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