World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Queen Taylor Bodine Mrs. Maryland United States 2019.
Full name: Taylor Bodine
Title/Year: Mrs. Maryland United States 2019
Pageant System: United States National Pageants
Zodiac sign: Gemini
Hobbies: International adventure travel (three kids under four is always an adventure), swim lessons with toddler twins (identical girls age three), chauffer to future NHL player (four year old son), trying new recipes, automotive expert (I owned and operated an automotive repair shop for four plus years)
Platform: Opening Closed Doors: Creating Opportunities for the Homeless
Years competed: 2019
Countries visited: Italy, Greece, Mexico, Bermuda, and France
Likes: Early morning work outs, Connecting potential matches in her business (I’m an international matchmaker to the elite), Love stories, Travel, Hugs from my tribe, Discovering new trends in health and fitness, Shopping, and Changing the face of homelessness!
Dislikes: This is a hard one, I am adaptable, if there is something I don’t like I try to find the silver lining or make the requisite changes!
Status: Married
World Class Beauty Queens: Please tell us about yourself.
I am the mother to three children under the age of four. My son Russell is four years old. My identical twin daughters, Bordeaux and Charleston are three years old. I am the wife to a retired Army Colonel and Bronze star recipient Russell. My family keeps me busy and entertained with all of their activities and our family travel. There is no such thing as a dull moment and if there is one take it because nap time will be over before you can blink!
Although I am formally trained lawyer, I have chosen to maintain my highly successful elite international matchmaking firm. An almost 100% success rate within two years sets me apart from other matchmakers. Most clients find themselves in a wonderfully committed relationship. My clients range from fortune 500 company presidents, TV Personalities, Directors, Politicos, Doctors, and lawyers. My matchmaking firm is full service, which focuses on creating well rounded daters in terms of style and fitness. I personally train all of my current clients providing workout and nutrition plans based on their individual needs. My current business is being scaled to a mobile application for the masses, which will release in the coming new year. We are partnering with some of the nation’s top brands to provide an unparalleled dating experience that is proven to work.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does women Empowerment means to you?
Women empowerment is a movement reminding women of all status’ that they have an important role to play within their communities and society as a whole. When I think of women empowerment I am reminded of women’s desire to have a place at the kitchen table, the business meeting, and as community decisions makers. Modern women empowerment is a reminder that women do not have to choose only one role, but the importance of them having multiple roles to be better equipped to make societal changes.
For me personally, women empowerment has meant that I can be a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and make a societal impact. My days start early with 3am strength and cardio workouts. I find that if I don’t make the time for myself it will not happen throughout the day. Furthermore, I realize that the quiet time I get in the gym makes all the difference in the outcome of my day. They say you can’t poor from an empty cup- truer words have not been said. I make my husband’s and children’s lunches shortly after gym time. Then my client calls begin shortly thereafter, with clients in 23 states and two countries, someone is already up and ready to start our work. I take my first morning break to get my children ready for school and begin my Bluetooth calls after dropping them off. I usually spend a few hours mid day working my business networks to try to connect businesses with the homeless shelters I advocate on behalf of. Before I know it, its time to prep dinner and commence with my matchmaking work. Women empowerment means that I can do all of those things, and by doing them I can inspire women from all walks of life to realize they need not choose, but can instead be everything!
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your pageant history.
My pageant history began earlier this year with the Mrs. America system and more recently culminated with the Mrs. United States System. After competing in the America system I was asked by directors from several systems to compete in their organizations. I decided upon the United States system because they prioritized the Mrs. Division instead of some systems, which held it in lower regard.
World Class Beauty Queens: What inspired you to do your first pageant?
I have always been a “go getter” type. I went to law school a mere three weeks after having given birth to my twin daughters and also already the mother to a 14 month old. I knew that my time was then and if I wanted to give my children a real legacy it would be by showing them that they should always go after their dreams. After completing law school early I realized I needed to go after another dream. I wanted to promote and advocate on behalf of the homeless which was a cause that lacked proper backing in my opinion on state and national pageant stages. I already enjoyed fitness and nutrition and knew my business would provide yet another backdrop for getting this important cause to the center of the stage. Thus my dream to compete in pageants was born!
World Class Beauty Queens: Why did you choose to compete for your current title?
A variety of circumstances led to me to being homeless shortly after high school. After spending a couple of months in a homeless shelter I realized that I was fortunate because I already possessed the skills to find employment. However, those around me did not possess those skills and they felt trapped in a never-ending cycle of homelessness. Not only did I gain resiliency, determination, and resourcefulness; I learned that the stereotype regarding the homeless is not accurate and should be changed. Had I chosen to identify myself as a homeless person I would not be a successful entrepreneur I am today. I went from homeless shelter to working for one of the nation’s most prominent Senators, Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts. Out of this experience my initiative was born.
I created Opening Closed Doors: Opportunities for the Homeless to ultimately solve three problems:
· Providing the skills necessary for the homeless to become employed
· To change public opinion of the homeless in effort to encourage them to become more willing to get involved in helping the homeless
· To lobby for interim housing for homeless individuals between shelter and apartment renting.
World Class Beauty Queens: To those unfamiliar with your pageant system please tell us what is it about?
Isabella Illacqua founded the United States pageant system over thirty years ago. The pageant was created to recognize not only the outer beauty of the American woman but also the inner qualities that make them role models. The United States pageant system is one of only a few systems founded first primarily on the Mrs. Division recognizing the important role that the married woman plays in society.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are you being judged on during the competition?
During the state competition contestants are judged on interview, swimwear, and evening gown. The same categories carry over to the national competition with the addition of state costume.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your experience during the competition.
I had a great experience during the competition. There is so much preparation that goes into competing at the national level that the national competition itself goes by in a flash. My favorite part of the experience is spending time with the other contestants and discussing how we will be able to help raise awareness for each other’s platform during the remainder of our reign. The relationships and bonds that are formed during the competition are un-paralleled. All of us are competing for a national title that only one can win, but the support and reverence for the process creates friendships of a lifetime.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your platform or what cause do you volunteer for.
I created Opening Closed Doors: Opportunities for the Homeless to ultimately solve three problems:
· Providing the skills necessary for the homeless to become employed
· To change public opinion of the homeless in effort to encourage them to become more willing to get involved in helping the homeless
· To lobby for interim housing for homeless individuals between shelter and apartment renting.
I have been working with congressional offices to lobby congress for options for the homeless beginning to work outside of returning to a shelter for housing. I have also worked to provide tangible job placement options for residents at local shelters throughout the state of Maryland. Since the national pageant, I have been learning how my causes can also benefit the states of my sister title holder’s . While all of these efforts have been important, my favorite volunteer opportunities have been twofold: First, connecting my matchmaking business network of former and current clients with homeless persons seeking job placement and mentorship has warmed my heart. So often in the world it matters who you know and the homeless usually do not hold a big rolodex of people in a position to help them. These connections are huge! Secondarily, I have enjoyed getting some of the best local and national chain restaurants involved to donate delicious food during the week to various shelters. It seems like such a small gesture, but the smiles that light up on the resident’s faces as they “eat out” for the first time in a long time shows they feel important. That is a priceless gift!
World Class Beauty Queens: What appearances have you done with your title?
While it has been very nice being invited to galas and events from both national and local organizations I like to spend my time making appearances at the shelters. My appearances show that the resident’s in these shelters can be where I am. It’s important that they see that I am the face of a formerly homeless person that is now a lawyer, international business owner, wife, and a mother.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are some of your achievements?
As a local and state title holder I have experience using the crown to make a difference in my community. Upon realizing that the local shelters did not provide hot meals, I created an alliance between restaurants and shelters. Next, I organized and delivered a financial literacy seminar for the homeless which helped them gain understanding of budgeting and saving. Realizing that Christmas was around the corner, I hosted a gift card drive in order to give the homeless parents the ability to choose the gifts for their children. I have also begun mentoring a handful of homeless individuals on their way to employment.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is your on stage strategy to win the judges over?
The best on stage strategy for winning the judges over is to simply be myself. On the national stage all the woman you share a stage with have worked very hard to get there. They all have some of the best coaches in the industry and have put in the work. The only differentiator is my personal style and personality, which is very different from the next contestant.
World Class Beauty Queens: What makes you stand out from all those other beautiful girls?
You make a great point! At the national level all those gracing the stage are beautiful women. I have learned to stand out by focusing on my strengths and embracing every minute I am on the stage. The gratitude for having reached such a prominent level makes me feel radiant and it shows from the inside out.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about the moment your name was called out as the winner.
When I was chosen to represent the great state of Maryland I felt honored. It was a surreal moment in which I needed to pinch myself. To represent all the married women of a state and being chosen to advocate on behalf of the great citizens of the state is an unprecedented honor.
When I was on the national stage for finals night I just made peace with walking away as a state titleholder and felt the gratitude for such an honor. They began describing the attributes of a beautiful woman they sought for the title of Most Photogenic United Stated 2019. They called my name; I could not believe it because I was standing among the country’s most gorgeous married women. The moment went in a flash, but the immensely sincere gratitude I felt in that moment continues to remain with me. I was and am so humbled for such a lovely honor.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does it mean to you to be a Beauty Queen?
The term “Beauty Queen” is often one that comes with an archaic definition of beautiful women being judged solely on the basis of their beauty. The term has evolved and grown, as has the modern woman. For me the term “Beauty Queen” refers to someone leveraging a beautiful exterior to create awareness and attention around social causes that may otherwise go unnoticed.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did competing in pageants helped your life?
Pageants have helped my life by serving as a reminder that no matter how busy I am as a wife, mother, and entrepreneur that there is always an opportunity to leverage my experiences to help others. Pageants are the best reminder that there is always something that we can do to help others. There is no effort too small that it cannot make a difference and no project too big that we can’t leverage our network to get it done.
For me personally, the idea that I can change the face of the homelessness is something I am honored to do. Before the pageant my story of having been in a homeless shelter is not one I would be apt to share. However, realizing the way in which so many look up to my achievements has meant that I have a duty to share. Now running a successful matchmaking firm for the elite I am realizing that the relationships I have gained in that business have transcended merely matchmaking for relationships, but has surpassed to now matchmaking my executive clients to a homeless persons in need of mentorship and job placement!
World Class Beauty Queens: How did pageants helped your selfesteem and body image?
Pageants have taught me that there is a place for every beautiful woman at the table. Our differences and diversity make us appeal to different audiences. Such a realization can only enhance your self-esteem.
World Class Beauty Queens: You are an inspiration to all the girls out there. How does it feel?
It is an honor to be an inspiration to women and girls. You’re talking to someone that has had some of life’s highest highs and yet some of its lowest lows like my time in the homeless shelter. However, my story of perseverance, grit, resiliency, and a servant heart is what I hope inspires all those that learn of my story. If anyone can get the job done it’s a determined woman. May we as women and girls never give up no matter how bleak it looks.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for learning better pageant walk?
The first thing I learned from one of the best walking coaches of all times was that you cannot imitate the walk of one of the “greats”. You have to of course learn the fundamentals of walking, but once you do you must make it your own. There are not two women on a stage doing the exact same walk, but what will set each woman apart is the personality she brings to her individual walk. I must say that beyond that the confidence you hold in your pageant walk will make all the difference. Believe me when I say the confidence can be seen!
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for choosing right pageant dress?
I have only one tip for choosing the right pageant dress. You have been with yourself longer than any coach you’ve hired in this process. You know what colors work for you. You know what dress styles work on your body. If anyone knows it you do. While it is great to get opinions from coaches, you ultimately know what works best for you. Each time I have followed that tip I have received more compliments on my dress than anyone a coach has every chosen for me.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for winning interview?
My tip for interview is similar to that of on stage walk. Confidence is key. Apart from confidence, I think its important to realize what makes you unique and what story you have to tell. No one else will have the same journey as you and therefore you will have something very different to say in your interview. The rest is up to the judges, but as long as you honor that you will feel confident that you have done your best.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did you prepare for your competition?
As a person that wakes up at 3am to start her gym time each morning my preparation is less of an alteration of my physical routine, but more mental. I am a giver of my time and resources by nature. For me preparation means that I need to carve out the requisite mental time to focus on my platform and ensure that I am continuing to leave a legacy for the cause of homeless awareness beyond my time reigning as a queen.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is one mistake that you've done during competing you wish you could redo and fix it?
Some of the things I have done on stage that seemed liked mistakes to me at the time have been idiosyncrasies that the judges have liked. Its hard to tell how a seeming mistake may be perceived and it is even harder to tell all the invaluable lessons that will come out of what seems like a mistake at the time. Thomas Edison “failed” more than 1,000 times when trying to create the light bulb. However, Edision said, “I have not failed 1,000 times. I have successfully discovered 1,000 ways to NOT make the light bulb”,
World Class Beauty Queens: What other mistakes are made by girls during the contest?
During a contest I am so busy talking to myself that I rarely have time to notice anything another person is doing in a contest. The time on stage goes by in a flash even when just focusing on myself. I could not imagine how quickly it would go focusing on someone else’s journey. The first rule of pageantry in my opinion is to not compare and contrast what you are doing to what the next contestant is doing. We all have our own journey.
World Class Beauty Queens: Any modeling or acting experience?
I have always had a great deal of public speaking experience. I was a state ranked debtor and orator in high school. This was something that came very natural to me. It was not until I graced the national stage that I began receiving inquiries for ambassadorships and modeling contracts. Its been a worldwind, but one I am welcoming. I was not home for more than 48 hours post nationals when I received an opportunity to walk an Italian runway and the opportunity to model fitness wear for an apparel company. I feel humbled and blessed.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your plans for 2019 as a Queen?
For me , the Title is an opportunity to promote not only my initiative, but also the Mrs. United States organization to improve participation. The primary reason I pursued the title of Mrs. United States was to gain a national audience to create more opportunities for the homeless. While I have the resources to make an impact for the homeless community in my state, however, the influence the crown and title provide are unparalleled for her ability to create an impact across the nation. Not only will I be able to continue sharing the human side of homeless through social media, I am also dedicated to traveling the nation promoting my platform with media attention I already receive through my business. As an entrepreneur I have the freedom in my schedule to make those appearances possible. My ultimate goal is to impassion married women across the nation to see that they too can make an impact in their communities while being wives and mothers.
World Class Beauty Queens: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
I would like to leave a legacy for married women and girls everywhere that we can have a place at every table. Our unique experiences as women make us great leaders both in and outside of the home. As women we do an unparalleled job of being inclusive and making others feel love and valued. I would like each homeless person I come into contact with to feel that his or her story is important to me. More importantly, I would like them to walk away from our interaction feeling as though I helped them create tangible steps to furthering their journey to gain employment and help them to connect with a mentor. Its been an honor to interview with you!
National Director: Tony Illacqua
Your Local Director: Dr. Shena Dixon Mason
Pageant website: www.mrsunitedstates.com World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this amazing interview.
Taylor Bodine Mrs. Maryland United States 2019, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine,
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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