So in those final moments, I stared down at my shoes and prayed that God would show his favor on me. I had been preparing for this moment for an entire year...would it happen?
I looked into the face of Mrs Wyoming who had become my friend over the weekend and knew that she would wear the crown well...but man oh man...I wanted it!!
When Lorenzo, Emcee, called my name as Mrs Essence, I stood stunned and speechless. I was afraid to believe that it had happened. After a brief hiatus from pageantry, I'd started competing again in 2008. Each time I went to a national pageant, I was blessed to make top 5, but I never captured the crown.
I now realize that it wasn't my time. I am a wife and mother of four...before this year, I didn't know how to balance being a wife, mother, entrepreneur, pageant queen, etc. It took time for me to get to know myself, to truly love myself, and I am so happy that I had that time to grow!!
When Brandi Nash, Mrs. Wyoming shook my hands and said, "You won!" I literally started screaming and jumping up and down!! (How embarrassing). Honey, it was a mess, the crown fell off my head and everything!
An interesting turn of events is Brandi Nash, Mrs. Wyoming was crowned Ms. Essence!! We didn't know that in addition to competing against those in our category, that we were competing against EVERYONE in the pageant that was 30 and older. So I have gained, Brandi as a national sister!!
To the staff of Drakeford Productions, I am so grateful for this opportunity! To my sponsors or those I would like to call "Team Mika" (ha, ha, I took that from Tivika, Mrs. Essence 2009):
-Lauren Parkes, Royal Dream Consulting- who worked with me on everything from wardrobe, to nutrition, and just being a great friend!!
-Terrelle Hall- My wonderful, handsome, Fine (I could go on forever), Husband, for encouraging me to try "just one more time" and to "GO HARD OR GO HOME!"
-My family (mom, dad, Joy, RJ and everyone in Cleveland, Ohio & Maryland) for loving me and supporting my dream
-Cory, Nathan, Andray, and Amari- for sharing your mom with the world and coming with me to my appearances!!
Guess what world...you haven't seen anything yet! There's a new queen in town!!
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