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2009 Miss Plus
America Elite
Shavon Phelps
Photogenic Picture |
Finals Introduction |
Fashion Pant Wear Top 15 |
Evening Gown Top 15 |
Serenaded By Scott Sanford
Nashville Singer/Songwriter
During the Top 15 Line-Up |
This is genuine shock folks! |
Getting her banner |
Thanking Family and Friends |
Shavon's Royalty |
Q&A With The New
Miss Plus America Elite!
| MPA |
What made
you enter MPA? |
| Shavon |
MPA was introduced to me by Franchesca Thomas (Oklahoma
Director) whom I met through Pastor Tarra Gilbert (Advocare
Distributor) from Oklahoma. She suggested that I enter into the
Texas Pageant and introduced me to Mrs. Nanette Watts and I
thought “Why not give it a try”? I’ve struggled with obesity
most of my life and decided to take control of my health about 2
years ago by shedding 85lbs and becoming healthier. I really
wanted the opportunity to help others change their lives through
health, exercise and proper nutrition and I thought this would
be a great way to reach out to others who desire to take control
of their health as well. |
| MPA |
How did
you feel as you were traveling to the pageant? |
| Shavon |
I was in great anticipation of meeting everyone and meeting up
with my Texas family!! We all had the opportunity to talk over
the forum, but, it was an exciting feeling to know that I was
actually about to meet the faces of the women I had been
corresponding with for months. |
| MPA |
What was
your favorite part of the pageant? |
| Shavon |
Everything was so awesome. I really enjoyed the Pajama Party the
most. It was so much fun to see everybody coming together,
forgetting about interviews, prelims and everything else and
just having fun!! Dancing, singing, taking pictures and eating
just like a family!! It was great
J |
| MPA |
Tell us
about the new friends you made. |
| Shavon |
It was a blast getting to know the ladies. I had the opportunity
to talk, share and pray with some of them which was a wonderful
experience I will never forget and will always cherish.
|
| MPA |
What was
the toughest part of the competition? |
| Shavon |
Remembering the dance moves for opening number! LOL. We had so
much fun rehearsing, but, I’m not much of a dancer anymore.
J |
| MPA |
What was
the most difficult question to answer in interview? |
| Shavon |
Fortunately I didn’t have any problems answering the questions.
I was very knowledgeable of my platform and various issues. The
judges were nice and made me feel very comfortable. |
| MPA |
How did
you feel during the opening number? |
| Shavon |
I
was so excited. I kept thinking “okay, it’s Showtime. The moment
we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived”. And also
praying hard to remember those dance moves.
J |
| MPA |
What was
the mood back-stage? |
| Shavon |
Everyone seemed to be focused and ready to grace the stage. Some
women were helping others, fixing gowns, passing out water when
needed, holding fans in our faces so our makeup wouldn’t sweat,
now that’s love!!
J
It was a very positive sisterly atmosphere. |
| MPA |
What was it like knowing that
National Geographic was filming you? |
| Shavon |
It was an awesome feeling knowing that real soon someone will be
able to turn on their television and see that plus is beautiful!
We had a great crew who actually journeyed with us as we
progressed throughout the week. Toward the end of the pageant,
they felt like part of the family!! |
| MPA |
What was the first thing that went through
your mind when you heard your name called? |
| Shavon |
“OH MY GOD”!!! Was the first thing that went through my mind and
“Where is my Mom”??!! LOL. My family didn’t get a chance to come
because of a previous planned trip and all I could think is I
wish my Mom were here to see me. But I was so grateful to have
some of my Texas Pageant sisters there. |
| MPA |
Describe
your crowning moment. |
| Shavon |
Simply Magical. Moments like that night is what I wish never had
to come to an end. I was truly on cloud 100 and indeed I felt
honored. I’d worked very hard and it was certainly a blessing to
be rewarded. |
| MPA |
What
plans do you have for your year's reign? |
| Shavon |
I plan to enjoy myself as much as possible! I want to have fun,
travel, meet new people and impact their lives. I would like to
do as many speaking engagements, interviews, news articles,
radio shows and TV shows as I possibly can. The sky is the
Limit!! I plan to go as far as I can and reach and inspire as
many people as I can. |
| MPA |
How do
you plan to promote your platform? |
| Shavon |
I plan to create more health & wellness programs for individuals
and ministries in local churches for women, men and children. I
will also serve in the community doing volunteer work for local
hospitals, visiting nursing homes, hosting fundraising events,
and charity functions as well as promoting lifestyle change
through proper diet and exercise. |
| MPA |
What
advice would you give to anyone looking to enter the Miss Plus
America pageant? |
| Shavon |
Come on and Do It!! I would definitely encourage her to GO FOR
IT!!, she has nothing to lose, but all to gain from MPA. In
spite of what her circumstances may look like and despite the
things people around her might say or do to discourage her, she
should definitely go after her dream. This organization is
designed to empower, encourage and uplift the woman who is plus
sized and to let her know that she is beautiful just the way she
is. You don’t have to be a small size to love yourself and true
beauty is only skin deep. Get ready for a beautiful journey of
meeting new people, traveling and getting to know yourself even
more. So don’t be afraid, just step out on faith and DO IT
girlfriend!!
J |
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July Diary Entry
July 18, 2009
9:45pm
Today
started out very slow for me. I am still very tired and trying to
adjust to being home from Louisiana. I thought to myself that I
would just stay in the house today, relax and maybe get more sleep.
However, my day did not go quite the way I’d planned. An old high
school friend whom I had been corresponding with by phone called and
confirmed that her and her sister would be dropping by my house to
hear more about Advocare International and how to lose weight and
become healthier. She knew that I too had health issues in the past
due to obesity and she wanted to hear more about how I took control
of my health. Feeling very groggy and drained, I mustered up enough
energy to clean up, and get some materials ready to share with her.
And boy was I glad I did!!
When they
arrived, we begin to talk and I shared my own personal testimony of
where I’d been in my life and how I almost gave up. There were times
when I prayed and asked God “when would my life get better?”
Sometimes it’s so hard to see your way when you’re going through the
trial. As I continued to talk, she begin to cry and say that until
now, she had never heard anyone say exactly what she feels on an
everyday basis. I completely understand her pain and struggle with
her health and weight issues. It’s a feeling that I can’t describe
to know that I have been of help and encouragement to someone on
today. Everyday I desire to impact someone’s life to a point that
they may realize that there is hope if they just continue to hold on
and keep the faith. I have longed for this day that I would be able
to inspire and uplift someone else who is going through the same
struggles that I’ve once journeyed through.
It’s
days like today that remind me why I have been put in this special
position of Plus America Elite, not to get glory for myself, but to
help someone else who is in need.
Shavon Phelps
Miss Plus America Elite 2009
Saturday
July 25, 2009
11:23pm
This
evening I had the pleasure of attending a Networking Community event
that was aimed at helping people gain control of their financial
freedom through a company called Ignite. I served as one of the
hostesses. I arrived a little early to help prepare & serve the food
and made sure everyone was signed in before being seated. I wore
only the MPA pin in the beginning, but later on, everyone was so
thrilled when I was introduced as 2009 Miss Plus America Elite, I
had to put my banner on It was a blast meeting new people,
networking and explaining to everyone what MPA Pageantry is all
about. I passed out cards and gave out our website letting them know
that MPA is where it’s at!! I met some wonderful people whom I will
definitely be teaming up with to help further my platform of health
& nutrition.
Wonderful
things are in store for us ALL ladies. I love you all. Good night.
Shavon
Phelps
Miss Plus America Elite 2009
August Diary Entry
8/14/09 11:15pm
I’ve
arrived in Victoria Texas where I was invited to help judge The 2009
Miss Victoria Pageant. I am very excited because this will be my
first time ever judging a pageant! I am staying at a very nice Bed
and Breakfast called Forest Home Comfortable Suites. I am looking
forward to enjoying myself and meeting all of the ladies including
the other judges in the morning.
8/15/09 10:30pm
The
interviews/pageant was a blast. It felt surreal to be sitting on the
opposite side of the stage!! Now I know how hard the judges have it.
So many beautiful girls, intelligent and gorgeous. There could only
be four winners. Little Miss Victoria, Young Miss Victoria, Junior
Miss Victoria & Miss Victoria. The little ones were the most
adorable to me. One of the judges asked a 4 year old the question
“What is your favorite cereal?” and she responded by saying, the
circle kind is my favorite cereal”. LOL. So cute!! Before, during
and after the pageant I took pictures with everyone who wanted one
and spoke to so many people who were happy to meet me. I was so
happy to have had the opportunity to be there for such a nice
occasion.
Until
Next Month!
Shavon Phelps
Miss Plus America Elite
August Diary Entry Supplemental
Taping with Yolanda
Green, host of Outlook Houston Channel 39 was fabulous today! It
was my first experience being on a television show, in a studio,
under lights and so many cameras!! Of course I kept my cool right
until I found out she never received my questions that I'd
submitted at the beginning of the week! Ah, thank God for the gift
of "GAB" and Mom Nette interview training!! lol. What a wonderful
experience and I only hope and pray that this is just the
beginning.
I want to touch the lives
of people and let them know that there is HOPE, you can be
whatever you want to be, you just have to believe in yourself even
if others don't!! Well we took plenty of pictures and Annise
Parker who is running for Mayor even requested photos with me.
Didn't I feel special?? I was escorted in by my two handsome
escorts (one on each arm), every girls dream, right? Okay I guess
one will do in the future. I hope everyone enjoys the interview
and my desire is represent MPA with high class and dignity. I love
you all, thanks for your continued support. There's a lot coming
up, so get ready for plenty of pics and more diary entries.
Smooches,
Miss Plus America Elite
September Diary Entry
Saturday, September 5,
2009 -2009 Miss Texas Plus America Crowning Party
Today was an amazing
day!! My sister (Tenille) and I drove to Austin for the new "2009
Miss Texas Plus America", Rachel Ratliff's crowning party. It was
held at Baris Italian Restaurant, which I must say had excellent
food! My Texas pageant sister Toniette and her husband opened up
their home to us to bunk for the night. I'm so glad I had the
opportunity to crown Rachel and it was simply fabulous. Toni
greeted everyone with a welcome and then I had words on my road to
the crown and how Rachel and I met.
Rachel looked beautiful
and was very excited to have all of us there. She was truly
glowing. I met her mom, friends and even got a chance to meet some
of TPA newest delegates. Of course we took tons of pictures. Did I
mention Spruce was there? She is just a joy to be around!! She
just seems to light up a room.
After the crowing, a few
of us went to have dessert including Ms. Plus America 2007
(Sabrina Mathis). The manager saw the crowns and sash and were in
total awe. LOL. Our dessert ended up being "on the house". I hated
to leave so soon, but I really had a great time with my sisters.
Miss Plus America Elite 2009
September Diary Entry Supplemental
Saturday, September 12,
2009- "Improving the Quality of Your Life"
Where do I begin? I slept
in as long as I could. I had to get my beauty sleep right?
LOL. After rolling out of bed around 1pm, I got dressed and headed
to my 2nd favorite make-up artist (Nicky Steltzer) in Willowbrook
Mall. Sorry, nobody beats Ms. Dorra!! My side-kick (Nille) and I
got our nails manicured and rushed home to get dressed. My good
friend Rick was my escort for the evening and I must say was the
perfect gentleman all night. Once we arrived at The Richmond
Pavillion, security was directing traffic and my photographer was
ready to snap away. Shouts out to Ray Morris Jr. who has got to be
one of the best photographers around!!
As I entered the room,
"Never Would Have Made it" (one of my favorite songs) filled the
air. I certainly wouldn't have made it this far in my life without
God. The whole night was great, I spoke on how 2 years ago I
decided to DUMP PROCRASTINATION and Improve the quality of my life
by taking back control of my health. I explained how I shed 85 lbs
and how I did it and offered my services and support all of them
who desired to do the same thing.
I had the privilege of
working with JacqLine Productions (Dr. Shelton and Jackie Morris)
who made that night possible for me and so many others. They are a
wonderful company and I'm so glad to be apart of their team. We
also brought in another company who offered financial freedom and
showed many people how to get out of debt and improve their
finances. Silverleaf Resorts were there giving away free
vacations!! Vegas or a cruise. I'm so excited because I will be
going on my cruise this summer. D.J. Will was very entertaining
and the food was fabulous. This was another night, I didn't want
to end, but, I do plan on holding more Galas throughout the year!
Much more to come :)
Shavon R. Phelps
Miss Plus America Elite 2009
September Supplemental 2nd
Edition
Saturday, Sept 19,
2009- Torrid "Meet & Greet MPA/TPA Queens!!"
The Torrid meet and
greet in Willowbrook Mall was a huge success. Steph
DeWaegeneer (Ms. Plus America), Rachel Ratliff (Miss Texas
Plus America), Sonja Freeman (2009 Ms. Greater Houston) and
a new delegate named Mia attended this function.
I was so excited
about getting there until I left my house and forgot my
crown and Sash! So of course I had to go back and get it.
lol .My special little helper (Tenille), Ms Sonja and I went
to Mac to get a make over. Shouts out to Nicky!! Everyone
looked so cute. Torrid allowed us to pick out our outfits
for the day which was great because we all have our own
style!! There was a table set up in front of the store where
we placed our fliers, brochures, business cards, and Torrid
coupons. We took tons of pictures and signed autographs for
the public. People were very happy and excited to meet
us. My sister Tenille, Mia and Ms. Sonja really helped the
day to run smoothly.
The most exciting
thing is that we met ladies who were really happy about
becoming apart of our organization. Ms. Jackie Hill who is
the store manager was very nice and made us feel right at
home. She also provided us with lunch and soft drinks which
was really sweet. I plan to do more meet and greets because
they are a great way for the community to get to know who we
are and what we're all about! Stay tuned, there's more
coming up :)
Shavon R. Phelps
Miss Plus America Elite 2009
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September Supplemental 3rd Edition
Friday September 25,
2009- Channel 11 KIAH- "Great Day Houston"
This had to be one of the
most exciting appearances I've made to date! Today I co-hosted and
appeared on Houston's own "Great Day Houston" with Deborah
Duncan. Danette K. was the producer I worked with leading up to
my interview and she was super nice and guided me every step of
the way. My wonderful photographer (Ray Morris Jr.) and I arrived
extra early and relaxed backstage in the green-room until the
rehearsal for the show. I had the opportunity to meet the other
wonderful guest who appeared on the show, including Houston's own Letoya
Luckett (former Destinys Child member), who was there promoting
her 2nd album. It was a pleasure seeing what the television studio
looked like in person and behind the scenes. The set looks so much
bigger on T.V.LoL.
Meeting Deborah Duncan
was a blast! She is so nice and a ton of fun. Very down-to-earth!
After my interview ended, we sat around taking photos and she put
my crown on and started cyring as if she had just won!! LOL.
So hilarious! The studio audience was very nice and helpful. I
can't explain how much fun this was. Danette informed me that
because of them working with me, they decided to feature Texas
Pageant Queens every week. How cool?? I was truly excited to be
the kick-off for that. Each of you will be able to tell by the
pics that it was an awesome experience and not only myself, but,
my photographer (Ray who is in the pic) enjoyed being there also.
Okay ladies this concludes September diary entries. I actually had
more, but, forgot to wear my crown and sash!! Love Y'all
Shavon Phelps
Miss Plus America Elite 2009
More to come!
October Diary Entry
Well September was a very
full and busy month. I decided to get a little bit more rest for the
month of October. I was happy to accept a wonderful invitation from
the Torrid store in Memorial City Mall to be apart of their Breast
Cancer Awareness event or "Save the TaTas" as they called it.
Today was fabulous! My
side-kick (Tenille) and I got our makeovers from MAC and started our
morning in preparation for the Torrid Event. It was a lot of fun
meeting the staff and customers as they entered in an out of the
store. The store manager (Suzette) and her staff were super friendly
and very helpful in getting our wardrobe together. Torrid actually
brought in a team of skillful hairstylist from Paul Mitchell Salon
and they were absolutely wonderful in prepping us for the big event.
I met several ladies who were interested in competing for the Texas
Plus Pageant and I was able to give them the entry forms and share
my own experiences with them.
Overall we had a lovely
day, I'm sure the pictures will show that!! :)
Shavon R. Phelps
Miss Plus America Elite 2009
November Diary Entry
October 24, 2009-
2009 Texas Plus America Queens-(Reunite for Photo Shoot)
Today I met up with Mrs. Texas Plus America (Toniette Haynes-
Robinson) and Ms. Plus America (Steph DeWaegeneer) up for our TPA
photo shoot at the
Hotel Sorella in Houston Texas. It was very nice relaxing
as we took photos by the pool and also some inside shots. I was so
happy to have Assistant Director for Texas (Ensie Jones) with us.
Her presence and expertise was awesome.
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Photos
courtesy of
Michael Smith |
Until next time!
Shavon Phelps
Miss Plus America Elite 2009
November
Supplemental
"Armed and Ready"
Let me start out by saying that November has truly been a
month! A month of ups and downs, struggles and triumphs,
laughs and frowns. Although it is over, I still feel it's
effects. This is certainly called life. No matter what title
I hold or carry, I am still human and is still faced with
life's issues. This is why when I received the call to be
apart of a Women's Day Program at Inside Out Worship Center
in Houston, I jumped at the opportunity.
Their theme was "Armed and Ready". This was a beautiful yet
powerful topic reminding the Christian female that we will
face challenges and struggles, but, if are armed with the
word of God, we will be ready to fight whatever battle we
face. I was so grateful to be apart of such an awesome
service. I was initially asked to sing, but I instead
performed a piece entitled "If Jesus came to your own
House". This dramatic interpretation is a real eye opener
and I'd like to share it with all of you to read and share
with others.
If Jesus came to your house to
spend a day or two, if He came unexpectedly, I wonder what
you'd do? Oh, I know you'd give your nicest room to such an
honored guest, and all the food you'd serve to Him would be
the very best.
And you would keep assuring Him
you're glad to have him there, That serving Him in your home
is joy beyond compare. But when you saw Him coming, would
you meet Him at the door, with arms outstretched to welcome
in your heavenly visitor?
Or would you have to change your
clothes before you let Him in, or hide some magazines and
put the Bible where they'd been? Would you turn off the
radio and hope He hadn't heard, and wished you hadn't
uttered that last loud nasty word.
Would you hide your worldly music
and put some hymn books out? Could you let Jesus come right
in, or would you rush about? Oh, I wonder if the Savior
came to spend a day with you, would you just go on doing all
the things you always do?
Would you go right on saying the
things you always say? Would life for you continue as it
does now day to day? Would our family conversation keep up
it's usual pace, or would you find it hard each meal to say
a table grace?
Would you sing the songs you always
sing and read the books you read, and let Him know on which
the things your mind and spirit feeds? Would you take Jesus
with you everywhere you planned to go, or would you maybe
change your plans, for just a day or so?
Would you be glad to have Him meet with all your closest
friends, or would you hope they'd stay away until His visit
ends? Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on,
or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was
gone?
It might be interesting to know the things that you would
do, if Jesus came in person to spend the day with you.
Photos Courtesy of Kenneth Wright
Shavon
R. Phelps
Miss Plus America Elite
2009
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December Diary
Entry
Hello my fellow beautiful Queens!
The month of December was a beautiful month.
Although it was so easy to get caught up in the holiday shopping,
hanging lights, Christmas programs and parties, I had to remember
the real reason for the season. Celebrating the birth of my Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ made the holiday season even more special.
It actually snowed in Houston which was like a miracle to many of
us. Driving through a blizzard is not something Houstonians are
accustomed to doing, but we managed and loved every second of it!
I attended Houston's Fort Bend County Commissioner Black and White
Tie Affair. I had the opportunity of meeting Fort Bend County
Commissioner Grady Prestage. He has served in our community as a
civic club president, convention delegate, and as an advocate for
full participation of all in the electoral process. He was elected
to the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court in November 1990. His
taking office as Precinct 2 Commissioner marked the first time
that an African American has served on the Fort Bend County
Commissioners Court since reconstruction so needless to say, I was
very honored to meet him. I also met and spoke others that play a
very important part of improving and helping our community.
I hope and pray that all of you enjoyed this holiday season and
are looking forward to what 2010 has to offer! The sky is the
limit ladies. Let's not let anything or anybody hold us back from
the goals we would like to achieve this year.
Shavon Phelps
Miss Plus America Elite
January Diary
Entry
First I must say that I am
grateful to have entered another year! The year of 2010 will
include new beginnings and new journeys for many of us. Although
the year of 2009 was very good to me and I accomplished mostly
everything I put my mind to, I am still looking forward to bigger
and better things for this brand new year and I encourage each of
you to do the same.
I made a public appearance at
The Texas Pageant Expo featuring Queens from all over the state of
Texas and even those who now hold National titles such as myself.
The Texas Pageant Expo is pageantry's premier trade show and was
held at The Hyatt Regency in Downtown Houston on January 9th. It
basically featured exhibitors from all over who showcased their
products and services.
The expo featured a pageant
walk-off competition, photogenic contest, Titleholder Parade &
free pageant training. We were all so excited because my sister
Tenille (who is also competing in The Texas Teen Plus Pageant) won
the hourly door prize contest along with free giveaways!! Ms.
Texas Plus America (Shaurese Linwood) and friend (Katie Lawson)
drove in from Dallas to spend the weekend and attend the expo with
me. It was a lot of fun and very informative.
I'm sure the pictures will show
just how exciting this event was.
Shavon R. Phelps
Miss Plus
America Elite 2009
February
Diary Entry
Hello Ladies!
I trust and pray that everyone's year has jumped off to a
great start! I had the opportunity to attend the 2nd Annual
"Agape Affair" held on February 6, 2010 at The Power Center
in Houston Texas. This is an affair held once a year for The
Leukemia
Lymphoma Society and also benefits The
William Jones
Scholarship Fund. I was totally amazed as local and
national artists delivered powerful inspirational
performances through singing and spoken word. I had the
pleasure of meeting Texas delegate Rayetta Cosby "2009 Ms.
Harris County Texas Plus America".
Ohio newest delegate Ocipare "Key" Mckinley "2009 Ms.
Franklin County Ohio Plus America" interviewed me on her
radio show "The Key Spot" on WUDG
www.undergroundcolumbus.com.
This was a two part show "Plus-Sized Diva Power
Hour"/Valentines Tips for the Lovers and Love Misfits".
Myself and other ladies of the Miss Plus America system were
interviewed. I enjoyed discussing with her about The Miss
Plus America System, my platform, and my road to the crown.
I had a lot of fun talking with Ms. Kee. She was a blast and
I had a lot of fun during this radio interview.
February also
happens to be one of my favorite months, "Black History
Month". I always enjoy this time of the year because I
tend to reflect more on the past, present and future of
the African American culture and it's heritage. I was
asked by The Power House Church of God in Christ of
Houston Texas to be apart of their Black History program
in which I played a slave/cotton picker. Upon excepting
this role, I became very interested in researching and
really understanding what slaves and cotton pickers
endured to better play my part in this dramatic piece.
Although everyone kept laughing and joking with me saying
that I was too pretty to be a slave, I had a blast. It was
a lot of fun. LOL. Well I have excepted several fun
engagements for next month and I can't wait to share them
with you all!!
Until next month!
Shavon Phelps
Miss Plus America Elite
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