The Power of the Word No

Don’t judge yourself

 

If you asked me 10 years ago if I wanted to compete in pageants, start my own business, and become a model, I would have said you were crazy. I never thought being a pageant girl, entrepreneur or model was in the cards for me. I was lucky enough to compete in some amazing pageants, as well as experience some memorable moments in modeling including at the National Campaigns and during New York Fashion Week (NYFW). It is a true gift, being able to pass on the knowledge I have gained over the years and teach others how to become their own boss and how to be comfortable in their own skin, on their own terms. The information I have learned over the years gives me the responsibility to share and teach it to help the younger generation, and that includes you!

It was not until much later when I realized I had the passion and ability to create a path to help models achieve sustainable success. The fashion industry used to be about fitting in and following the rules. It is encouraged now more than ever to stand out and be different. The more relatable you are, the better. People want to feel understood, connected, and appreciated. At the end of the day, no matter how famous or wealthy you are, staying true to your roots is the real magic to any success. To be truly successful in anything, it takes hard work, discipline, passion, and faith. This goes for the pageantry industry as well. Fashion and pageantry cross paths a lot, but yet the two industries could not be more different. One common theme between the two industries is the experience of rejection. It happens to every model and it happens to every pageant contestant.

In one of my previous articles I wrote for Pageantry magazine I said, “Pageantry and the modeling industry are both ‘show me’ industries. Pageantry and modeling are the businesses of being judged. Interestingly, pageantry and the modeling industry are two of the most competitive industries on earth.”

I also said, “Preparing for a pageant is a full-time job. Preparing and realizing your mental capacity is crucial because I can assure you it will be tested. Don’t ever be afraid of the word ‘no’ because the truth is, you will hear the word ‘no’ far more than you will hear the word ‘yes,’ and that’s a fact. The word ‘no’ is meant to guide you. It is pivotal to set expectations high to create growth. The act of greatness is the process of growing over a period of time. Don’t be afraid.”

 

To read the rest of the YBTJ… Click Here