You competed in the Miss Earth United States Pageant in 2016. What was your most memorable moment from the pageant ?
I would definitely have to say that meeting all of the other women representing the states in the first few days is something that will be something I always treasure. While being surrounded by fifty other beautiful women, it was great to share one common goal (environmental awareness) and finally come together, similar to that of a big family.
Miss Earth U.S or Miss USA ? Which system is your favorite and why ?
While Miss Earth U.S and Miss USA are two different pageant systems, I think there are qualities about both which I admire, making it an equal love! In the end, I feel as if both pageants have a great background and purpose, which is helping women become their most confident, aware, and beautiful selves they can be.
What inspired you to walk on the course of beauty pageants?
Growing up, I always considered myself a tomboy. I played sports for as long as I could remember, but I also grew up watching Miss USA and Miss Universe as a young girl, always dreaming of possibly making it up onto the amazing stage someday. Midway through my high school career, I decided it was time for a change in my life, and choosing to be apart of this lifestyle has been one of my best decisions yet.
Who do you think will be your strongest competitor for the Miss Michigan USA Competition ?
I would be lying if I only selected one woman! I believe Miss Michigan USA 2018 is anyone’s game and every woman has an equal opportunity to do well in the competition.
Michigan is one of only twelve states to have had more than one Miss USA and has had the ninth highest number of semi-finalists.
Some people say that beauty pageants are degrading to women, same with fashion magazines. How can you convince them that they’re wrong?
I run into this commentary quite often, and each time I do, I think I gain insight as to why I encourage beauty pageants, as well as the fashion world/modeling more often now. For many years there has been, and still is, a big misconception of beauty pageants, and the modeling world to be a “dog eat dog world” and to be extremely cut throat, only looking at the outer image of a woman. Truthfully, in order to succeed in this industry, a woman/man needs substance. While a beautiful face and figure may get to point A, in order to get to point B, there needs to be intelligence and personality underneath the surface, because at the end of the day, makeup is NOT permanent, and what matters are our true intentions deep down. In theory, it may seem easy from the outside looking in, but the moment you, a beautiful person, are surrounded by forty or fifty other beautiful people, it comes down to what is beneath the surface.
What do you expect to gain by competing in pageantry?
From the moment I joined my first pageant system, I had grained a great deal of self-confidence. I have learned that we are all entitled to have our own voices, and I hope to gain a chance to express my voice for those who cannot speak, and represent a cause that is larger than myself, in a quest to help those people who are in need. Whether those needs be a disability, an illness, or gaining self-confidence, I would like to have the opportunity to become a titleholder that way I can speak up with a whole support system to truly make a difference.
Who is your ideal beauty queen and how has she helped you to evolve as a beauty queen?
Out of all of the beauty queens in history, I would have to say my Mother is my ideal beauty queen. While never taking part in an actual pageant, my Mother graces the world (her stage) with her beauty, elegance, and poise day by day. Out of anyone, my Mom has been my biggest fan, critic, and coach since the day I decided to enter into my first pageant. Her honesty has kept my feet on the ground, while also instilling a sense of pride in what I have to offer to the pageant world. Her platform has been helping other single mothers, like herself, to find a stable career and create a successful life. Being raised by a strong woman has left me with no choice but to also be a strong woman myself, and I am so thankful for that.
Thanks to the beautiful Jasmina for the interview. Pageants News wishes you all the very best for Miss Michigan USA pageant.
