We had the good fortune of connecting with Tonya Jeter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tonya, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One aspect of the beauty pageant industry that outsiders may not be fully aware of is the extent of preparation and hard work that contestants put into the competitions. While the public often sees the glamorous side of pageants during the final events, they may not realize the months of rigorous training, coaching, and dedication that contestants undergo. Contestants typically go through intensive physical fitness regimens, talent rehearsals, public speaking coaching, and overall grooming. They often must balance demanding schedules, combining their personal and professional lives with the demands of the competition.
Behind the scenes, the focus extends beyond the quest for a crown. Contestants frequently engage in social causes and community service, as many pageants emphasize the importance of charitable work and making a positive impact on society. This commitment to philanthropy is a significant but sometimes overlooked aspect of the beauty pageant world.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Miss BeautiFull U.S.A. is not just a beauty pageant; it’s a movement that champions the empowerment and celebration of full-figured individuals across the nation and beyond. What sets us apart is our exclusive focus on plus-size women, starting with sizes 14 and up, and our commitment to expanding inclusivity to all ages and sizes soon under the Beaute Pageants U.S.A. Organization. We believe in redefining beauty standards, promoting self-love, and fostering a community where every contestant can truly shine.

What we are most proud of and excited about is creating a platform that celebrates confidence, elegance, and unique beauty. Our dedication to providing a stage where contestants can embrace their curves, showcase their authenticity, and inspire others reflects our core values. We take pride in challenging conventional norms of glamour and demonstrating that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and ages.

The journey to where we are today has had its share of challenges, but the passion for our mission and the support of our community have been instrumental in overcoming them. Establishing a pageant organization with a focus on plus-size women required navigating through stereotypes and prejudices. We worked hard to create an environment that promotes positive body image and challenges societal norms. This involved collaborating with like-minded individuals, building a supportive team, and reaching out to sponsors who shared our vision.

The lessons learned along the way have been invaluable. We’ve discovered the importance of resilience and determination in the face of challenges. Building a brand that advocates for inclusivity requires authenticity and a genuine commitment to the cause. Listening to the voices of our community has been crucial in shaping our vision and ensuring that our platform truly serves its purpose.

While the journey may not have been easy, the positive impact we’ve witnessed and the stories of transformation within our community make every effort worthwhile. We look forward to expanding our reach, embracing diversity in all its forms, and continuing to redefine beauty standards on a global scale.

I want the world to know the deliberate addition of the extra “L” in “Beautifull” encapsulates the essence of our brand, Miss BeautiFull U.S.A. It merges “Beautiful” and “full-figured,” signifying our dedication to celebrating the unique beauty of full-figured women. This intentional spelling creatively represents our commitment to redefining beauty standards and fostering self-love within the plus-size community. The extra “L” is more than a linguistic quirk; it’s a visual and symbolic expression of our mission to amplify the voices and stories of full-figured individuals, showcasing their diverse beauty. Miss BeautiFull U.S.A. transcends being just a pageant; it’s a movement with a distinct identity, embracing and celebrating the fullness of beauty in every contestant and participant.

The Miss BeautiFull U.S.A. pageant isn’t just a competition; it’s truly a sisterhood. We believe in fostering a supportive and empowering community where contestants uplift and inspire one another. Beyond the stage, our pageant cultivates lifelong bonds and friendships among participants. Every contestant is not just a competitor but a valued member of our family, united by a commitment to embracing diversity, celebrating individuality, and promoting self-love. We look forward to finding our next 2024-2025 Queens.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, buckle up for the ultimate adventure because when my bestie is in town, we’re going on a rollercoaster ride of taste bud tantalization and cultural exploration!

First things first, we’re hitting Sienna Wings in Missouri City for a saucy start – their everything sauce is the stuff of legend! Then, it’s a barbecue bonanza at Triple J’s, where ribs reign supreme in the kingdom of Houston’s BBQ scene.

We’re whisking our taste buds away to Traveler’s Table, where their constantly evolving menu takes us on a whirlwind tour of global flavors. From Asia to Africa, Europe to the Americas, every dish is a delicious stamp in our culinary passport, showcasing the best flavors from around the world.

And who could forget Dessert Bae & Co for some next-level sweets? Charcoal and pineapple ice cream? Yes, please! And for a frosty finish, it’s Pineapple Bingsu at Snowy Dessert Bar.

When it’s time to kick back and relax, we’ll be slipping into Houston’s hidden speakeasies like Behind Closed Doors or getting cozy at CAPS Restaurant and Meo Bar. And for a touch of old-world glamour, we’re stepping back in time a Bandista inside the Four Seasons – their 1920s inspired speakeasy is the bee’s knees!

But Sunday mornings are reserved for brunch at Piggy’s Kitchen & Bar, where the beats are as fresh as the mimosas.

Now, onto culture! We’ll be soaking up art at The Menil Collection, getting inspired at the Moody Center for Arts, and diving into the vibrant history at the Houston Museum of African American Culture.

Finally, a little R&R, we’re indulging in Sound Healing Meditation at The Cisterns and pampering ourselves at the Moroccan Hamman Spa & Bath.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes, I would love to pass along Tyla-Simone Crayton of Sienna Sauce and Sienna Wings. siennawings@gmail.com
https://siennasauceco.com

Website: https://www.missbeautifull.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missbeautifullpageant

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tonyajeter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeautePageantsUSA

Other: TikTok: @missbeautifullusa Personal TikTok: @Curlfused

Image Credits
All the promo images are property of Beaute Pageants U.S.A. Organization.
Individual headshot of Tonya by Stephanie Saenz

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