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