MENU

dans les catégories
dans les articles
dans les articles traduits
dans les tags
Actualités

Not Your Typical Miss Hawaii USA, Kailey Parker Shares Her Story Of Addiction And Recovery

With her blonde hair and blue eyes the gorgeous Kailey Parker doesn't look like the typical Miss Hawaii USA Candidates. But many people forget that Hawaii is ethnically diverse and Kailey was born and raised on Maui, a place which welcomes and takes pride in various ethnicities, cultures and languages.

As a substance abuse survivor Kailey would like to raise awareness on the issue in Hawaii and in the United States - "As Miss Hawaii USA I would like to be a positive role model for men and women in our community who feel like they have no other options. As a survivor, I feel that I can bring a voice to those who remain silent in their own struggles with addiction. I believe in making personal, meaningful and positive connections with everyone I encounter. " - she explained.

Indeed Kailey hurt herself during a cheerleading accident and became addicted to the medication - "The doctors don’t tell you how your body will be physically addicted to the medication. I had to ween myself off and I realized how many people in the world have faced the same issues or even still going through it. It’s an epidemic and it needs to be talked about and the doctors need to be held accountable."

Kailey's goal as a titleholder is to bring to light an issue, which many people have a hard time talking about. 

If she wins the crown she will have the opportunity to represent Hawaii in Miss USA 2018. Hawaii is the most recent state to start competing at Miss USA, as it first competed in 1962. Prior to this, delegates were sent to Miss Universe. Despite the late start, it has been one of the most successful: Hawaii's first Miss USA, Macel Wilson, came the first year the state competed. There have been four Miss USA winners from Hawaii, one of three states with four titles (only second to Texas and California). 


You will compete at the Miss Hawaii USA Pageant, how will you prepare the contest? 

I prepared both mentally and physically during the past several months leading up to the pageant. My workout routines are very vigorous; six days a week with one rest day. I have been consistent with my nutritional plan, which my personal trainer set up for me. I have also been preparing with my coach Jorge Esteban with Pageant Smart. Jorge has a way of making women feel unstoppable and confident.  

image3

kai

What inspired you to walk on the course of beauty pageants? 

My mother Michelle entered me in my first pageant when I was 11 years old.  She always told me that true beauty comes from within. I whole-heartedly agree. We always watched Miss USA on television and dreamt of me one day earning the Miss USA crown. My mother passed away 5 years ago. I haven’t competed in pageants since then. The Miss Hawaii USA pageant will be my first state pageant since her passing. I know she will be watching over me and I hope to make her proud.

image4

What do you expect to gain by competing in pageantry?

I have already gained so much from the process of preparing for the Miss Hawaii USA pageant. I’ve looked into myself and found that I am truly proud of the person I have become. I, like many young women, have faced challenges and heartache in my short life. Participating in this pageant has allowed me a platform from which to speak to my community about overcoming addiction.  I have gained so much by telling my story. 

Tell me something about yourself and your work. What do you actually do, and have done in the past?

I was born and raised on Maui. I have two older brothers and one younger brother. I have an older half sister and an older stepsister. I’m a survivor and advocate for substance abuse support, survival and awareness. I will continue to be a positive role model for men and women who feel like they have no other options. They too can overcome the adversities that I’ve personally faced. I currently work as a Visual Merchandising Coordinator Tommy Bahama Maui Location. In the past, I attended the Academy of Hair Design and Wenatchee Valley College.

image7

Social media seems to play a major role in pageantry nowadays. Do you think this is advantageous to you? Why or why not? 

I believe social media is now so prevalent in our society. Social media allows people to connect, to communicate and to get to know one another. Men and women are able to share their various values and ideals. I personally find that social media has been advantageous to me. I have connected with so many wonderful people via social media.

What would you advise any young girl out there who has a dream of being a queen one day?

True beauty comes from within. Be true to yourself, humble and kind. Do not conform to what you think other people want. Walk your own path. As long as, what you are doing doesn’t hurt you or another person, you are already a queen. 

haww

maui

Thanks to the beautiful Kailey for the interview. Pageants News wishes you all the very best for Miss Hawaii USA pageant.