The Royal Spotlight is an interview series where I highlight queens from a variety of pageant systems. This month I have the pleasure of featuring Miss Exquisite International 2018 Keyandra Hall. It is very fitting that I am featuring her this month because October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and domestic violence awareness happens to be her platform.
Tell us about yourself.
I am Keyandra J. Hall, and I currently and proudly serve as the 2018 Miss Exquisite International. I am from Shreveport Louisiana. I am currently a graduate student at Southern University Agricultural & Mechanical College where I am studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Outside of school, I love to dress up and hang out with friends and my sorority sisters! I also believe in beauty rest.
When did you start competing in pageants?
I started competing in pageants in 2016. Competing in pageants has been one of the best experiences in my life thus far.
Why do you compete in pageants?
When I began my journey in pageantry, I was asked to compete, but I had no desire. However, after being asked, I couldn’t take my mind off competing. When I started, I couldn’t stop. I was appointed with two titles before I competed for my current title. It has been the ride of a lifetime. When I look back at different phases of my life, this will be one of my favorites.
How many titles have you won?
I have held 3 titles before winning Miss Exquisite International. I was Miss Black East Baton Rouge 2016, Ms. Black Louisiana 2017, and Miss Louisiana Exquisite International 2018.
Tell us about Exquisite International Pageants.
In my journey in pageantry, I always heard queens say, “You just have to find the right pageant system for you.” The Miss Exquisite Pageant was perfect for me. The Exquisite International Pageant is a pageant that produces beauty pageants for women of all ages, sizes, and ethnic groups. The pageant embraces inner and outer beauty and promotes the spirit of volunteerism. The goal is to present role models armed with self-worth and empowerment not only for our younger generation but for all women.
What have you learned about yourself through your pageant experience?
During my pageant experience, I have learned that I have a lot of pride. When I started competing, I was uneducated about the pageant world, and I didn’t know what I would need to prepare. I was like a fish out of water. I had to learn how to ask for help which was hard for me. When I was crowned Miss Louisiana Exquisite international, I told myself to put my pride aside and ask for help. I did it, and the amount of support was amazing. I quickly realized you can’t make it in this world without help.
What are your future plans for your pageant career?
My future plans for my pageant career are to continue my platform for domestic violence awareness and become a motivational speaker. I believe that my story can motivate people of all ages. My platform is why I compete. My platform is my purpose. My platform is called Spotlight Shining Light on Domestic Violence. My platform gives me the opportunity to speak about my experience as a survivor of domestic violence. I make it a priority to tell my story to help others.
What words of advice do you live by?
As I continue to grow, words of advice that I live by are “Stop looking for approval from others. They will let you down every time.” Seek approval from yourself first.
Please provide your contact information so that others can reach
out to you. Email? Social media handles?
Email: keyandrahall@yahoo.com
Facebook: Miss Exquisite International 2018 Keyandra Hall
Instagram: _keyandra_janae
If you are a queen and want to be featured in the Royal Spotlight series, please email info@krystlebell.com.
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