All hail your Texas Queen: Spruce Dickerson

I met mama Spruce in July 2011 in Dallas, Texas for the Miss Plus America 2011 Nationals pageant. She is such a dedicated, sweet, loving person. She is a business women, philanthropist, role model and friend. She is the true definition of a Queen.

1. What is your current title? 
Miss Plus America Elite 2011

2. How did you feel when you were crowned?
In shock!  I hadn't really taken that full mental step of being crowned with the highest title in the pageant.  My thought process had stopped at being a divisional winner.   Plus, it was very humbling to have made pageant history by being the first person to win the Elite title who hadn't won her state title.  I had entered the national competition as a delegate-at-large, representing another state.

3. What does being miss, ms, mrs (fill in title) mean to you?
Being Miss Plus America Elite 2011 is a title I do not take lightly.  It comes with responsibility; responsibility in all areas of my life to represent myself, and the Miss Plus America pageant system, in a gracious and dignified manner.  This title has the opportunity to affect lives with positivity and change, and I never want to sully the integrity of it, or of the Miss Plus America pageant system.

4. Do you have a platform or charity?
My platform is:  VOLUNTEERISM: Give... so that others can Live!

5. How has being a title holder helped your charity/platform?
It has definitely brought attention to the importance of volunteerism by my being able to share my endeavors, and has aided me in showing different perspectives of volunteering.  During my reign, I was able to make over 70 appearances which is volunteerism in itself, and bringing light to organizations who give to others.

6. What do you hope to gain by your participation in pageants?
When I competed, I hoped to gain a deeper understanding of myself which in turn, would help me to serve others.  Also, having the ability to serve others on a broader scale was something I prayed about and had a desire for.

7. Is your family/partner supportive through your journey?
Absolutely.  Family and friends were there for me in spirit and with encouragement. 

8. How do you feel about title holders who pose nude, semi-nude?
Unless it is a pageant which condones that and is about that, I do not agree a queen should expose herself in this manner; outwardly or inwardly.
9. What titles have you held?
Miss Plus America Elite 2011
Miss Texas Plus America Ambassador 2011
Texas Plus America MS Community Service 2011
MS Austin Plus America 2011
MS Austin Plus America 2010
MS Travis County Plus America 2009

10. Has competing in pageants helped you grow as a person? as a woman? mother? how so?
Most definitely!  By competing, it has helped me become more confident as a full figured woman; to embrace my curves, along with teaching and training me in how to speak before an audience of people.  It has helped me hone who I am and fulfill the Lord's purpose for my life.
11. Do you watch "Toddlers and Tiaras"? How do you feel about children in pageants?
No, I haven't ever watched this program.   There is nothing wrong with children competing in pageants.  In fact, pageantry for children can be an educational classroom.  But, it must be done with the correct intentions for the well-being of the child.

12. How do you feel about "pageant hopping", going from state to state within the same pageant system to compete?
If someone has a goal they want to accomplish, and this is necessary to accomplish that goal, then I would presume those are the steps to take. 

13. What made you compete in your first pageant?
I was seeking plus size modeling opportunities when the Texas Plus America pageant fell into my lap.  I had never competed before and thought it would be a fun, girly thing to do!

14. How long have you been competing?
I began competing in 2009 with the Texas Plus America pageant.  My last pageant competition was July 9, 2011 when I was crowned Miss Plus America Elite 2011.

15. What was your first title?
My first title was MS Travis County Plus America 2009.

Meet you Queen: Daiquiri Martina Gilbert

 Today I have the honor of interviewing Queen Daiquiri Martina Gilbert. I've known Daiquiri for about 13 years and have watched her go from young lady, to young woman, to wife and mother to Ambassador.

1. What is your current title?

 Miss American Beauties Plus Ambassador

2. How did you feel when you were crowned?

Funniest story. As everyone already knows the Miss category was the final category to be announced for the night. I at that point was already an emotional mess because all my OHIO team already won their titles (all first time national winners)...woohoo...I was gunning for top five and was relieved when the first name was called. A few names later I was tapped by fellow rhinestone sister, "Umm...There are only two names left." And before I could figure out what was the meaning by her statement, my name was called by the announcer for the title of Miss American Beauties Plus Ambassador. I immediately thanked God, my mentor Key Mckinley and then the Judges for this opportunity.

3. What does being miss American Beauties mean to you?

The title of Miss American Beauties Plus Ambassador holds a special place in my heart because it is my first national title. To me it means that I was CHOSEN for the job of representing the pageant on a national level. A true Honor.

4. Do you have a platform or charity?

My platform is E.D.G.E. Encouraging Determination Gains Education. With my platform I am encouraging childhood literacy through community volunteerism. I focus my volunteer hours on encouraging literacy in children because too many children depend on after school programs for tutoring, life guidance, meals and mentoring.


5. What do you hope to gain by your participation in pageants?

I believe that there is a need for full figured pageants in today’s society because they instill core values that today’s society is missing. Full figured pageantry teaches confidence, poise and how to be a team player all aspects for being a well rounded woman. All the qualities that I strive to master one day at a time.

 

6. Is you family/partner supportive through your journey?

My family members are my BIGGEST cheerleaders. They are my 24 hr 7 days a week 365 days a year team glam squad. I love them all.  

7. How do you feel about title holders who pose nude, semi-nude?

In most reputable full figured pageants it is frowned upon to posed nude/ semi nude because most are Christian based family organizations. However, I feel at the end of the day, it is not my place to judge others. I believe in my purpose which is to be an inspiration to others. Although I have no plans to be a nude/ semi-nude model, I am an unapologetic full figured diva that is proud of my curves.

8. What titles have you held?

My titles previously held in order are Mrs. Ohio Plus America 2009 & 2010, Miss Ohio American Beauties Plus 2013 and currently Miss American Beauties Plus 2013.
 9. How do you feel about "pageant hopping", going from state to state within the same pageant system to compete?

The slang term is “Crown Chaser” -Pageant hopping (competing in multiple pageants) within the same reign (year). I feel is a good way to not be taken seriously by peers and judges. I say this because it truly takes a full year to prepare with wardrobe, makeup, appearances, sponsorships, coaching, ect. And in my opinion if you are willing to “give up” on your goals that easily then you are not prepared for the overall responsibilities that come along with the CROWN.

10. What made you compete in your first pageant?

 I first started competing because I saw there was a need for a positive outlet for us fuller figured women in Columbus, Ohio and I wanted to make an impact.

11.How long have you been competing? What was your first title?

My first national plus sized pageant was in 2009. Seems like I have been competing/ training forever..lol And I love it!

 

  
 
 
 
 

Here is your Queen

                I am a retired pageant contestant and queen. I am the former Miss Ohio Plus America 2011 and the first and former Miss Voluptuous 2011 and was a contestant in the Divas of hip hop pageant in 2011. I competed in pageants as a kid and was Miss city queen for the Linden area when I was 10 years old.  I retired to further pursue my modeling and designing career. I have also started coaching and judging pageants.  

             The Queens' Throne is a new blog that I am starting to highlight some of my beautiful sister queens. Along my journey I have met some awesome ladies who are doing big things in their communities, states and for their charities and own business. This blog is to honor these women and also promote the good that they do for the world of pageantry, plus size women, minorities, mothers, and charities. These ladies are the true definition of queens. They carry themselves as humble women, they wear multiple hats in their daily lives all while representing their city, state, country. I also ask them questions about how they feel on certain topics and situations on current events.

            Each week I will post an interview on some of my fellow sister queens so that you can keep up on what they are doing and where they are competing.