heritage, support my community and make a positive impact.

You represented Montserrat. What informed that choice, considering your Jamaican heritage and North London background?

I’m the Miss Caribbean UK 2026 winner, representing Montserrat. I also have heritage from Jamaica and I live in North London. The charity that I chose to represent is also from North London, called the Enfield Caribbean Association.

So, I focus a lot on my North London community, supporting them and obviously highlighting the Caribbean community as well.

Tell us about your childhood. Where did you grow up, and what was growing up like for you?

I grew up in North London. Life was relatively good. I had two supportive parents who encouraged my interests and supported whatever passions I wanted to pursue, from gymnastics to sports and creative arts.

I think having that kind of support while growing up helped me explore different interests and develop confidence in myself.

Growing up in the UK, did you feel connected to your cultural identity?

Yes, definitely. There have always been a lot of Black people and African and Caribbean communities around me, so I always felt more represented.

I never had to experience much to do with racism. I also had close connections with my African friends from Congolese, Ghanaian, Guinea and Gambia backgrounds.

I love African culture and African food. Growing up around people from different backgrounds gave me the opportunity to appreciate and learn about other cultures.

You mentioned your connection with African communities. Have you ever visited Nigeria, or do you have Nigerian friends?

I have not visited Nigeria. I know a few Nigerian people, although I don’t have close Nigerian friends. My ex was from Nigeria, so I have had some exposure to Nigerian culture and food. I know Jollof rice, for instance.

What is your impression of Nigerians and Nigerian culture?

I see Nigerians as very traditional people. I feel they have very high expectations of their children and the people they associate with, which I highly respect.

I also love the culture. The music, fashion and different styles are lovely. I enjoy seeing and being immersed in different cultural expressions.

Have you had the opportunity to taste Nigerian food?

Yes, I have. I don’t know exactly which stew it was, but I had a meat stew with fufu before. I enjoyed the experience.

Would you consider visiting Nigeria in the future?

Absolutely! I would love to visit Nigeria. A lot of parts of Africa are on my list, and I wouldn’t mind visiting Ghana as well.

I want to experience more African cultures and food. I also think my ancestors would be from Nigeria and Ghana, so it is important to maintain that connection and explore those roots.

Beyond wearing the crown, what causes or community projects are you passionate about?

One of the things I am particularly passionate about is natural hair empowerment.

I am attending the Montserrat Christmas Fair, where I will have my own stall selling some of my natural hair products.

For next year, I hope to organise more natural hair workshops where I can educate people about caring for their natural hair. I also want to incorporate holistic well-being into the workshops because I believe taking care of yourself goes beyond just your physical appearance.

You are still in university. What are you studying, and what are your career ambitions?

I am currently in my final year at university, studying Fashion Management and Marketing.

I hope to continue running my own businesses and promoting natural hair empowerment. I want to combine my interests in fashion, business and beauty to create something meaningful.

You mentioned having a natural hair business. Tell us more about it.

I sell natural hair products. It is something I am passionate about, and I hope to grow the business, increase my clientele and continue making my products available to more people.

I also want to use my platform to educate women about embracing their natural hair and understanding how to care for it.

Fashion is part of your academic background. How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is heavily inspired by 1990s and 2000s fashion. I love flared jeans, velour and low-rise jeans.

I like the classiness but also the sexiness that comes with that era of fashion. I think it has a unique appeal, and I enjoy incorporating those influences into my everyday dressing.

Every beauty queen seems to have a beauty secret. What is yours?

I would say aloe vera gel. I use it in my hair to moisturise and detangle it. I also use it on my skin to help with glowing and reduce spots.

I literally get the leaves, soak them and apply the gel. It is something I enjoy using as part of my beauty routine.

What is your favourite food?

That is quite difficult because I enjoy different foods, but my usual favourite is jerk chicken. It is my safe option. I will get jerk chicken wherever I go.

You have a year-long reign ahead of you. What would you consider a successful Miss Caribbean UK experience?

For me, it would be about making a positive impact, supporting my community and highlighting Caribbean culture.

I want to use the opportunity to promote causes that matter to me, particularly natural hair empowerment, while also encouraging people to appreciate their heritage and cultural identities.

I believe the crown should provide an opportunity to do more than represent beauty. It should also give you a platform to inspire and support others.

What should we expect from you after you hand over the crown?

By then, I would have graduated from university. I hope to have secured my first graduate job, or at least be actively working on my businesses.

I want to continue developing my natural hair business, increase my clientele and keep selling my products. I don’t want my entrepreneurial journey or passion for natural hair empowerment to end with my reign.

Finally, what message would you like to leave with young women who look up to you?

I would encourage them to embrace who they are, appreciate their backgrounds and pursue their passions.

For me, growing up with supportive parents who encouraged my interests made a difference. I believe it is important to explore your talents, remain open to opportunities and not be afraid to build something of your own.

Winning this crown is just the beginning of a journey, and I look forward to using the opportunity to make a difference.