World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Queen Marissa Dimond National Excellence Miss 2019-2020.
Full name: Marissa Dimond
Title/Year: National Excellence Miss 2019-2020
Pageant System: American Royal Beauties
Age: 22
Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
Hobbies: Crafting, Baking, Gardening and Glass blowing
Platform: Finding a Cure for Cancer
Years competed: 1 year
Countries visited: France, Italy, Spain, Bermuda, Canada and Costa Rica
Likes: Sunshine, Pastel Colors, and Pasta
Dislikes: Bullies, Negativity, and Close mindedness
World Class Beauty Queens: Please tell us about yourself.
I am a senior at Miami University with a double major in Fashion Corporate Business and the Western Program. I am President of Colleges Against Cancer on campus and help my team organize Miami University’s Relay for Life. I’m from Columbus, Ohio and love to represent my amazing city. I love being outside and spending time with family and friends.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does women Empowerment means to you?
Women Empowerment to me means women helping women. Going in to 2020 women should be helping one another achieve their goals and dreams. Never being negative towards one another. “Empowered women, empower women. So, here’s to strong women may we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.”
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your pageant history.
I have very little pageant experience. I was introduced when I was 20 and I didn’t want to live my life regretting I never tried. Pageants looked like fun so I took a leap and ended up loving my experience with American Royal Beauties! So far it has made such a positive impact on my life and helped me to grow in many areas.
World Class Beauty Queens: Why did you choose to compete for your current title?
I have had some ups and downs with pageants but was not defeated. I sat down with my director Sarah Shumaker and we found that American Royal Beauties would be a great fit for what I was looking for. I was very drawn toward their motto “Crown to Serve” and it continues to encourage me and others to get more involved in my community. One of the most important things to consider when choosing a pageant is making sure their morals and standards match your own. This is one of the reasons I feel so comfortable and at home with American Royal Beauties.
World Class Beauty Queens: To those unfamiliar with your pageant system please tell us what is it about?
American Royal Beauties is a natural scholarship pageant. ARB believe in empowering women so they can empower others. Additionally, ARB emphasizes the importance of community service. Our motto is "Crown to Serve.” I was truly inspired by the opportunity to make a difference and get more involved with my community. Even after my time as queen I will continue to find new ways to stay involved with my community, and be a positive, strong, female influence.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your experience during the competition.
Hands down best system I’ve ever competed in! Every girl there was so nice, no drama was tolerated, the directors made great efforts to check in with each girl and get to know them on a personal level. The national queens were involved with the competition helping with opinions, adjusting outfits right before you would go on stage, advice or extra practice if needed. I’ve never felt more accepted into a community. If I forgot anything someone was there with an extra and willing to help. The atmosphere was warm, inviting, and made each girl feel special.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your platform or what cause do you volunteer for.
At Miami University I am president of Colleges Against Cancer and have been involved for the past 2 years. Last year we raised around $8,000 to donate to American Cancer Society. This year our goal is $10,000 and hope to spread the word about helping the American Cancer Society. Also, every year my family supports the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure in Columbus, Ohio. I try to volunteer for my church, and other local organizations in the community.
World Class Beauty Queens: What appearances have you done with your title?
Anytime I do an appearance I try to make sure it’s more of a volunteering opportunity and not as much of an appearance. Some of my favorite opportunities I’ve done are Running with the dogs at the Franklin County Humane Society, Working with Mommies Matter Organization, volunteering with my church, and the many hours my team and I spend raising money for American Cancer Society.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are some of your achievements?
I am currently President of Colleges Against Cancer and have been involved for two years. I am also a Senior Western Mentor and help younger students find what they are passionate about. In the past I was the fundraising chair for my dance team at University of Kentucky before I transferred.
World Class Beauty Queens: What makes you stand out from all those other beautiful girls?
I believe I stand out not only because of my red hair but because of my positive attitude. I always look for the bright side and try to make sure everyone around me is in a positive mood. I try to help everyone I am able to by having a simple conversation, making a new friend, or something as simple as tucking a strap for someone else. I’m unsure who said it first but I love the quote “If all you want is a crown go buy one. If you want to lead and inspire enter a beauty pageant and earn one.” I don’t look at the crown as an accessory but as a symbol that I can make a different and can encourage others.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about the moment your name was called out as the winner.
I was in shock! The whole weekend of the pageant I was being very critical of myself and could point out all my mistakes. Half way through the pageant I decided to let it all go and enjoy it. The judges must have seen how much fun I was having not stressing over the little details and how much brighter my smile was. I didn’t expect to win whatsoever my age division was called on stage and expecting to be one of the first girls off stage I was confused when only two of us remained. I was brought to tears of joy and excitement when they called my name. Emotions overwhelmed me and I finally understand the cliché moment when the women cry when getting crowned. I had finally had my cliché moment.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does it mean to you to be a Beauty Queen?
Being a beauty queen means I’ve been given a special opportunity to make a difference. I can talk to more people about getting more involved in their communities, setting a good example for the kids, or just showing people anyone can make a difference. Small changes can make a big difference. Don’t be afraid to start with small positive changes.
World Class Beauty Queens: You are an inspiration to all the girls out there. How does it feel?
My goal is to help all contestants feel welcome and included at all events. The important thing is to set a positive example for everyone to follow. I’m thankful that my platform allows me to be hands on and encourage others to become involved. I am able to spread the message about finding a cure for cancer and inspire others to get involved as well.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is your on-stage strategy to win the judges over?
Don’t be afraid to show some personality on stage. Be you and be natural that’s what they want to see. Have fun, take a deep breath and rock that stage. Don’t go over the top and try to be someone you’re not.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did you prepare for your competition?
Create a packing list about the week before so I don’t accidentally forget anything and can add to it as the date gets closer. Make sure to have an extra or two of everything in case someone else forgot something. It’s also very important to relax. My mom is my biggest supporter and comes with me to all my pageant adventures. The night before the big day my mom and I do home face masks, and watch movies to release any nerves. Be sure to get enough sleep and eat a healthy breakfast the day of! Don’t skip meals and bring light snacks.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for learning better pageant walk?
Smile! Don’t stress on having the perfect walk and forget to smile. Make sure to have your chin parallel to the floor and head held high! People are there to support and watch you succeed. Make sure to keep your shoulders back and chest up. Also, don’t feel pressured to wear the tallest heels you can buy. Wear what you are comfortable and confident walking in.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for choosing right pageant dress?
When you are choosing the right dress make sure you can walk in it and feel confident. Wear what makes you happy and shows off your personality. Also, buy the dress to fit you! Don’t over work yourself trying to fit into a smaller size. Make sure to pack a steamer when prepping for a pageant.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for winning interview?
Be yourself! Judges can tell rehearsed answers from the real answers. Take a deep breath they are people too. It’s a natural conversation nothing should feel uncomfortable, who knows you better than you!
World Class Beauty Queens: What is one mistake that you've done during competing you wish you could redo and fix it?
One mistake I always make is I forget to relax and not stress. I always worry about making sure every little detail is perfect and sometimes forget to have fun. Once you let go of all the stress, enjoy being there in the moment and have fun the judges really can see who you are.
World Class Beauty Queens: What other mistakes are made by girls during the contest?
One of my first mistakes that is most common with girls in general is comparing myself to others. Especially with social media women of all ages fall into the trap of comparing themselves to others. When I was little, I hated being different and having red hair but as I grew up, I came to appreciate it and love being unique. When on stage I use my hair to my advantage and stand out from other girls. Just because you don’t look like other girls never belittle yourself. Those differences could be some of your strongest attributes. Focus on having a clear and confident mind to show everyone the best you that you can be.
World Class Beauty Queens: Any modeling or acting experience?
None. Pageants are new to me but I love the experience so far.
World Class Beauty Queens: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
I always try to build a relationship with the younger girls and do my best to keep in contact over the years. I want them to remember me as an encouragement to those starting to find their voice, or those completely new in pageantry. Any women at any age if they want to try pageants with little to no experience they should. I hope to lead by example and beat the odds when you feel they are against you. Don’t fall victim to societal norms but believe in yourself and who knows maybe you will set the new trend by being yourself.
International Director: Susan West
National Director: Sarah Shumaker
Pageant website: https://www.arbpageants.com/
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this amazing interview.
Marissa Dimond National Excellence Miss 2019-2020, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine, Photo by Chris Hawks
Interview by Derek Tokarzewski Owner/Editor in Chief Mr United Nations 2018 Platform: Women Empowerment Ambassador to International Foundation for Orphans iffocares.org
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