Hello Everyone,
So, I have a lot to update everyone on. This year I took a leap of faith and decided to come out of my “pageant hiatus.” I did this because I felt that my journey was not over and that, as a newly married woman, it would be an excellent opportunity to begin my participation in the realm of “Mrs. Pageantry .”The stars aligned when the title of Mrs. Lonestar State USA Ambassador was vacated. I feel it was aligned because it allowed me to return to a pageant system I trust, reflecting the values at the foundation of who I am. Based on this, I jumped at the opportunity knowing that I was entering the pageant late in the game. I joined the pageant late in the game because I had less than 70 days to prepare for the national pageant. However, something inside of me told me that it felt right.
One thing I was blessed with in signing up to represent the Lonestar State was being a part of #TeamTexas. They welcomed me with open arms and treated me as if I was a part of their unit from the beginning. My director, Mary Oakes, ensured I had multiple photoshoots fit for a queen and marketing materials to promote my new title.
Another blessing was having my husband Kwame fully support my crazy dream/challenge. He didn’t bat an eye when I told him I was dusting off my pageant heels and, like the ultimate partner, always lent me the helping hand and words of encouragement I needed. He also agreed to keep three dogs while I went out of state to chase a crown.
However, with life comes challenges. During the month of the competition, I was diagnosed with COVID. This was a big hit for me as I was double vaccinated and boosted. I also thought I was taking all the proper precautions. However, life sometimes throws you curveballs. I spent most of the competition month fighting COVID and was almost hospitalized. The virus replicated in my lungs, and I was barely medically cleared to compete. By God’s grace, I was able to make it without a day to spare.
Pageant week was everything I could have imagined and more. The delegates that I had the honor of standing alongside were all inspiring, accomplished, and kindhearted, and I am blessed that I had the opportunity to get to know each and every one of them. I have never been so impressed by a group. What also made this competition week different for me is I felt at peace from start to finish. I believe that some of this is from learning to let go, being comfortable with the imperfect, and leaving it in His hands. At the end of pageant week, the last two women standing were me and my sister queen, Mrs. Texas, Tara Hooper. What I didn’t expect was that I would walk away with the crown.
Walking away with the crown provides me with the obligation to spend my year representing all of the women who were apart of my delegate class. That is not an obligation I take lightly. I promise to do all that I can to make this year count and truly make an impact. With this opportunity comes a need to give thanks. I want to thank Ms. Kristin and Heavenly Barbara Thurston for creating the ultimate system that genuinely seeks the best in their delegates. Not only that, but it also provides them a forum to show their best and the unique talents God has instilled in them. Thank you to the USA Ambassador staff for volunteering your time and talents to make this experience the best for us delegates. You all ensured that every time a delegate participated in a USA Ambassador activity, they felt their absolute best. To my family, thank you for supporting me in person and through the airwaves. I wouldn’t be able to continue to push myself without you! Mary, thank you for taking a chance on me. Lastly, I give my thanks to God, who, without none of this, is possible.
As your new USA Ambassador Mrs, I will be blogging regularly to keep everyone up to date on my year so please, stay tuned.
Hugs,
Dymond Elise
So, I have a lot to update everyone on. This year I took a leap of faith and decided to come out of my “pageant hiatus.” I did this because I felt that my journey was not over and that, as a newly married woman, it would be an excellent opportunity to begin my participation in the realm of “Mrs. Pageantry .”The stars aligned when the title of Mrs. Lonestar State USA Ambassador was vacated. I feel it was aligned because it allowed me to return to a pageant system I trust, reflecting the values at the foundation of who I am. Based on this, I jumped at the opportunity knowing that I was entering the pageant late in the game. I joined the pageant late in the game because I had less than 70 days to prepare for the national pageant. However, something inside of me told me that it felt right.
One thing I was blessed with in signing up to represent the Lonestar State was being a part of #TeamTexas. They welcomed me with open arms and treated me as if I was a part of their unit from the beginning. My director, Mary Oakes, ensured I had multiple photoshoots fit for a queen and marketing materials to promote my new title.
Another blessing was having my husband Kwame fully support my crazy dream/challenge. He didn’t bat an eye when I told him I was dusting off my pageant heels and, like the ultimate partner, always lent me the helping hand and words of encouragement I needed. He also agreed to keep three dogs while I went out of state to chase a crown.
However, with life comes challenges. During the month of the competition, I was diagnosed with COVID. This was a big hit for me as I was double vaccinated and boosted. I also thought I was taking all the proper precautions. However, life sometimes throws you curveballs. I spent most of the competition month fighting COVID and was almost hospitalized. The virus replicated in my lungs, and I was barely medically cleared to compete. By God’s grace, I was able to make it without a day to spare.
Pageant week was everything I could have imagined and more. The delegates that I had the honor of standing alongside were all inspiring, accomplished, and kindhearted, and I am blessed that I had the opportunity to get to know each and every one of them. I have never been so impressed by a group. What also made this competition week different for me is I felt at peace from start to finish. I believe that some of this is from learning to let go, being comfortable with the imperfect, and leaving it in His hands. At the end of pageant week, the last two women standing were me and my sister queen, Mrs. Texas, Tara Hooper. What I didn’t expect was that I would walk away with the crown.
Walking away with the crown provides me with the obligation to spend my year representing all of the women who were apart of my delegate class. That is not an obligation I take lightly. I promise to do all that I can to make this year count and truly make an impact. With this opportunity comes a need to give thanks. I want to thank Ms. Kristin and Heavenly Barbara Thurston for creating the ultimate system that genuinely seeks the best in their delegates. Not only that, but it also provides them a forum to show their best and the unique talents God has instilled in them. Thank you to the USA Ambassador staff for volunteering your time and talents to make this experience the best for us delegates. You all ensured that every time a delegate participated in a USA Ambassador activity, they felt their absolute best. To my family, thank you for supporting me in person and through the airwaves. I wouldn’t be able to continue to push myself without you! Mary, thank you for taking a chance on me. Lastly, I give my thanks to God, who, without none of this, is possible.
As your new USA Ambassador Mrs, I will be blogging regularly to keep everyone up to date on my year so please, stay tuned.
Hugs,
Dymond Elise