The Georgia Peach queen: Ms. Georgia Plus America 2013

I came across this beautiful queen's page on facebook from someone else's page and I was amazed by her charity work. I started following her work and then contacted her to interview her. Check out this week's southern belle. 

 

1.What is your current title?  Ms. Georgia Plus America 2013

2. How did you feel when you were crowned?  I was overwhelmed with joy because I never thought I could be a beauty pageant winner at my full figured size. I’ve always had issues surrounding my weight and struggled to maintain what society told me was a normal size. My desperation to fit into society’s standards led me down a path of unhealthy practices that included both starvation and bulimia.

3. What does being miss, ms, mrs (fill in title) mean to you?  Being Ms. Georgia Plus America is an honor to me because it has provided me with the opportunity to be an advocate for not only the plus woman, but for all woman and young girls to remind them that there are no limits on beauty!

4. Do you have a platform or charity? My platform is Building Self-Esteem and Promoting a Healthy Body Image in Young Girls. I am partnered with the George Washington Carver Boys and Girls Club in Atlanta where I developed and manage a program called “Real Talk” aimed at showing girls how to build confidence.

5. How has being a title holder helped your charity/platform?  I have always considered myself to be a mentor and a role model.  My title allows me to touch the lives of even more young people through my platform. 

 

6. What do you hope to gain by your participation in pageants? I initially entered pageants to build my confidence and improve in public speaking and I hope to continue to make improvements in these areas.

7. Is you family/partner supportive through your journey? Yes, they are my personal cheerleaders.

8. How do you feel about title holders who pose nude, semi-nude? It’s not something that I would consider doing but I would never impose on someone else’s right to make such a choice for themselves. 

9. What titles have you held? Ms. Kansas City 1997, Ms. Georgia Plus America 2013

10. Has competing in pageants helped you grow as a person? as a woman? mother? how so? I am able to witness first hand just how strong I am. I never thought I would be able to stand before a large crowd of people, most of them strangers, and voice my thoughts and share my convictions!

11. Do you watch "Toddlers and Tiaras"? How do you feel about children in pageants? I have watched the show and I only have issue with children’s pageantry when it is unhealthy and upsetting to the child.

12. How do you feel about "pageant hopping", going from state to state within the same pageant system to compete?  Pageant hopping to me sounds much like crown chasing and I think this displays a lack of integrity and true purpose. I’ve always believed that a title should be an extension of the woman and a reflection of the great things she is doing in the community and the world around her.

13. What made you compete in your first pageant?  I was somewhat shy growing up and I decided that pageantry would be a great way to begin building my confidence.

14. How long have you been competing?  I entered my first pageant when I was 15 years old and have competed off and on since that time.

15. What was your first title? My first title was Ms. Kansas City for a small pageant system called Premier Productions. I had a great time and knew at that moment that pageantry would be a major part of my life.

Your Mrs. Kentucky Plus America 2013: TONIYA COLES

I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Toniya Coles at the 2013 POSED fashion Awards. She and two other queens presented the award of Best plus size designer of the year. She does lots of charity work and does a lot with children. 

 
1. What is your current title?

My current title is Mrs Kentucky plus America and Miss plus America people’s choice  2013

2. How did you feel when you were crowned?

 I was so excited when I won I was so thankful to Jesus

3. What does being Mrs. Kentucky Plus America 2013 mean to you?

 My title means to me to promote my platform and to make more plus size woman aware of the plus size pageant

4. Do you have a platform or charity?

 Yes my platform is no child left hungry to increase the awareness of childhood hunger

5. How has being a title holder helped your charity/platform?
 I always wore a crown before the pageant because my father is the king of kings and I AM ROYALTY but adding a sash too it helped

6. What do you hope to gain by your participation in pageants?
 To promote self esteem in plus size women, to let the world know that we are beautiful no matter what they say

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

 My FAMILY IS MY BIGGEST FAN

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

 Well me being a Minister I feel that should be left behind closed doors

9. What titles have you held?
 Miss Teen Michigan 1984
Mrs Kentucky Plus America 2013
Miss Plus America Peoples Choice 2013

10. Has competing in pageants helped you grow as a person? as a woman? mother? how so?

 Let's say it has been an interesting Ride

11. Do you watch "Toddlers and Tiaras"? How do you feel about children in pageants?

 I have seen the show and I think the age should be 10 to be fair to the children

12. How do you feel about "pageant hopping", going from state to state within the same pageant system to compete?

 I don't agree on state hopping for the same pageant it should be one and done just like Miss America

13. What made you compete in your first pageant? 
 The Scholarship

14. How long have you been competing?

 15yrs

15. What was your first title?

 Miss Teen Michigan

Your Sunshine State queen: Andresea Jackson

         This queen I have not had the pleasure of meeting yet, but I reached out to her after the 2013 Miss Plus America nationals competition because I was impressed with her community service work. 

1. What is your current title?
 Ms. Florida Plus America 2013 & Overall High Points Winner 2013

2. How did you feel when you were crowned?
 It was a truly amazing feeling being that this was my second year doing the pageant and the year before that I had not even placed at the pageant. I felt as all my hard work that I had done and everything I had went through had finally paid off.

 3. What does being Ms. Florida Plus America 2013 mean to you?
 Each of these categories are just another chance for a plus size lady regardless of age and status  to have the opportunity to  be a part of something bigger than just themselves and also it allows the state  to see that beauty  is at  different ages and stages in a person’s life. However you miss one division that I think is so important and that is the teen division.  Being that so many teen struggle with obesity, low self-esteem and also need to understand the importance of loving yourself and giving back to your community this venue serves as a great outlet. 

4. Do you have a platform or charity?
 Yes I do, my platform is Strengthen Family Engagement and promoting Parent leaders in the community thru the Head Start program.

5. How has being a title holder helped your charity/platform?
As for my platiform it has allowed parents to be encouraged. and Also it has brought awareness to the Head Start program and it's need.

6. What do you hope to gain by your participation in pageants?
You know what to be honest I got it! It was just a post in confidence that I could do it!

7. Is you family/partner supportive through your journey?
Yes my family has been very supportive through this journey.

8. How do you feel about title holders who pose nude, semi-nude?  
It is very hard to sometime to define what one thinks is art.  However these are things that as a queen you just should not do, is it possible to pose in a swimsuit with class YES.  This is just my personal opinion that everything that one does should be done with class and dignity because you never want something to come back and haunt you later. 

9. What titles have you held?
In 2012 I was Ms. Temple Terrance Plus America and 2013 I was Ms. Tampa Plus America

10. Has competing in pageants helped you grow as a person? as a woman? mother? how so?
YES! Before I made a decision to compete from the pageant I  was at low spot in my life. My health was suffering and I was a very discouraged about many things in my life. My first year I competed I did not do my best, I did not give my all and my mindset was not clear( as my coach  Angel  Richards of Hot Coaching would say “ I  had a lot of Clutter in in my life and I needed to  make and decision to live clutter free )  SO through the pageant I was able to lose 80lbs for health reasons. I was able to unclutter a lot of things in my life and  become a better me! So I went through what I would say is Ultimate Transformation. 

11. Do you watch "Toddlers and Tiaras"? How do you feel about children in pageants?

No I don’t watch much TV, but as for as children in pageants there is a line that should not be crossed.  I do not pass judgment on any one that allows there child to be in pageants because it is a lot of fun. I have a daughter who now after being with me on this journey at 4 years old is saying that she would like to do a pageant, however I don’t agree with parents taking the fun out of the experience nor having the kids look like grown women to win and adding extra pressure on their kids.

12. How do you feel about "pageant hopping", going from state to state within the same pageant system to compete?
WOW this is a great question; however I really don’t have a opinion on this.  I  think it  comes down to each pageant system as well as each lady making sure they are clear about why they are doing this ( meaning the pageant ) .

13. What made you compete in your first pageant?
It has always been a lifelong dream to compete in a pageant after being told as a teen that I was to large to  compete in the state pageant.

14. How long have you been competing?
 Only 2 years

15. What was your first title?
Ms. Temple Terrance Plus America 2013






 

A Teen Queen: Janae' Littlejohn

      Watch out world Janae' is taking over the nation's capital. Although Miss Littlejohn isn't title anymore she is still a queen. At the tender age of about 16 she was competing for a national title all while in high school and dealing with the daily struggles of being a teen. Don't let the baby face fool you, this young lady is wise beyond her years and will give a lot of people a run for their money. Now in college, she is taking what she has learned from her mother, mentor and pageant family and is applying that to become a young woman and is still advocating for her platform. Janae' is such a fun, bubbly young lady and I am glad I got the pleasure of meeting her and going to nationals with her in 2011.


1. What is your current title?
My current title is College Student. I'm no longer competing in pageantry and am not a reigning queen.

2. How did you feel when you were crowned?
So amazing, blessed, joyful, like hard work paid off, like I was stepping into my destiny.

3. What does being former Miss Plus America Teen Ambassador 2011 mean to you?
Being the former Miss Plus America Teen Ambassador 2011 (First African-American) feels honestly like a dream come true. I never thought that being crowned that amazing honor and title would happen to me. It is hard to explain what it means; it meant everything.

4. Do you have a platform or charity?
My platform was, and still is even after the pageant, "Promoting Positive Self-Esteem Within Teenage Girls" and Re-Defining SWAG as positive Self-Worth-Attitude-Goals.

5. How has being a title holder helped your charity/platform?
Being a reigning and even former national queen has given me such a bigger audience to tell my story and promote my cause. People won't always listen to Janae', but the nation listened to Miss Plus America Teen Ambassador.

6. What do you hope to gain by your participation in pageants?
I honestly didn't know what to expect by participating and competing in pageantry. Even more than that, I didn't know what people would think of me after competing and ,thankfully, winning. I think everyone in some way or another has their own perception and opinion about pageantry and pageant queens. Like a lot of others, I expected the side eyes from competitors, stepping on my dress on "accident" or just the cattiness that comes with, or that I expected to come with not only Miss Plus America, but pageantry in general. But, the amazing thing about MPA is the sisterhood and networks that I gained in competing. Being able to call one of my pageant sisters on the phone, hanging out with national queens when I'm traveling, linking up with other business connections and opportunities outside of the pageant is really what made this experience one of the best. And even though I didn't hope for it, I gained it.

7. Is you family/partner supportive through your journey?
My mother, Pamela Palmer, was definitely supportive. Even though, in the beginning, I feel she was a little against me participating in pageantry, she still let me do me. By that I mean, she allowed me to reach for a dream and because of her support, I am where I am. Whether that's driving over 10 hours to get to the pageant, spending her last to buy my pageant dress or just telling me to keep pushing on. Her support definitely had a big impact on my success and I'm thankful for it.

8. How do you feel about title holders who pose nude, semi-nude?
I think that's a personal decision. I mean really, what's wrong with clothes? I'm a national advocate for self-esteem and self-respect so just because of what I believe, I wouldn't feel comfortable. I'm a firm believer that a woman's value is more than her body, I think it's about what you bring to the table as a woman and what your mind has to offer. Beauty is way more than skin and outside appearance so I question if the nude or semi-nude shots are a statement that people who believe the same I do, deem appropriate.

9. What titles have you held?
I've only competed in one pageant. Of course that was the lovely Miss Plus America in 2011. My title was Miss Plus America Teen Ambassador and I was the first African-American to hold that title.

10. Has competing in pageants helped you grow as a person? as a woman? mother? how so? Competing has definitely improved me as a person. I've had a real chance to polish and experience advocacy on a personal level. Being involved in the pageant and being able to spread my platform was a test. Along the way, I found some things out about myself, I was able to help others and I think this was one of the major steps I took towards womanhood and becoming my own person.

11. Do you watch "Toddlers and Tiaras"? How do you feel about children in pageants?
I personally don't watch them. To be honest, I think they give pageantry a bad name. They are over-dramatic and full of little girls running around in makeup and I refuse to participate and condone either one and I don't think it's appropriate for it to even be a show. Little girls, especially toddlers, should be playing with Barbies not trying to be Barbies.

12. How do you feel about "pageant hopping", going from state to state within the same pageant system to compete?
I think if you want it, go get it. My mentor had an experience like that and because of her competing or "running at large" through a different state that didn't have a state pageant, she went on to nationals and was a national queen in 2010. I think it depends on the person. I don't know if I would be the one to do it. But, you never know.

13. What made you compete in your first pageant?
I saw the 2010 Miss Plus America, E Renee Brandon, at the Ohio State Fair in Columbus and the rest is history. Honestly. Well, I saw her crown first, then I saw her. I literally walked up to her, asked how I could get involved, went home, got registered and was Miss Franklin County Ohio Teen Ambassador 2011 that night.

14. How long have you been competing?
I have only competed in Miss Plus America so a total of 2 months time between my state and national pageant in 2011.

15. What was your first title?
My first and only title was Miss Plus America Teen Ambassador 2011.

16. How was it competing in pageants while in school?
Competing while in high school, a junior at that, was honestly a little bit of a challenge. Not just because of the pageant, but because of everything else that I was involved in. Before the pageant, during and after I was involved in numerous things. During my junior year alone, I was President of my student body, dramatically involved in my school's National Honors Society, President of Upward Bound at Ohio Wesleyan University, taking AP and Honors classes and not to mention I was upholding two jobs. Needless to say, there were sleepless nights, stressful times and moments where it almost was too much. But, I pulled through and just because of who I am, I gave it everything that I had. With me giving everything then, there was so much more opportunity that I was able to take advantage of after my reign and still now. It was a lot as a junior, but I made it work and because of my dedication I was pretty much forced to build better time management skills, learn when to say no and all in all grow not only as a student, pageant queen or employee but as a person.

17. Do you still compete in pageants?
I'm currently not considering competing any time soon. I'm tackling a new obstacle and experience called college. There have been countless people that have tried to push me in going back to compete for Miss Plus America Elite, but I have yet to publicly or even privately announced any future plans for competing again.






18. Now that you're in college how as being a title holder helped you?

It has helped me so much. I'm a Freshman now at American University in DC on a full ride scholarship and in my acceptance letter was an applause from the University for being crowned the first African-American MPATA. Being a former pageant queen spoke volumes to the admission committee and has opened up doors for me in DC. Being that I'm only at the beginning of my college career, it's hard to say what other ways being a former pageant queen will benefit my education and my university. But, only time and God will tell, I'm just enjoying the ride.

A wordly Queen: Ocipare Mckinley

What can I say about Queen Ocipare? She is a humanitarian, mother, activist, entrepreneur and my mentor. She helped me with all of the craziness and drams during my journey in the pageant world. Ocipare aka Key to us is the true definition of a queen. She has held many titles and has been competing in pageantry for over a decade. Her platform is more than just an activity, she lives it and breathes it. I watch her with her daughter who is autistic and she is amazing with her patience with her. She recently started a dress boutique called PARE boutique and she has sponsored many different pageant systems with beautiful gowns. She is my mentor/pageant mom and she has such a kind warm heart. Check out her interview and get a closer look into Queen Ocipare's life.

1. What is your current title?

The current titles I represent are Ms. Ubuntu Ambassador 2013 and Mrs. USA United Nation International 2014 which I plan to compete October 2014 at the Grand Palladium Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

2. What is your best memory of being crowned?

I would say my best crowning memory is when I won U.S. United Queen of Queens 2011.  As a full-figured mature woman, it was an honor but it was shocking and incredible... it was such a surreal moment for me when I won 1st place over 37 beautiful, intelligent and most very physically fit women from across the U.S.  What a great feeling and fantastic moment which for me has been absolutely unforgettable!!

3. What does being Mrs. USA mean to you?

It means I am a married woman who is committed to my husband and our covenant… I am not alone!!  With the help of my husband and family I am able to represent them with pride in any endeavor we agree upon and we do everything together from the celebrations to the sacrifices… it is a family affair therefore it gives me strength and power internally to go out and spread my wings.

4. Do you have a platform or charity?

My platform is "Autism Speaks - Awareness, Education and ACTION!" which is my passion and love since the autism diagnosis of my daughter at age 3.

5. How has being a title holder helped your charity/platform?

Every crown has a potential to open doors if you are willing to do the work to make your title memorable.  Each step that I took as a national titleholder has solidified my commitment to my platform in helping individuals and families who have been affected by autism.  I feel people looked at me as an authority on the subject not only because I am an Autism Mom, but because of the crown and title.

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

The two things I hope to gain by my participation in pageantry is continued momentum towards my platform with Autism Speaks as well as making myself a better human being.  My main focus is to educate the public about autism… 1 in 88 children in the next 20 years will be adults in America… do we have a clear plan now of inclusion with our special individuals.  But more importantly, the journey and process of the preparation is what I enjoy most because you learn to accentuate your strengths and diligently work on your weaknesses therefore making a well-rounded and grounded human being!

7. Is your husband and family supportive through your journey?

Without a doubt!!  My biggest fan, admirer and cheerleader is my husband.  We plan everything together for me to participate including what pageants I plan to join.  Because I am married, this is a joint effort that requires joint representation... when I step out, I represent The McKinley Family and I have the full support of my husband and my children.

8. How do you feel about title holders who pose nude or semi-nude?

I do not feel they need to be titleholders... they should be models.  As a model you have the flexibility of what you choose to do or represent.  Your image is based on your work, work ethic and how committed you are to your career.  As a titleholder, you are held to a different standard under contract by the contest won.  The majority of pageants do not allow partial and full nudity in any form and that is the rules.  They are not there to be broken or challenged... they are there to be followed to continue the legacy of the competition.

9. What titles have you held?

U.S. United Queen of Queens ~ Titleholder (2011)

Elegant Elite Ms. Ohio U.S. United ~ Titleholder (2011)

Ms. Ohio Plus America ~ Titleholder (2010)

Ms. Franklin County Ohio Plus America ~ Titleholder (2010)

Mrs. Columbus International ~ Titleholder (2007 & 2008)

Ms. Ohio American Elegance ~ Titleholder (2007)

Ms. Columbus State Community College - Homecoming Queen (2005)

Ms. Black Sophisticate Connecticut ~ Titleholder (1998)

Ms. Aruba Petite International ~ Titleholder (1996)

Ms. Capital Community-Technical College ~ Titleholder (1995)

 

10. Has competing in pageants helped you grow as a person? As a woman? Mother? How so?

Pageantry has helped me grow as a person.  But it is not necessarily the pageant that helps you to grow... the growth is within the preparation.  If you are a person who enjoys self-assessing and making yourself better through practice… pageantry is for you!!

11. Do you watch "Toddlers and Tiaras"? How do you feel about children in pageants?

I do not watch Toddlers and Tiaras because I do not believe in glam pageants for children.  I also feel that if my daughter does not ask to be part of the pageant… I would never force her to take part. 

12. How do you feel about "pageant hopping", going from state to state within the same pageant system to compete?

I feel that is unethical only if it breaks the rules of the pageant.  If the pageant allows it, I am not against it.  The only thing I would say I am against is unethical behavior in pageantry but that is not something that happens at every pageant, but there is always 1 or 2 bad apples in the bunch… just ignore them and move on. 

13. What made you compete in your first pageant?

I have an old childhood friend, Wanda Gonzalez-Martinez, who introduced me to pageantry.  She was Miss Connecticut USA 1993.  After helping her in her preparations, I thought to myself, “this is something I would like to try” and when I did… I never turned back!!!

14. How long have you been competing?

I have been competing since I was 18 years old.

15. What was your first title?

I competed 27 times before my first title which was Ms. Capital Community Technical College 1995.