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