Interview with Miss World America Nation 2020 – Calynn M Lawrence
- Charlotte Lister
- May 26, 2020
- 4 min read
Firstly thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about your pageant journey for my pageant lockdown blog it’s lovely getting to know fellow pageant queens and more about the systems that they represent.
Can you introduce yourself ?
Miss World America Nation 2020, Calynn M Lawrence, 24 I’m an eleven-time award-winning entrepreneur in the Marketing Management field with an emphasis in the fashion, arts, and entertainment industries. I am the Executive Producer-Creator of the reality series Chicago Talent<http://www.facebook.com/chicagotalenttv>, Founder of The Fresh Faces Project<http://www.facebook.com/freshfacesproject> and am in the process of launching a communications firm. I am also a college graduate with honors holding a degree in Business/Art as well as certificates with honors in Marketing Management, Social Media Consulting, Business Accounting and Fashion Business.
Social Media Links
What made you enter pageants?
I always was a fan of them between watching Kim of Queens, Miss America, Miss USA, Miss World and Miss Universe on television over the years and following them on social media! So, naturally when I began making a name for myself in the fashion and entertainment world as a blogger and media personality, I became friends with quite a few pageant queens of all ranks. Over time, they encouraged me and convinced me to give them a try a year ago and I am so happy that they did. The one whom gave me the biggest push is my friend La’Sonya Alexander who’s held a few different titles herself and is currently a CCP Royal Ambassador Queen.
Previous titles
Miss Northern US AE 2019 Miss Congeniality/Community Service 2019 (AE Nationals)
Can you tell us more about your pageant journey ?
I started off with my regional title in a different system. At nationals, I won another title and gained a new crown and sash and was 1st runner up to the overall national title. After leaving that system, I was thankfully offered to participate in the wonderful Miss America Nation system, ran by an old friend, Miss Illinois USA Universal 2016, Krystal Okeke. I was able to gain the Miss World title, pledging to make a difference (big or small) in every single continent and as many countries as possible! I am so happy to be here and this is the best pageant experience I could’ve ever asked for.
What made you decide to compete in your current system?
I’ve known the Founder for over 4 years and I know that she is very serious about her organization, that she would be fun, fair and completely supportive in all the ways I needed! I saw how she worked with other titleholders and cheered them on through social media and was instantly enchanted by the invitation to participate.
What the best thing that pageants have taught you ?
Aspire to inspire. Being in pageants has really made me realize how important it is to give back and motivate others to do so as well. While I have always been a community service junket, I have become so much more active in my charity work and advocating for my cause since I began pageantry. Not only because it is expected of you as a titleholder, but because I now have a network of so many other wonderful women who are doing the same and supporting me along the way. My coach, Crystal Cavey, Mrs. Galaxy 2020 and my friend Alyssa Gallarneau, Teen Miss Illinois 2019, are great examples of servitude.
What’s your pageant platform and why ?
I advocate for more creative arts education and vocational opportunities for the youth, specifically those from underprivileged and underrepresented groups. I do this because society heavily advocates that there is only one way to success that is not fit for or even available to at least half the youths in the world. I want to be a voice of change in encouraging them to pursue their passions and have a variety of postsecondary career options that are accessible and enjoyable for them other than the standard university route in select fields. I feel so passionately about this because I was that kid, and having support when you’re going down a different path makes a HUGE difference.
What’s your dream title ?
Currently in it. I’m retiring after my reign ends in Spring 2021.
What’s it like winning your dream title ?
I feel so honored every day to carry this title and am so grateful to have this be the title that I retire from.
What’s the best advice you have for fellow pageant queens?
I would tell them to make sure that they carry on that spirit of giving even after their reign is over. The impact you make in the world doesn’t have to end once your reign does. I plan to continue my work long after I lay my crown and sash to rest and I hope that many others do too. They’re too awesome not to.
What have you been doing since you won?
I have been doing a lot of community service! I hosted a successful second annual awards ceremony for my nonprofit, The Fresh Faces Project. I have made monetary donations to several charities. I have volunteered many hours of my time. And, I have donated several bags of food to multiple local food pantries. I think I’m off to a great start!
Favourite ever appearance?
My appearance at my awards ceremony for The Fresh Faces Project.
How has the lockdown due to COVID 19 affected your pageant journey ?
It slowed down my career and my work life so I had even more time and opportunity to give back! That’s one positive way to look at the situation.
What makes a good pageant role model ?
A good pageant role model is not only ambitious, smart and impactful in what she does. But, she is most importantly a motivational force to others to make a difference in the world and do good in their communities. I am a HUGE believer in “sending it on” and that only one spark can ignite a fire. Like I said before, aspire to inspire. That should be your goal not only in pageantry but in life.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions it’s been lovely getting to know you and your platform. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours after you handover and retire. Much love Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.
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