This month I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Jessica Cole, Mrs. Georgia Plus America 2019. Some of the things we talk about in this interview are how she got involved in pageantry, faith, ministry, and mental health.
Tell us about yourself.
I am a 37 year old wife and mother of three. I am a ministry leader and founder of my own nonprofit organization, The Pink Society also known as Theta Phi Sigma Christian Sorority, Inc. which is almost 9 years old. I’ve helped to empower women all over the world through sisterly bonds and youth mentorship. My purpose in life is to help people and build my community. I love the arts: singing, acting, writing, and modeling.
How did you get involved in pageantry, and how long have you been involved in the industry?
I just recently decided to apply for the Miss Plus America pageant this year after observing them for about a year. I’ve done plus sized modeling in the past, but this is my first real pageant.
Why did you choose to compete in the Miss Plus America system?
I believe in the vision of giving plus sized women an opportunity to compete. I am a curvy size 16, and the thought of being in a pageant that embraces plus sized was definitely something I wanted to be apart of! It’s through Miss Plus America that plus sized women can show our society just how fabulous we really are.
What is your platform, and why did you choose that particular platform?
My platform is mental health awareness and suicide prevention. After seeing a close friend deal with suicidal thoughts, I was grateful that timely intervention helped to save her life. As a holistic counselor, I know how important it is to seek help when you’re feeling overwhelmed. After researching the statistics and seeing the staggering numbers, I knew I wanted my platform to help save lives. About 800,000 people die worldwide by suicide, and it’s a major issue that needs to be discussed in our community.
How do you balance being a wife, mother, pageant queen, and a ministry leader?
The art of balance is not easy at all; nevertheless, with God’s Grace and strength he shows me how to do it. I allocate certain days to handle different things in order to prioritize my life. I also have a supportive husband that helps me balance things as well. When I need a little “me time”, I normally will do a spa day to help me relax, and I come back ready to tackle whatever is a head of me. As a woman of many hats it’s very important to prioritize my schedule, de-stress when feeling overwhelmed, never be afraid to ask for help, and delegate tasks to others that can help.
What role does faith play in your life?
Faith is major! My faith is what keeps me going. I serve a big God, and I know there is no limit in Him. I have faith that I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me! I’m never afraid to try new adventures because I am a woman of faith.
How important is self-care to you? What are some things that you do to maintain your mental health?
Self-care is so important because it allows me to be my best self. I can’t be an effective wife, mother, pageant queen, or ministry leader if I don’t make sure I’m good first. I focus on holistic care so that I can be healthy holistically (body, spirit, and soul).
Maintaining mental health is so important, and I keep good people around me that allows me to have healthy venting sessions when necessary. I also will go somewhere where I can de-stress. I love nature. I can take a break and go to a lake, a park, etc. and clear my mind. As stated before, the spa is my favorite! A great staycation or vacation will also help. Body wise, I can keep my focus by releasing endorphins when working out in my home gym, staying up on my vitamins and herbs to keep my immune system up, and giving myself down time to recoup when needed.
Please provide your contact information so that others can reach out to you. Email? Social media handles?
Email: drjessicacole@gmail.com
Facebook: Mrs Georgia Plus America 2019
Instagram: @MrsGAplusAmerica2019
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