Meet Our New National Queen

On a stage bathed in lighting and dazzling with crystal curtains, Miss Black Texas USA, Dymond Hayes, gained her first national title of  Miss Black America CoEd —clearing the way for a new face to win the honor of Miss Black Texas America CoEd (Miss Black Texas).

Meet Our New State Queens

Miss Black America CoEd encourages high-scholastics, community service, and self-esteem though several age division competitions including: Miss Black Texas Princess 5-9, Miss Black Texas Preteen 10-13, Miss Black Texas  Teen 14-17, Miss Black Texas 18-27, and for wives, mothers, and professional women, Ms. Black Texas 21-40. The Miss Black Texas America CoEd Pageant (Miss Black Texas) is the official preliminary pageant to the national Miss Black America CoEd competition. For more information visit www.missblackamericacoed.org.

·      Roneshia Ray- Miss Black Texas America CoEd 2014

·      Ziara Smith- Black Texas America CoEd Teen 2014

·      Micaela Watkins- Ms. Black Texas America CoEd 2014

·      Jasmine Cooks- Miss Black Texas America CoEd Preteen 2014

·      Kadence Polley- Miss Black Texas America CoEd Princess 2014

Great Day Houston and Nationals!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to be featured on one of Houston's number one morning shows. The focus was on queens that make a difference and the interviewer focused on my dedication to the fight against breast cancer. Having the opportunity to speak on television again representing the Miss Black USA Organization was a once in a lifetime event. Leaving the interview I hope that it inspires others to get involved in a cause that is near and dear to their heart because I truly believe that one person can make a big difference when they are committed and driven individuals. If you missed the interview you will be able to access it using the link below:

http://www.khou.com/great-day/gdh_8-6-13_seg4-218542531.html

After leaving the KHOU studio I jumped in a car that was filled to the brim including my dog (Coco Chanel) and took the 22 hour drive to our national host hotel in Arlington, VA in order to represent my state in the national Miss Black USA Pageant.

I can say that with the rain of the drive, came some tragedy as I was given the news that I had lost a family member due to a massive heart attack. Although I was sad I understand that everything happens for a reason and that he is with The Maker and is truly in a better place. So as I attend the Red Dress VIP Reception tonight and compete throughout the week I may be representing Texas, but I will be representing George Logan in my heart! Keep me in your prayers as I aim at making you all proud, a promise that I spoke into existence after my crowning. Also please stay tuned because I will be providing updates throughout the week on what it is like to be part of the elite sisterhood of Miss Black USA delegates!

Love,
Dymond Elise

I Am More Than Meets the Eye

This past week I was able to speak to a group of girls ranging from ages 9-17 who are involved in an amazing system known as Virtuous Star. This is a dance  program that not only teaches young girls how to dance, but ministers them during the process as well. So when I was asked to be a mentor and speak at their dance camp in order to help with the cultivation process, I was thrilled! My speech focused on the idea that "I am More Than Meets the Eye," an installment that focuses on teaching these girls to look beyond physical attributes in order to see the true beauty inside. What made this event very special for me is that I could see first hand the difference that I was making and that I was positively impacting the lives of those who are impressionable and have been subjected to numerous criticisms. They were truly the best group I have ever spoken to! I left the event with a renewed sense of self and love for the position that the Miss Black USA Organization has placed me in. 

This event was a great one to lead into the national pageant this week because it illustrates what I would like to do as Miss Black USA; which is to be visible while also aiming at leaving the World having touched someone's life positively! So please keep me in your prayers over the next couple of days because I will not only be featured tomorrow on KHOU's Great Day Houston speaking on my platform and the importance of black pageantry, but I will also be competing in hopes of bringing the national title home to Texas!

So Wish Me Luck!
Love,
Dymond Elise

What Do You Rebel?

Today I was involved in a event that will forever hold a place in my heart. I was asked to be a keynote speaker at an event sponsored by Saving Our Daughters and K. Michelle. The event was called "What Do You Rebel?" This is a title that is dubbed from K. Michelle's upcoming album. However this was bigger than her CD or my pageant title. The event is part of a movement that aims at giving voices to young women who have been victims to domestic violence, abuse, rape, bullying, etc.  

My speech focused on my struggle concerning my mother's diagnosis combined with the bullying that I was faced with that same year. This ultimately led to an unhealthy eating disorder in hopes to gain control on my life and to meet the hegemonic standard of beauty. I concluded my speech by encouraging others to take the baby steps that I was forced to take in order to better my life and beat the issues that I had been "rebelling" against for a total of eight years (my weight, my self-esteem). I used my perseverance and strength as an example that with it and God, all things are possible.

I was overwhelmed by the generosity that the organization bestowed and the stories that I heard from women who defied all odds and could stand in front of an audience and say that they had emerged from their experiences as a changed, and better person. They did not let their relationships with domestic violence and verbal abuse define who God destined them to be! I left the event having met a large group of heroes whose lives I touched and who in return touched mine! Let this be a example that when you are at your lowest there is nowhere to go but up and that you determine your destiny. So dream big and turn all of those dreams into reality.

Love,
Dymond Elise

My Story

I am often asked why I decided to pursue my dream in pageantry. My answer is simple. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and through our journey together I became motivated to help. However the outlets that a twelve year old has are limited. I saw pageants as an opportunity to become a dignitary and in doing so I was able to broaden my audience. The positive results that I have made, concerning my work in community service are in major thanks to the pageant titles that I have held. That is why I stand before you ten years later still involved in pageantry, because I have seen first hand the good that can come from it. Below you can find a video that in detail describes my ten year journey. I hope that it can serve as a motivator. One that encourages you to fight for what is in your heart and aim towards "Making the Impact of a Lifetime!"

Respectfully,
Dymond Elise

I've Been Boot Camping!

I have been reflecting on my reign and can say that I have had the time of my life. One of the things that I am extremely pleased about is having the opportunity to meet a lot of the delegates competing in Miss Black Texas USA prior to pageant weekend. I have been able to do this through our Miss Black Texas Boot Camps. There have been three thus far and they all have been invaluable for me. At these boot camps we focus on cultivating the contestant to the best of their abilities. Not only was I able to lend my advice, but I have also been able to learn so much from each of these amazing delegates and for that I will be forever thankful. 

This knowledge has been expanded even more thanks to my amazing directors. They have been doing any everything necessary in order to insure that I am Miss Black USA ready; from talent rehearsals to mock interviews I can say that we are truly coming to nationals "Texas strong!" But as always please stay tuned because I have events booked all the way up to nationals so there is definitely more to come! 

So Until Next Time!
Texas Hugs,
Dymond Elise

Tip 7: What You Eat Matters!

The saying often goes that you are what you eat! Sometimes this can be a great thing, but what one must keep in mind is that this could mean trouble for you and your loved ones. In order to make strides towards breast cancer prevention one must make a constant effort to reduce exposure/ingestion of toxic chemicals that can lie within the foods that we consume. Below, please find some helpful tips that can aid you in  insuring that you are doing everything possible to keep all of your greens, clean!

1. Kick the can! Although vegetables are great, canned goods can hold chemicals like BPA. So it is better to chose fresh market options and if that is not an option pick the frozen alternatives.

2. Organic is better. These organic products are nurtured without harmful pesticides and herbicides. 

3. According to the Breast Fund, "when we eat meat and dairy products, we are also eating the residue of what those animals ate, including pesticides, growth hormones, etc. Choose hormone-free beef or dairy to eliminate those traces of hormones that can lead to increased breast cancer risk."

Hope some of these tips help in your efforts to live a happy, and healthy lifestyle. Stay tuned because there is much more to come!

Texas hugs,

Dymond Elise

Tip 6: Be Careful When Getting Beautified

Being a beauty queen allows me to get dolled up from time to time. That being said I understand a female's need to use some cosmetics to add to the beauty that God bestowed upon each and everyone of us. However did you know that the cosmetics that you use can have a huge impact on your breast health? Since we all know that beauty is more than skin deep it is important to make healthier options in this area. This can be done by keeping an eye on makeup/toiletries that are made up of toxic chemicals. Below please find a few tips that can assist you with your healthy "glam" look!

1. When you see the word fragrance run!  This word stands for dozens of chemicals that can disrupt areas such as your hormones. 

2. Try using natural products. Remember that some companies only produce these products. If you are having trouble locating one in your area a lot of products can be created in your own household. 

3. Read the label of your cosmetics in order to avoid the use of synthetic ingredients.

4. Some deodorants are beginning to be questioned in terms enhancing breast caner occurrences. This is connected to an increase in aluminum that may be due to the use of antiperspirant deodorants. So when trying not to sweat, try using an aluminum free version.

That's all for now!
Texas hugs,
Dymond Elise

Miss Black TX Does the Harlem Shake

I am often spending my blogging time, writing about appearances and how one can protect themselves from Breast Cancer and become involved in other great missions. However, today I thought it would be great to post something a little more fun! Below please find a video of your own Miss Black Texas USA, Dymond Elise Hayes, joining in on the "Harlem Shake" craze! Hope that you enjoy!

Texas Hugs,

Dymond Elise

Tip 5: Catch Some Zzz's (Sleep)

With so much going on in our lives we tend to forget one of the most important activities that we are involved in daily...sleep. It is often recommended by doctors and health care professionals that one should get anywhere between eight to ten hours a day in order for the body to function at its best. This is important when trying to reduce your breast cancer risk because sleep has been proven to be essential in the repair and healing process of our bodies from everyday wear and tear. So with that said...grab a pillow and get your sleep on! If your having some problems catching up on some sleep please keep these helpful tips in mind:

1. Turn off all lights/sleep in complete darkness

2. Sleep with the temperature below 70 (68 is optimal) for optimal Melatonin production (Bonus: you will save on your heating bill)

3. Be in bed before 10 pm if at all possible

4. Avoid caffeine after 2 pm

5. Drink some chamomile tea or other relaxing drink to help fall asleep if you have trouble adjusting

Hope this helps!

Until Next Time!
Texas hugs,
Dymond Elise

Race to the Crown

I can say that pageant season is in full swing! From the fast approaching Miss Black USA Pageant and other pageants taking place left and right, I can truly say that I'm dreaming tiaras. This past week I was able to attend the Miss United States Intercontinental Pageant. I truly enjoyed seeing driven women similar to myself on stage promoting their brand. I was also able to see a competition which is always invaluable when your preparing to be on stage in the near future.

The Miss Black USA Pageant is a great outlet as far as promoting yourself and truly gaining the professional skills necessary to succeed. I was able to help promote this mission by helping facilitate The Miss Black Texas Boot Camp. This "camp" focuses on preparing our incoming contestants with pointers and coaching sessions that will help them be their personal best during pageant weekend. My favorite part of the event was getting to know each of the contestants because I believe that with each meeting, something can be learned from it!

Finally I am beginning my final preparations for my national competition. I visited Miss Black Texas USA's state sponsor Lamik Cosmetics. They worked with me one on one to insure that I had the perfect looks for each phase of competition at nationals! Below please find a video that gives some behind the scenes footage of my visit! I was also  able to meet with my wonderful director and gain advice on final wardrobe selections and talent/modeling critiques. So with that I will begin my series of "Race to the Crown." With this you will gain some personal insight into my preparations to hopefully bring the Miss Black USA crown home to Texas. So stay tuned until next time!

Love,

Dymond Elise

Happy Fourth of July!

Today is the day that we commemorate the implementation of the Declaration of Independence. Although we tend to spend this day at picnics, watching fireworks, and participating in parades, the true meaning of this holiday tends to be overshadowed at times. Due to this I want to take a moment to say that I am truly proud to be an American. The equality, and protected freedoms that we have in this country; many only dream of! And these freedoms that I, along with millions of other Americans cherish, do not come free. Many have paid the price, some with their lives, and it is these heroes that I want to thank! Soldiers and servicemen from the 1700s to present day  I take my hat off to you. You deserve the praise because you saw a vision and fought for what you believe in! Without you America would not be celebrating another birthday. So with that, Happy Birthday America, and May God Continue to Bless Us Now, and Forever More!

Love,
Dymond Elise

Tip 4: Don't Worry...Be Happy!

It is important in life to not sweat the small things. And when referencing your health this becomes even more imperative. Over the years there has been a lot of documentation confirming that stress can cause a variety of health problems. According to a British survey, women who reported severe stress in the previous five years were 50 percent more likely to have breast cancer. Keeping this in mind it is important to find ways to manage your emotions in high anxiety environments whether it be taking classes or using your faith. With the right determination and a smile, the lack of stress and ill feelings in your life will ultimately be beneficial to your overall as well as breast health!

So...Stay Positive Until Next Time,

With Love,

Dymond Elise

Trend Spotter

On Tuesday, I was given the opportunity to join my love of fashion and "giving back" together by attending an event. This specific event was the Trend Spotter Event that was hosted by Houston Style Magazine at the Macy's Galleria. The event challenged each of its attendees to show their individual style with added  flare. While dressed in our best we were able to meet with local businesses that are fashion based and view a fashion show. and this entire gathering was for a non-profit called Mia's Closet. This specific organization focuses on providing stylish clothes to under-privileged children. Each attendee was asked to support this non-profit by donating gently used clothing. 

While there I must say that I had a blast! I was able to do an appearance with my sister queen, Chandler which is always fun and was also able to meet a lot of great people. From some of Miss Black Texas' State Sponsors to "Dynamo" Players; local artist to a former Miss Black Texas, I was truly honored to be surrounded by accomplished individuals. The event even allowed me to speak on the importance of the Miss Black USA Organization (MBUSA) and I felt the warmth of the crowd and their openness to hearing what I had to say about the MBUSA's mission. Below please find a link to the clip of me being interviewed on the red carpet and stay tuned for more insight into my reign!

Stay Blessed!
Love,
Dymond Elise

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovthksLOGgo&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Tip 3: You Are What You Eat

It seems like since birth we have been told that what you eat matters. And some go as far as saying it reflects on you. Regardless on the severity of this it has actually been seen as a contributing factor in breast cancer diagnosis. One of the best tips that I have ever received (and am now passing on to ya'll) is that you should keep an eye out on foods that not only taste great, but also help reduce your risk against this life-threatening disease. Listed below please find a few suggestions:

1. Eat Red and Purple Grapes! Not only are they one of my favorite foods of all time; but they also contain resveratrol, which may block the development of breast cancer. 

2. Snack on Walnuts. Recent studies have illustrated that eating walnuts daily may reduce risk.

3. Eat your meats grilled! Grilling meat can produce carcinogens. You can cut your risk further by adding spices/herbs like rosemary, turmeric, and cumin that are known to help in the fight against cancer.

4. Finally, add flaxseeds to your diet. Flaxseeds contain lignans, antioxidants that may have anticancer effects. So add a tablespoon to your yogurt, oatmeal, or your favorite salad. 

Hope this helps in your fight towards living healthy!
Love,
Dymond Elise

Juneteenth Celebration

An important part of black history is the celebration of Juneteenth. This celebration is one of the oldest commemorations concerning the end of United States slavery. It dates back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, TX. with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. (Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation). It is this event that is the basis for the Juneteenth Celebrations that are celebrated throughout the country to this day; all celebrating with the mission to "promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African American history and culture." This past weekend I was honored to take place in some of the festivities by serving as a dignitary for the Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration/Parade. It was amazing to see my community join together and celebrate with joy over how far we have come! What made the event even more special was the fact that I got to see my fellow sister queens Chandler and Shunte and catch up on what has happened since we have all been together. After the parade we were able to see the bands from across the state participate in the "Battle of the Bands." From signing autographs to talking with others it was an event that simply warmed my heart and will not be forgotten. Well…that's all for now!


Until Next Time,
With Love,
Dymond Elise

Tip 2

Remember when we were children and our parents told us to go outside and play? It turns out they were right again of course. Sunshine is the main source of Vitamin D3. This form of Vitamin D helps create and enhance the proper functioning of all healthy cells in the body. Vitamin D is particularly helpful in preventing breast, ovarian, prostate and colorectal cancer. So now that the weather is great and the sun is shining bright, "Go Out and Enjoy It!" For another easy point, while you're sunning yourself, sip a cup of tea. Although tea drinking has been associated with health benefits for centuries, only recently has its medicinal properties been investigated scientifically. Tea has a high content of flavonoids which are plant-derived compounds that are antioxidants.

Green tea is at the top of the list since it is the best food source of a group called catechins. This Superfood is more powerful than vitamins C and E in halting oxidative damage to cells and appears to have other disease-fighting properties. Studies have linked green tea with a reduced risk for several cancers including; skin, breast, lung, colon, esophageal, and bladder...so please drink up!

Stay Healthy!
With Love,
Dymond Elise

Happy Father's Day

I would like to take the time to say Happy Father's Day to all of those out there who are transforming the lives of those younger and more impressionable. Rather you actually are a father or simply fulfilled that role I take my hat off to you all because you have truly made a difference in someone's life and have therefore positively enhanced the World we call home!

In order to show my gratitude to these men I spent yesterday volunteering at one of the local senior living facilities in my area. My thought process was that it is important to show these men that they have not been forgotten about and that they are all special. Therefore I worked with the staff in order to produce a dinner for them where good ole' Texas barbecue was served!

At this event I felt the wealth of knowledge surrounding me and spent my time visiting with individuals and learning about their life lessons and memories. Although I had the crown, all of these men were royalty in my book. 

Yesterday was great, but the weekend is not yet over! I will be participating in the Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration today along with a Battle of the Bands Competition, and what pageant girl won't be watching Miss USA on Sunday. Well...that's all for now!

So Until Next Time,
With Love,
Dymond Elise

Breast Cancer Tips Begin!

Weekly this summer I will be sharing tips and strategies cancer survivors have found helpful to achieve healthy living so please visit my blog regularly!

Tip Number 1: Get Moving

The most important lifestyle tip I learned was how essential exercise was to preventing breast cancer.  Twenty to thirty minutes per day at least five days a week can reduce recurrence by 40-50%.  This is the most common tip recommended by oncologists.

For more tips ...please stay tuned!

Love,
Dymond Elise

Happy 100 ACS!

Hello All, 
As I work in partnership with Endo Health Solutions & The American Cancer Society, in their support and quest to "End Cancer" I ask everyone to do what they can to join  the following cause:

The American Cancer Society (ACS), one of the nation's leading organizations committed to fighting all forms of cancer, is celebrating 100 years of saving lives. This year ACS has asked its supporters and sponsors, including Endo, to speak out, make noise, and take action to finish the fight against cancer once and for all.

ACS has made significant progress in the last two decades against the disease, helping reduce overall cancer death rates by 20% since the early 1990s and saving over 400 lives every day that would have been lost to cancer. As a corporate sponsor, Endo has been asked to help share the ACS story among internal and external audiences. I encourage each and everyone of you to join in on the celebration by becoming knowledgeable and donating your time, talents, and services to the cause!

To learn more about ACS's work to end cancer, visit cancer.org and visit Endo Pharmaceuticals official website to learn how Endo continues to support this important cause. 

Thanks for your help and attention!
With Love,
Dymond Elise

Out and About

This past month I accomplished something that meant the World to me, I graduated from Spelman College. To stand on stage and receive recognition for something that I worked toward for my entire life was surreal and something that I will always cherish. Outside of this accomplishment I also had the opportunity to go back to the roots of my volunteer work, breast cancer awareness and early detection. I was able to take part in an fundraising effort sponsored by Coca-Cola. This was a great event to take part in for me because I always love to be engaged and raising funds towards saving lives. I believe that it is my calling because if it was not for the efforts of others, my mother may not have survived. Therefore I must continue to pay it forward!

Being part of the Miss Black USA organization also includes becoming a voice for the Missing and Exploited Children's cause/center which is funded and exposed through Take 25 events. This past month was dedicated to their efforts, however the cause continues and takes place year around. I encourage each and everyone of you to look into how you can get involved because it could save the family unit of someone close to you.

While touching on children, I was asked by my church to be the host of our children's program and helping them get in touch with their history. I was able to set up and host them at the Martin Luther King Center and it was a blast! Being in the community, learning and interacting with the kids, and giving them a positive outlook on life meant the World to me and will not be forgotten. In the next couple of weeks I have a lot planned so please stay tuned!

With Love,
Dymond Elise

Harm Reduction

This past week I was honored to work for a cause that I can say truly makes a difference, AHRC. It is a harm reduction coalition that aims at providing the high risk/needs community with a shot at success and a better life. It is a non-profit organization that focuses on community-based prevention and is also a wellness organization committed to improving the overall health and well being of marginalized individuals and communities. They make improvements through education, tiered risk reduction programs through partnerships, to empower adults in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of; substance use, HIV/AIDS, STDS, hepatitis, and other communicable diseases.

Upon beginning my work with the organization I did not know what to expect however the staff welcomed me with open arms and quickly made me feel as though I was a full-time staff member. I was educated on the mission and history of the organization and was able to use my outreach skills in order to produce materials and speeches that could encourage others to join in on AHRC's work through donations of time, talents, and resources. Outside of these efforts I was also a part of an fundraising event. This was my favorite part of the experience because I was able to communicate with the individuals that AHRC touches and truly use my passion for health initiatives to change lives and for that I am forever grateful.

In closing being Miss Black Texas USA has opened so many doors and has provided me with the platform to touch lives and make a difference. Touching lives is my purpose and how I take each stride in my life and am therefore, I will forever be endowed to the Miss Black USA Organization! And with that I say thank you.

Blessed,
Dymond Elise

Update!

So much has taken place since my last blog entry. I can say that next month I will be graduating from Spelman College and am so thankful for that. Graduating from college means the starting of a new chapter in my life! I am blessed to say that thanks to my support system and God I secured a job with a top fifteen company in a fast-track program. Starting this summer I will be employed with AT&T as a business account executive. What is amazing is that throughout my interview process a lot of the skills that I gained through pageantry were transferable and ultimately led me to my success and for that I am thankful and encouraging anyone who is thinking about entering a pageant to do so because the payoff is amazing!

I also was blessed to take part in another Race for the Cure Walk. I must say that these are some of my favorite events of the year because they allow me to not only work with my personal platform, but to also connect with people who have similar passions as me and are motivated to make a difference. Please remember that these walks are held year around across the country and is one of Susan Komen's main fundraising initiatives. The time and donations that you place towards this initiative could ultimately save lives and I encourage you to donate!

Finally this past weekend I was able to use my speaking skills in order to be the mistress of ceremonies for The American Diamonds Pageant. A pageant that is christian based and strives to showcase the talents of young girls between the ages of 4 and 18 who are committed to being exemplary role models in their community and believe in giving back. I was honored to host the event and meet girls across the country who are outstanding in their own right and illustrate the bright future that our country has in store. In the upcoming months I have more events planned so please stay tuned!

Love,
Dymond Elise

The Heart Truth

Heart Disease is the leading cause of death amongst men and women. It contributes to one in four deaths. And finally 935,000 Americans will suffer a heart attack annually.

The Miss Black USA organization understands the severity of these statistics and has a partnerships with the Heart Truth Campaign. This campaign is one that aims at "giving women a personal and urgent wake up call about their risk of heart disease." Today was the official "National Wear Red Day, in hopes of not only being "fashionable" but also in hopes of serving as a reminder. A reminder of the urgency and need to take action in hopes of improving one's heart health. Although this day reached millions from corporations to my own school it should not stop here. It is important to remember this year around and I therefore encourage each and everyone of you to "live red." While also protecting yourself along with those who you hold near and dear to your heart!

For more information on this wonderful cause please visit their website: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/educational/hearttruth/

Respectfully,
Dymond Elise