You will compete at the Miss California Teen USA Pageant, how will you prepare the contest ? What unique characteristics would you say you bring to the competition?
I have spent months preparing for the Miss California Teen USA Pageant by practicing both walking and interview skills, modeling, swimming, doing pilates and other workouts, and getting more involved with my community and volunteering.
What inspired you to walk on the course of beauty pageants?
I saw beauty pageants as a great challenge and a chance for personal growth. It started as a bucket list challenge and has evolved into an amazing opportunity to better myself and those around me.
Many misses have said that their dream since a child was to participate in a pageant as prestigious as Miss World (or Miss Universe). It this your case ? And if so, why ?
I found pageantry in adolescence. I have two brothers so I was more of a tomboy as a child. I can still hold my own with the boys!
Social media seem to play a major role in pageantry nowadays. Do you think this is advantageous to you? Why or why not?
Social media is absolutely a must for anyone in pageantry! It is a game changer for exposure to not only your personal brand, but also a great way to expose light on your platform or causes as well. It is the fastest way to reach people and keep them vested in you and your future endeavors.
Did you face any moment of disappointment with yourself during the pageant journey, and how did you overcome it?
I had what I felt was an interview misstep at my regional pageant. I blanked on the name of the person I was asked about. I recovered with honesty and wit and must have redeemed myself because I still was able to go home as the title winner. I was disappointed initially with myself, but if you pick yourself up with style and grace, wonderful things can happen. We are all human, we hit bumps in the road, we just have to hold our heads up high and keep going.
We’ve all seen the stereotypical portrayals of pageant contestants, a la Miss Congeniality, spreading peace, love and beauty throughout the world. How do you think you'll make a difference ?
I want to use my time and visibility to inspire and help others. I truly believe kindness is contagious and we are all looking for compassion and understanding. If I can affect others in a positive way, hopefully they will pay it forward in kind.
Who is your ideal beauty queen and how has she helped you to evolve as a beauty queen?
I love India Williams (Miss California USA 2017). She has been a great mentor and role model for me. She also competed for Miss California Teen USA in the past and was unsuccessful. She kept at it and won Miss California when it was her time. She is the epitome of kindness, beauty, and grace. Plus she is exceptionally humble and she has the best walk I have ever seen in person! Plus she is a taller girl like me so she has the same struggles I do, and conquers them flawlessly.
