So, I participated in my first pageant this weekend.  While I did not win the crown, I did get 1st Runner-Up, which I think is awesome!  I received great feedback from the judges.  Audience members, including an Executive Director from another pageant, were very complimentary of my wadrobe.  (If I do say so myself, I thought I looked great! :))  I even got the head nod and additional admiration from two audience members because I was a “not so small” girl strutting my stuff on stage, which honestly was one of my reasons for participating.  I wanted to show women that you don’t have to be a size 10 or smaller to participate in something like this.

I want to thank my family and friends for ALL of your support, whether it was through prayers, donations, or coming to the actual pageant.  It felt amazing to look in the audience and see some familiar faces.  I hope you all enjoyed yourselves and that I may you proud.  Multiple people have asked if I will participate in another pageant.  The jury is still out, but I do have the wadrobe for it…

So what happens now?  I continue my reign as Ms. District of Columbia Exquisite until next Spring when another young lady takes my crown.  I still plan on making appearances and doing things to spread my platform.  I have met some amazing people thus far through this journey, and I know that there is more to do to help end the cycle of domestic violence.  Be sure to connect with me on Facebook (Ms. District of Columbia Exquisite 2013) and on Twitter (MsDCExq2013). Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!