Queens Magazine 2021 Edition

SHANNON TAYLOR ENCHANTEPRO FLORENCE FASAN
FEATURE MENTOR SKINCARE/BEAUTY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

APRIL WOODARD FLORENCE FASAN LIAH SANTIAGO KATALIYA NIKE LIGON
EDUCATION CORNER LIFESTYLE FEATURE INFLUENCER FASHION CORNER CAREER CORNER

SHAE JOHNSON DANIELLA PEEL DR FOLAKE TAYLOR
COUNSELLING SPOTLIGHT WELL BEING

FLORENCE FASAN
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
& FOUNDER OF MISS
ELEGANT, GEORGIA
PAGEANT

03 | EDITOR'S NOTE

TELL US ABOUT THE QUEENS MAGAZINE?

QUEENS Magazine targets teen girls and young adult
women to honor those who aspire to succeed, foster,
and encourage others to be the best representation of
themselves. This Second edition covers the current
winners of the 2020 Miss Elegance Georgia Pageant and

a slideshow of the event. Our editions typically
showcase graduates, sports enthusiasts, academic
achievers, innovators, young business owners, etc. The

magazine is currently available once a year. The
magazine is available on both digital and print.
Our Contributors are people passionate about sharing
information that will make others strive. We hope to
reach beyond our local environment to the world

eventually.

TELL US ABOUT THE JOURNEY TO THE 2021 PAGEANT?

With a successful 2020 pageant during the Pandemic,
I knew we would be able to pull this year's pageant.
However, I paid attention to the number of gathering

allowed, and with the vaccine now available to all, the
event was going to hold albeit, a new strain might show

up; we prayed that this wasn't the case.
We were mindful that the virus was still out there, and
we didn't want to have too many people at the pageant.
So, we did ensure we chose a location that will contain a

certain number of people. As a result, this year's
pageant will again show our resilience amidst the

COVID-19 Pandemic.
Our contestants participate in the training session on
Etiquette: this year, focusing on social media etiquette.
Personal Development: focusing on the character, which

is this year's theme. Public Speaking to help our
contestants speak with confidence and face their fears
of speaking in public. And on Well-being; keeping the

mind, body, and soul in harmony.

04 | EDITOR'S NOTE

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF MISS ELEGANCE GEORGIA PAGEANT?

Our drive is the need to cover the gap to help inspire and
empower teens to become better leaders of tomorrow. We

see ourselves growing to other states and eventually to
other countries. We are confident that we can achieve this
with collaboration with people and organizations who see
our goals and vision. Miss Elegance Georgia Pageant has

come to stay.

CONTRIBUTORS 34FEATURE TEENSKINCARE/
BEAUTY
1EDITOR'S NOTE MISS DERINSOLA
2FEATURE QUEEN
4036COUNSELING
NATALIE AVILA
CORNER
6FEATURE QUEEN
JASMINE DASS 46422020
11EDUCATION
15CORNER MISS ELEGANT FEAUTURE
17SPOTLIGHT GEORGIA EVENT INFLUENCER
WELL-BEING LIAH SANTIAGO
242208LIFESTYLE 50 47FEATURE
CAREER 2021
CORNER MENTOR CONTESTANTS

53SHANNON FASHION
CORNER

TAYLOR

06 | FEATURE QUEEN - NATALIE AVILA

Miss Elegance NATALIE
Georgia 2020 AVILA

01 WHO INSPIRES YOU, 02
AND WHY?
WHAT ARE YOUR
The person that inspires me is my MOST IMPORTANT
mother. Not only does she care for LESSONS FROM THE
me, but she also shows me the COVID-19 PANDEMIC?
importance of being an
independent young woman and to One of the most important things that I have
not depend on no one for my own learned since the COVID-19 Pandemic, is not to
well-being. take things for granted. I've learned that I must
take advantage of opportunities before it is too
late. I've also learned to cherish my family
members as well as the time I spend with them.

07 | FEATURE QUEEN - NATALIE AVILA

03

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE
THAT INSPIRED OTHERS?

One thing that I have done that has inspired others is being
positive as well as being an active listener. I believe that it is
important to look on the brighter side as opposed to the darker

side. Doing so will encourage a content life.

08 | FEATURE QUEEN - NATALIE AVILA

04

HOW HAS BEING THE WINNER OF
THE MISS ELEGANCE GEORGIA PAGEANT

INFLUENCED YOU?

Being the winner of the Miss
Elegance Georgia Pageant has
encouraged me to grow as a person.
Having such a title encourages me to
have a respectable character, as well
as maintaining a good personality.
I’ve also learned to do things out of
my comfort zone to progress as a

person.

09 | FEATURE QUEEN - NATALIE AVILA

05

FUN FACT
ABOUT YOU?

One fun fact about me Is that even
though I am a very shy person, I
also have a very welcoming
personality. I tend to get along with
others and bond quickly because
of this. In my free time I enjoy
modeling, doing nails, and
makeup, which has inspired me to
have a business in the nearest
future within the beauty industry.

Natalie Avila is a 16-year-old
upcoming senior in high school.
She plans on having a business in
the future related to the beauty
industry. One of her greatest
passions is she loves the art of
makeup. She enjoys expressing
herself using different kinds of
colors and techniques. She also
enjoys modeling

10 | FEATURE QUEEN - JASMINE DASS

Miss Elegance JASMINE
Junior Georgia 2020 DASS

01 WHO INSPIRES YOU, 02
AND WHY?
WHAT ARE YOUR
My parents inspire me. They have MOST IMPORTANT
always been a huge support LESSONS FROM THE
system; they push me to strive COVID-19 PANDEMIC?
harder. They have always told me
to do better and stay focused, they One of the most important things that I have
encourage me to do what I do learned since the COVID-19 Pandemic, has been
best. to stay active so I don’t lose myself. I discovered
new hobbies and learnt the importance of being

grateful for life

11 | FEATURE QUEEN - JASMINE DASS

03

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE
THAT INSPIRED OTHERS?

I have inspired a few people to participate in the 2021 pageant. I
tell my friends not only is the pageant about being crowned, but

you also learn about being a young lady with class, you get to
make new pageant sisters that are there forever.

12 | FEATURE QUEEN - JASMINE DASS

04

HOW HAS BEING THE WINNER OF
THE MISS ELEGANCE GEORGIA PAGEANT

INFLUENCED YOU?

Being the winner of Miss Elegance
Georgia 2020 has influenced me by

showing I have more passion to
become a person who will make a
difference. I also learnt to be more
confident in myself. Holding the title
is stronger than you imagine, it gives
you more than just a name, you also

become an example to many
people.

13 | FEATURE QUEEN - JASMINE DASS

05

FUN FACT
ABOUT YOU?

One fun fact is that I started varsity
basketball as a freshman, and I still
play and worked my way up to
team captain. I also started my
modeling career with Barbizon
USA in 2018.

Jasmine Dass is 15 years old and
currently a sophomore at lakeside
high school. She also has been
playing varsity basketball since her
freshman year. She has a strong
passion to gain a degree in
physiology



16 | EDUCATION CORNER

ACDWOHBNIMYLNHEAOOLITEVTAEWUOTNTEGE?ED, Now it is time to get ready for college for some
freshmen across the country. It is now time for
First, I would like to say congratulations on you to get ready to pursue your college career.
this fantastic accomplishment; you go, girl!! Most colleges will send you a list of suggested
You have done all the preparation, and you items to bring to the campus. Please make sure
have gotten good grades in high school, that you follow the guidelines of your residential
scored well in the world of standardized life director, who may give you a list of things not
testing, and now you have been accepted to get. Continue to apply for scholarships,
into the college you want to attend. Enjoy all continue to save using a 529 college savings
your hard work while laying the plan.
groundwork for a successful college career.
HERE ARE
Do not be a statistic; be determined to make SOME TIPS
it through your freshman year and beyond. TO HELP YOU
Take advantage of your network of new GET READY
friends and professors, have fun while
learning as much as you can, and get the 1 Go To All Orientations
most out of your college experience. GET 2 Read Your Emails Daily
INVOLVED and STAY INVOLVED in Student 3 Get To Know Your Roommate and Other in
Government, your major's student clubs,
and volunteer on campus and the Your Residence Hall
community. 4 Get Organized
5 Find The Ideal Place for You to Study
6 Minimize Distractions Like social media
7 Go To Class
8 Become An Expert on Course Requirements

and Due Dates
9 Meet With Your Professor
10 Get To Know Your Academic Adviser
11 Strive For Good Grades
12 Join Study Groups
13 Balance Work and Play, Make Time for You
14 Be Prepared to Feel Overwhelmed.
15 Stay Healthy/Eat Right-Stay Healthy and

Avoid the Dreaded Extra "Freshman 15"
Pounds by Sticking to A Balanced Diet.

16 | EDUCATION CORNER

College is an exciting
time whether you decide
to go away or stay home.

Enjoy the experience,
take advantage of all
programs, special events
and meetings with your
professors. There will be
a lot going in your life.
Expect to have moments
where it seems a bit too

much, at the end,
remember that you are a

queen, and you will
conquer this amazing
hurdle in your life. Be well

and be great!

Mrs. April Woodard is currently serving Clayton County Public Schools as an Early
Childhood Education Instructor for the Perry Career Academy. She has been teaching for
over 27 years and certified as a Guidance Counselor since 1999. Mrs. Woodard was the
teacher of the year for Perry Career Academy during the 2016/2017 school year. She has a
passion for teaching innovatively and can bring humor and flair to all that she does. Mrs.
Woodard instructs First Aid, CPR, Fire Safety, and ServSafe classes and is also a national
speaker at various childcare conferences. She obtained her doctoral hours from Nova
Southeastern University in Child and Youth Studies. She is happily married to Kelvin
Woodard and has two exceptional children.

BWeienlgl

Dr. TAYLOR

18 | WELL-BEING

WHAT IS THE
IMPORTANCE
OF WELL-BEING?

Wellbeing is essential because it is strongly linked to happiness, and life satisfaction, which
I prefer to call fulfillment. Wellbeing is also linked to health. The word Wellbeing is a
keyword in the WHO definition of health: “A state of complete physical, mental and social
wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” —WHO constitution, signed
on 22nd July 1946.

FACTORS THAT
INFLUENCE
WELL-BEING?

Factors that influence Wellbeing include relationships with friends or family, career
satisfaction, financial independence, adequate sleep, regular exercise, good nutrition, and
a connection to a higher power/God. Others are fun hobbies and leisure activities, good
self-esteem, a positive outlook on life, realistic goals, a sense of purpose and belonging,
being flexible, and living in a society where people’s rights are important and prioritized.

HOW TO
ACHIEVE
WELL-BEING?

Here are some ways to achieve Wellbeing. Developing and maintaining strong
relationships, making time for social contact, doing work that is fulfilling, eating nutritious
foods, regular exercise, being a part of a community, working towards your set goals, and
staying optimistic.

19 | WELL-BEING

WHAT IS YOUR
SUCCESS FACTOR
IN MAINTAINING
YOUR WELL-BEING?

My success in maintaining Wellbeing can be attributed to doing my best to be my
healthiest self physically, mentally, and socially, and employing most while striving for all the
strategies mentioned earlier to the best of my abilities. These have enabled me to continue
to thrive and bless others, despite living with a chronic neurodegenerative disease.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR DIAGNOSIS
WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)
AND HOW YOU HAVE TRANSCENDED
THIS DIAGNOSIS TO PURPOSE?

I was diagnosed with Primary Progressive MS in 2016. Black women are currently the
largest demographic in the United States with MS. Also, MS in Blacks is more disabling,
progresses faster, and leads to earlier death when compared to MS in Caucasians. I now
focus on helping women live their best lives holistically.
I am a firm believer in Integrative Medicine, which combines both convention and
complementary or alternative medicine to get the best of both worlds in a person’s wellness
journey

Dr. Taylor is an Internal Medicine physician who
has practiced outpatient medicine in the Atlanta
metro area for 15 years. More recently, she has
infused holistic practices into managing her
patients based on her health journey. She is a 2021
recipient of the Top Doc Award. She is a published
author of “The Only Way Is Up, The Journey of An
Immigrant.” She is also a contributor to “Miracles
& Moments of Grace, Inspiring Stories from
Doctors.”

Dr. Taylor is on Instagram @folaketaylormd and at
Clubhouse @folaketaylormd. Her website is
www.folaketaylormd.com

SPOT LIGHT

DANIELLA
PEEL

21 | SPOTLIGHT

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?

I was born and raised in Europe as I started my professional career in
an Army Brat. My father served in the mortgage industry and
the Army for over 20 years, which eventually transitioned into the
provided me the luxury of living healthcare industry in recruiting and
overseas and being exposed to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. In
various cultures for most of my addition to that, I also have my
upbringing. After graduating high businesses, The Heal Well
school, I relocated back to Collective and Breaking Bricks.
California to attend college. I did
not use a traditional path of
attending college. After many life
detours, I eventually found myself in
Atlanta and finally completed my
college degree in Business with a
concentration in healthcare.

AS AN ADULT, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

I would tell my younger self to learn I would tell my younger self to learn
how to love all of myself. I can how to love all of myself. I can
remember growing up feeling remember growing up feeling
awkward that I was skinny and a late awkward that I was skinny and a late
bloomer. I got teased and bullied bloomer. I got teased and bullied
often. Also, to love all my quirks often. Also, to love all my quirks
which makes me special and unique. which makes me special and unique.
I would tell myself to be fearless in I would tell myself to be fearless in
pursuing my passions and not let pursuing my passions and not let
anyone or anything deter me from anyone or anything deter me from
walking in my purpose walking in my purpose

HOW DO YOU BOUNCE BACK FROM ADVERSITY?

I bounce back from adversity by I find that once you come through
making sure I try to keep things in the difficulty, there are some lessons
perspective. I try to keep a positive that I have learned. I never give up
outlook and lean on my relationship and try my best to keep going even
with God. At times this can be very when I feel like giving up. It is also
challenging during the storm, but I essential to surround yourself with
say focused on bouncing back. family and friends that genuinely
love and care about you.

22 | SPOTLIGHT
Daniella Peel is a highly motivated,
passionate, and resilient woman. A
mother to an amazing son who she’s
raising to be leader. In her walk to be
purpose-driven, she founded Breaking
Bricks and The Heal Well collective to
inspire and empower women.

TELLS US HOW TO FOSTER INTENTIONAL WELL-BEING?

I foster intentional well-being in the I will also say that well-being can
following ways; firstly, I work on my look different for people. It can be
relationship with God; secondly, I do getting grounded in nature,
have a therapist that I see monthly. dancing, running, exercise, or
Thirdly, I make it a point to seek out spirituality for some people. It can
experts or assistance in well-being also be a combination of a multitude
such as Reiki, Meditation, and Yoga. of different activities. The point is to
Fourthly, I get 90-minute massages make a conscious effort to do things
every two weeks. that help you feel well, which will
help you become the best version of
yourself.

TELL US ABOUT THE HEAL WELL COLLECTIVE AND
BREAKING BRICKS AND WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO START.

I launched The Heal Well Collective Breaking Bricks was originally
after the untimely passing of my birthed after attending The Women
mother in 2017. I suffered Only Experience, formally W.O.E.
tremendous grief and desired help (Women Only Entrepreneurs), with
in the process. I found that, at my dear friend, Angelina. Angelina
times, we as women can get stuck is the wife of my ex-husband. During
when life throws us these this event, the reactions of the
curveballs. I wanted to help other amazing women of their
women learn how to become unconventional friendship got me
intentional about their healing mind, and Angelina’s wheels turning of
body, and spirit within a community co-founding a business focused on
of like-minded women that share helping women with similar blended
some of the same experiences. It family dynamics. In this process,
was a way to help other women heal with the blessing of Angelina, I
in a safe and nurturing community embarked on re-launching Breaking
collectively as a group. Bricks into a coaching business
Unbeknownst to me, it helped me in focusing on intentional self-care and
my healing as well. well-being for women.

Visit her website for more information www.danielapeel.com
Instagram @danielapeel @breakingbricksbb @hehealwellcollective

aDrreeapmosssible!

MAKE YOUR NEXT
MOVE ON BRANDING
AND DESIGN.
Call +1 (678) 469-1380



25 | CAREER CORNER

1 2

What Is Your
Success Formula?
“Be yourself and Trust in God.”
which was my school’s motto
from my early elementary
days. It has stuck with me
because it grounds me at
How Did You Get
into Your Career? every inflection point in my
life. The freedom to be oneself
3I chose my career based on unlocks immense potential. I
have always fallen back on the
the freedom it gives me to be ‘knowing’ that there is a higher
versatile. The choices I power that guides me, and my
pondered growing up were steps are always uniquely
engineering, architecture, ordered when I’m closest to
aeronautics, and law. I loved this source.
all of these and wanted a
career that would enable me What Have Been Your Challenges
to work across multiple in Your Career and How Did You
industries. I chose to be a Overcome Them?
mechanical engineer because I As a woman, a mechanical
would have broad experience engineer, and being in the
that employers will find tech industry, I have certainly
attractive. The possibility for faced lots of challenges, but
lateral career moves within these have been more of
several industries was also a footnotes in my career rather
deciding factor in pursuing a than mountains I've had to
mechanical engineering surmount. That's because it's
degree.

4 What Advice Will You Give to all about perspective. I use
Young Ladies Interested in every challenge as a 'wind in
Your Career? my sails.' Everyone faces
Just do it! Take one step at a unique challenges, and it's
time, pace yourself, surround crucial as a leader in your field
yourself with mentors and to be conscious that people
people that are invested in are going through similar or
your journey in one way or unique challenges as you
another and be intentional navigate the world. So, with a
about what you do. Also, enjoy bit of empathy, it's easy to see
the ride. It can be a wild ride the silver lining in every
sometimes but when you look situation and work through
back, you probably won’t every challenge. I believe in
trade any part of the ride for hard work, dedication, and
anything. integrity these are the guiding
principles that have lit my
career path

26 | CAREER CORNER Nike is a dynamic and
solutions-oriented
Have You Ever Been Involved
in A Pageant Before? personality who has worked
Yes! I’ve participated in in the tech industry at
pageants before. I always
enjoyed the camaraderie Fortune 100 companies like
among contestants. I’ve IBM, General Motors as well
always been adventurous and
wanted to try out a wide as innovative startups.
variety of things. I’ve also Nike holds a bachelor’s
being involved in music
degree in Mechanical
5production as a hobby; almost Engineering from Michigan
joined a reggae band in
college; I’ve been whitewater State University and a
rafting; been desert dune master’s degree in
bashing; spent a summer in a
small town in Russia and also Engineering Management and
visited the black seacoast; Leadership from Purdue
6 been a part of two startups - University and The
all exhilarating experiences. Thunderbird School of
Global Management.
Tells Us About the Omotere
- Comfort Engineering,
Science & Art Scholarship?
Considering my background in
the tech industry, and keen
passion to share and inspire
those around me about the
wonders of Science,
Technology, Engineering, Art,
and Math, I founded the
Omotere - Comfort
Engineering, Science & Art
Scholarship that benefits
school-aged children. I
empower children on how
they want to make the world a
better place, not what they
want to become”.



LifeS

Style

Florence Fasan:
LIFE AS A SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR

30 | LIFESTYLE how do you
juggle all?
tell us about your
entrepreneurial I am passionate about all I
journey?
2do. My drive is to see all my
1My entrepreneurial journey
businesses strive, so I
started one fine morning ensure that I give my best. I
when I went to my 9 to 5 job, typically start a business,
and my boss called me into and when I see another
his office and broke the news opportunity come by, I
that it was my last day. So, juggle both till I get smooth
you can imagine the rolling. I do not wait for
disappointment I felt not
knowing that day when I woke perfect moments because
up, that I will be disappointed. that may never happen,
so I start regardless
When I got home that day, and perfect it on the
I lay in bed still way. I have also
pondering what was learned to
next for me. Then, delegate to ease
finally, I realized the weight off
that I was me.
distraught I also take
because I the use
had no of my
savings or time
backup
plans. And seriously.
that was
the trigger. You won't catch
I promised me binge-watching
myself on Netflix or
never to spending hours
depend on watching the news.
one Because of this
income. discipline, I have
Thus, I plenty of time to
embraced spare to focus on
the my business and
concept of family.
multiple
streams of
income.

31 | LIFESTYLE

3what have been 5what is your

the benefits? advice to young
ladies who have
The benefits are all these business
immeasurable; at times, it's ideas running
the additional income; at through their
others, it's the personal minds?
satisfaction. But, above all,
it's the fact that I find My advice to young ladies is
to start with the business
4purpose in doing all these idea they have the most
passion for and, with focus
businesses. and determination, take it to
the next level. When passion
your is your drive, you will find joy
challenges? each day, leading to your
goal. Also, start businesses
My biggest challenge is that make a difference or
common with most adds value to the world.
entrepreneurs, and it is that
the journey could be slow
and or bumpy. However, I
have learned to be patient,
persistent, and resilient even
when there are setbacks.

32 | LIFESTYLE

how do you keep
a balance
between family
and business?

6It was hard initially finding a

balance, but with time I was
able to balance both well. I
encourage my family to be
part of what I do to spend
quality time alongside. I also
ensure that I take breaks
from time to time to
dedicate to my family

7because I mustn't get

carried away with business.

what are your
businesses?

I will say I have a couple of
small businesses with the
bigger picture to take them
to the next level. I am the
author of four books. I own a
publishing company; Grace
light Publisher, I own my
shoe line; Modé Collection,
I own a cocktail business;
Classy Cocktails, and I am
the Miss Elegance Georgia
Pageant founder. I make gift
baskets and style people in
addition to my other side
hustles. Above all, I have a 9
to 5 as an IT professional,
which I keep as an
additional income source.

33 | LIFESTYLE

The first time I came across the
word serial entrepreneur was from

a Facebook comment of a friend
who associated me with the word. I
quickly went to Google for answers.

"A serial entrepreneur starts
several businesses one after

"another rather than beginning one

venture and staying focused on it
for many years like a more typical

entrepreneur."
Aha! That was exactly me. I am
glad they have a diagnosis. (Laugh).
But there is a story behind my

entrepreneurial journey.

For more information on Dr. Florence Fasan
visit www.florencefasan.com

34 | SKINCARE

SKINCARE

WHAT IS THE WHAT IS THE
PROPER PROPER
SKINCARE SKINCARE
PRE-MAKEUP? POST-MAKEUP?

Clean, Tone, and Moisturize. Repeat the steps Clean, Tone,
Clean: clean your face by washing Moisturize.
and exfoliating to remove dead Don't go to be bed with make-up
skin or the effects of the on or lasting more than 24hrs. Let
Ultra-Violet (UV) rays. the skin breathe, so it doesn't
break out.
Tone: with a toner to remove
impurities and when added to your WHAT IS YOUR
daily skincare routine, it has a ADVICE ON
significant positive impact on the MAINTAINING A
appearance of your skin. HEALTHY FACE?

Moisturize: To prevent dryness, Keep the face clean; never go to
scaling(eczema)etc. It also helps bed with make-up. Exfoliate twice
prevent the skin barrier from a week. Use sunscreen and a good
irritation. Don't forget your moisturizer.
sunscreen.

HOW DO YOU
CLEAN MY
MAKE-UP
BRUSHES?

I preferably use an anti-bacterial
soap to take out the products I
highly recommend, then rinse in
some diluted barbicide (kills 99.9%
virus), then leave it to air dry.

35 | SKINCARE

WHAT IS YOUR DAILY
SKIN ROUTINE?

Wash: in the morning and night with black soap.

Exfoliate: Aveeno skin brightening scrub every other day.

Mask: Mario badescu healing and soothing mask twice a week

Toner: Relevance ginseng mineral toner twice a day.

Moisturize: Cerave facial moisturizing lotion with spf 30 and
cerave skin renewing vitamin c cream for my face. On my body,
I use natural shea butter (help to heal and blend the skin) mixed
with glow oil.

At night: once I take a bath, I use the glow body cream by
beauty by tamar and glow oil for my body, and my face uses
obagi face cream or the cerave vitamin c serum. alternatively, i
will apply the pop face cream. I also use the mario badescu
healing soothing mask twice a week to pull out impurities after
exfoliating.

Itseme Iriabho is the CEO of Enchantepro LLC,
which provides makeup services, salon
services, custom unit wigs, luxury hairline,
esthetic services(skincare), pedicure, and
manicure services.

She grew up just like most young girls with a
strong desire to enhance the beauty of
girls/women from their hair, makeup, nails,
etc. she not only loved it but enjoyed seeing
the difference it made when she gave these
services to friends and families.

While she was in school, she opened her first
salon, grown a name for herself, and expanded
to having a second branch. She juggled school
and running a business until she successfully
graduated in 2004 with a bachelor’s in
sciences (Economics).

She is married with three beautiful children

36 | FEATURE TEEN - MISS DERINSOLA

Miss Derinsola

TELL US 37 | FEATURE TEEN - M19IS|SWDEELRLI-NBSEOINLGA
ABOUT
YOURSELF? WHO
MOTIVATES
My name is Derinsola Kuteyi; YOU AND
I was born in Cleveland, WHY?
Ohio. I was born with Sickle
Cell Anemia. I have an older My mom motivates me to
brother who also suffers take my medicine every
from Sickle Cell; he has it night; if I don’t take it, she’ll
more complicated than I do, bug me and tell me all the
though. Our parents were things that’ll happen if I
born with Sickle Cell Traits don’t. Someone else who
which resulted in us having motivates me is my former
Sickle Cell. Nurse Practitioner, Ms.
Carla. She tells me about all
WHAT HAS these great people who have
BEEN YOUR Sickle Cell and gives me
BIGGEST hope that one day I can
CHALLENGE succeed! When I’m older, I
WITH SICKLE want to be an actress, and I
CELL ANEMIA? want to inspire other young
children with Sickle Cell to
My biggest challenge was achieve their dreams! Thank
my iron level; I had to go to you!
the hospital every four
weeks for blood “Author’s Note: Miss Derinsola
transfusions. I often missed a participated in the 2020 Miss
lot of school due to this. I had Elegance Georgia Pageant, and
to go for five years, from she particularly got my
when I was three years old to attention because of her
eight years old. Thankfully, tenacity. She ensured that she
my iron levels are normal participated in all the pageant
now, but I still must go for activities at such short notice
checkups every so often. I and, with passion. On pageant
take my medicine, day, she carried herself with
Hydroxyurea, every night; it grace and poise
changes the sickle cells to
normal cells and helps my
blood flow smoothly;
without it, I would have
kidney problems or joint
problems.





40 | FEATURE INFLUENCER - LIAH SANTIAGO

Liah Santiago

41 | FEATURE INFLUENCER - LIAH SANTIAGO

WHAT Liah Santiago is the founder and
MOTIVATES CEO of AICI BOUTIQUE, which
YOU TO GET includes a debut collection that
UP EVERY are all her original designs. She
MORNING? graduated high school in the
11th grade. During her freshman
What motivates me to get up year of high school, she was the
in the morning is financial president of GROWL- a
freedom. I understand the nonprofit group that provided
importance of being free snack packs for children
financially independent who received free or reduced
because it affords me the lunch. She hopes to major in
opportunity to make choices psychology in her pursuit of
that empowers me. I am also becoming a Child & Adolescent
motivated to make a Psychiatrist.
difference in the world. I @realifepretti -personal page
@aiciboutique -business page
www.aiciboutique.com

believe even the littlest good
will make the world a better
place.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SUCCESS FORMULA?

My success formula is Faith, Persistence, and Positivity. I learned through my personal and
entrepreneurial journey that Faith: which gives me the focus that I will have the desired
outcome. Persistence: that if I keep going irrespective of any setbacks that I will reach my goal.
Positivity: to always stay optimistic.

It's not our status that defines
us, but our minds. I truly believe
that life goes on despite your
situation. So, it's best not to
dwell on issues, rather we
should remain optimistic that
things will change for the
better.

FUN FACT WHAT HAVE BEEN
ABOUT YOU? YOUR CHALLENGES?

I am an avid shoe lover with One of my biggest challenges is to be
great taste in fashion. I am a comfortable when expressing myself, but I
fun-loving person who have discovered that I should always be
enjoys spending quality time myself: being original. At the end of the day,
with my loved ones, relaxing people may dislike you for it, but they can't
in nature, and picking up take you away from yourself.
new hobbies.



43 | COUNSELING CORNER

PPasspioonse

Passion Strong or powerful emotion (The
American Heritage® Dictionary of
When you are passionate about something, the English Language, 5th Edition)
your attitude towards it is one that brings Passion
fulfilment. Your passion will make you do
everything in your power to see it through and
once you are done, you will feel a sense of self
accomplishment and joy because that’s what
you want to do. It doesn’t drain you because it’s
not a chore, so you don’t mind doing it

Purpose The object toward which one
strives or for which something
We all have a purpose, at least that’s why we exists; an aim or goal (The
are here on earth. Your purpose usually is one American Heritage® Dictionary of
that impacts others and gives you a sense that the English Language, 5th Edition)
you are making a difference. When you have a Purpose
purpose, you have a drive that keeps you
motivated. So, you can find your purpose
through what you are passionate about.
Likewise, you can find your passion when you
know what purpose you serve.

Misconceptions about Passion and Purpose

Everyone tells you that you have a purpose in life, however, no one ever tells you that you should be
passionate about that purpose. I do believe everyone is gifted a purpose however, I also believe
that you can change it according to what else you are passionate about. Your purpose is what you
make it. Nothing is written in stone of what you must be or do.
You can be purposely passionate about whatever you choose. That’s one of the beauties about life.
You can change your reality at any given time. Let no one tell you that you must follow one path a
certain way to be successful.
It’s your life and you can go down as many roads and create as many paths as you choose. I always
say, ‘what’s a failure without a try?’ But the key to that is, you must first try, to know if you will fail
or not

&44 | COUNSELING CORNER
ihTsaotPkroanetssyhsoieosnd. rLifsideveeetb.yL.otihffefe
Shae’s Quote of the Day

Shae Johnson is a native of Atlanta, GA. She has a bachelor’s degree in Counseling and
Human Services from Point University. Shae enjoys traveling and being in nature. She also
works part-time with the State of Georgia as a Parent advocate counseling foster kids,
providing transportation, and supervised home visits. She has a passion for helping people
become the best versions of themselves. Her ability to capture any audience with her words
of encouragement and unapologetic sense of humor is simply by divine design.
Contact info: [email protected]



46 | 2021 CONTESTANTS

2021 MISS
ELEGANT GEORGIA
PAGEANT
CONTESTANTS

47 | 2020 MISS ELEGANT GEORGIA EVENT

2020 MISS
ELEGANT GEORGIA
PAGEANT
& 5TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT

48 | 2020 MISS ELEGANT GEORGIA EVENT

2020 MISS
ELEGANT GEORGIA
PAGEANT
& 5TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT

49 | 2020 MISS ELEGANT GEORGIA EVENT

2020 MISS
ELEGANT GEORGIA
PAGEANT
& 5TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT