6 minute read
UNSTOPPABLE WOMAN
My weaknesses you ask?… Cannolis, Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, and Kit Kats ;)
What do you to hope accomplish during your reign?
I hope to travel to as many places and attend as many events as possible! I want to make the most out of this year and impact lives by instilling confidence in everyone I meet and empowering individuals to reach their destiny! I hope to be a voice for many in need, and create more awareness on the Miss International pageant system, and what opportunities it presents to women.
What do you take away from your pageant experience each time you compete?
I learn more about myself every time I compete in a pageant and I gain wonderful, lasting friendships after each pageant experience. I have met most of my closest friends through pageantry.
Who are some of the people that empower and inspire you and why?
Priscilla Shirer is a huge inspiration to me! She is a strong, bold, knowledgeable woman of faith that leads others into a close relationship with the Lord. She makes God her first priority and because of that experiences great blessings! She has inspired me to lead my own women’s Bible study on Monday nights! I love getting together with a group of women who want to grow closer to their Lord and Savior. dedication, commitment, and hard work push me to be a better coach. I love their passion for their platforms and their heart for the organizations they represent. I am honored to work with such amazing, empowered women from all over the county.
“What is your ‘why? ‘” Why do you compete? Why did you create Fit To Reign?
I compete to challenge myself and develop myself. I compete for the opportunities pageantry offers and the friendships I can create through the process. I compete to network and gain connections with people from all walks of life. I created Fit to Reign because of my love for pageantry and what it does for women. I wanted to encourage all young girls and women in the pageant world, and give them the tools they need to succeed. I created Fit to Reign because I wanted to help women reach their fitness goals, and feel confident in their own skin. I created Fit to Reign because I wanted to spread the message that we are Queens because we are daughters of the One True King, Jesus Christ.
How did working through the pandemic change you for the better or worse? How did you get creative? How did it affect your reigning status?
The pandemic took a toll on all small businesses and mine was no different. I took the extra time that I had while I was not working with clients and I stayed productive. I worked on my personal development so that when the world started running again, I would have more to offer my clients! Fortunately, while the gyms were closed down, I was still able to work out in my fitness studio throughout the pandemic so I did not skip a beat! I also had more time to connect with people over social media and post often. I helped people with at-home workout programs, and I transferred most of my in-person clients to virtual sessions. The pandemic was a challenge, to say the least, but when you are Fit to Reign, you keep striving toward your goals and you make things happen!
What role do you think social media plays for you personally and professionally and what is your favorite platform?
Social media plays a huge role in my business’ success! I connect with women from all different pageant systems, all across the country via social media. I have a much larger outreach thanks to social media platforms. Most of my clients I have never met in person. Social media makes it possible to get to know my clients and what their needs are without ever seeing them in person, face to face! Social media helps me spread my message and share what Fit to Reign is all about. It also allows me to stay connected to members of my Fit to Reign family and stay updated on all of the fun, and exciting things happening in their lives. Instagram is my absolute favorite platform because of its versatility and easy use.
Name one special moment during your career that has stood out to you. The moment I was announced as Miss Earth USA in 2016 will always be a
highlight in my pageant career. As I hugged my runner up, the clasps on my gown broke open! The hook and eyes went flying! I caught my dress and saved myself from exposure. Women from backstage and other contestants rushed to help me, but there was no saving it. The sash was at first placed on the wrong shoulder, and the crown did not fit! Thinking her crown was smaller, my predecessor generously took her own crown off of her head and tried placing it on mine. Proving to the world that the crown was not too large, but rather my head was too small, the crown fell over my head and onto my neck. Flowers in hand, holding my dress and crown up, I celebrated my moment, and was overwhelmed with excitement! This moment has become a YouTube sensation with nearly 16 million views! It was a beautiful disaster, a moment I will never forget!
What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful both in and out of the pageant world?
Being well-rounded and grounded. I work on my strengths as well as my weaknesses. I am always growing and learning. I aim to be relatable and authentic in everything that I do.
year? What about five years from now?
Over the next year, I will be preparing for Miss International 2022! Next November I will be competing for 3 weeks in Japan representing the United States of America. I will be spending
this next year traveling and attending as many events as possible to represent the USI pageant organization. Five years from now I will still be competing in pageantry and expanding my business. My goal is always to reach more and more women in the pageant industry and help them become Fit to Reign.
I am currently working on writing my first devotional/Bible Study book for women! I hope to have that published in the next 5 years. I may also further my education through Liberty University’s online programs.
What was the hardest decision you ever had to make?
Taking a leap of faith, becoming an entrepreneur, and opening my business Fit to Reign at the age of 19! It was a huge investment of time, energy, and money, but it was all worth it! I love what I do so I never have to work a day in my life.
What motivates you?
Embracing my full potential motivates me to work harder, invest in myself and my business.
What’s the most important discovery you’ve made about yourself in the past years during your pageant journey?
You are only ever competing against who you were yesterday! There is always room for improvement. Keep setting the bar high! Prepare like you have never won, and perform like you have never lost!
