She's Beauty and She's Grace, Spotlight on Andromeda Peters, She's Miss United States 2018

"From sea to shining sea like Lady Liberty

She reigns over all she sees

She is beauty, and she is grace

She is queen of 50 States

She is elegance and taste

She is Miss United States."

Who loves William Shatner's Miss United States song description in the movie Miss Congeniality? Well, we all do, and that's precisely embodies the reigning Miss United States, Andromeda Peters.

Andromeda shared on her website's biography that she is a daughter of a transgender parent, "She loves and honors her dad's journey who she shares a deep bond with. Her other father is from Ghana where he used to be a musician and have reconnected with her a few years ago. Andromeda says these past experiences encouraged her to share her own story to empower others, and she believes that there are no limitations in life."**

Andromeda who represented Miss United States Virginia was crowned as the Miss United States 2018 on the 8th of July last year at the Omni Orlando Resort, Champions Gate in Orlando, Florida.

Q&A with Miss United States 2018

Describe yourself in one word and why?

Enthusiastic! I am always excited about life.

What’s your advocacy or what are you passionate about?

Mental health awareness! It is only fitting since I am a licensed psychotherapist. I love to include self-care and self-love into my mental health tips.

Favorite place in your State and what’s special about it?

I love visiting any vegan restaurant! I love Silver Diner in Springfield; especially breakfasts because I am a foodie!!

Define women empowerment

Women empowerment is doing whatever you can that makes you feel whole and complete. No two women are the same. So it's up to us - as women to define what makes us feel alive, strong, and inspired.

What’s your definition of "Beauty and Grace?"

My definition of "Beauty and Grace" is authenticity.

I’ve wanted to be the Miss United States for a while! That’s because I love that every national queen has had such a unique platform, personality, and their own look. I felt like it was the perfect fit for me because I won just by being myself! That is, "Beauty and Grace."

Social Media 

Instagram
@andromedapeters
@officialmissunitedstates

Twitter
@theandromedazen
@officialmissus

Facebook
Miss United States 2018


By: Joyce Cortez
Disclaimer:
Cover Photo: Fadil Berisha Photography, 2nd Photo: Carlos Velez Studio
**Biography source: www.andromedapeters.com

PageantLIVE and Ask The Crown Exclusives. PageantLIVE is known for exclusive interviews, and we pride to have and maintains on publishing our original contents. 

PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight: Mandy Peterson, Miss Minnesota United States 2018

Mandy Peterson, Miss Minnesota United States 2018

Claim to fame:

After three years of competing for the Minnesota United States title, I am honored and humbled to represent the bold North. I also am an honor roll student with academic achievement status in addition to graduating two years ahead of schedule. 

Fun Fact About You:

Fun fact about me, well I am slightly obsessed with Oreos.

If you have one wish to be granted in 2018, what is it and why?

I would love to see more resources available to adolescents and teens who are battling depression. We, as not only a state but a country have seen a rise in teen self-harm and suicide. Together we can stop this epidemic and aid our up and coming generations. 

Tell us about your platform or yourself, choose one or both.

My platform actually affects me both personally and professionally.  As a suicide attempt survivor, I know how debilitating depression and anxiety can be. I have decided I want to overcome my dark battle and use my voice to shed light on the subject of mental illness. I am also a future adolescent counsellor with a current position in a day treatment facility focusing on pre-adolescent children who struggle with severe emotional and behavioral disorders.

What is your passion or interest outside pageantry?

I love to cook! I recently was challenged to a vegan “diet”, if you will, and it has broadened my horizons and knowledge when it comes to food. Cooking (and eating) is certainly a comfort for my soul.

Where can we follow you on social media?

Facebook: Miss Minnesota United States 

PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight: Allison Kratz, Miss Maryland United States 2018

Allison Kratz, Miss Maryland United States 2018

Claim to Fame:

My claim to fame is probably my decision to go to law school. I completely switched from pre-med to pre-law my senior year of college. My friends and family called me Elle Woods because I "woke up one day and decided to go to law school."

Fun Fact About You:

I'm a third generation pageant girl! Both my mother and grandmother competed in pageants when they were younger so for me, competing is a special bond with my family.

If you have one wish to be granted in 2018, what is it and why?

I wish that the book I'm working on would be finished and published this year. The book talks about my journey with healing after sexual assault and the importance of redefining your story in terms of what you've accomplished and overcome rather than the negative things you've experienced. 

Tell us about your platform or yourself, choose one or both.

My platform is "From Pain to Power" and focuses on prevention of and healing after sexual assault. Not only do I share my story of healing and advocacy after the assault, I educate students on healthy relationships, consent and bystander intervention. My hope is to decrease the occurrence of sexual assault and help survivors reclaim their personal power.

I am a second-year law student in Washington, DC and I currently sit on the executive board of the Women's Law Association. Outside of classes, I like to spend my time reading, crocheting, serving my community and spending time with my family. 

What is your passion or interest outside pageantry?

Empowering women in my community. It's always been incredibly important to me to build other women up. I, like so many other women, have experienced "mean girl behavior," bullying, unrealistic expectations and pressures to look and act a certain way. In a time where media and celebrities put so much pressure on us, it's incredibly important to encourage and uplift one another. 

Where can we follow you on social media?

Personal accounts:

Facebook: Allison N Kratz 

Instagram: @allisonkratz 

Miss Maryland United States accounts:

Facebook: Miss Maryland United States 

Instagram: @missmdus 

More than just "Flirty" Vizcaya Swimwear - Lisa Opie and Franz Orban by Linda Suter

Linda's Gala Inc.

Miss United States 2015
http://www.missunitedstates.com/

We all love pageants: the beauty, the production, the atmosphere. While most of us concentrate on the Beauty and Atmosphere, it's the production, apparel and delivery that make the experience. At the recent Miss United States Pageant in Washington, DC, I had the pleasure to speak with Lisa Opie, the co-creator and designer of luxury swimwear brand Vizcaya Swimwear, the official Swimwear Sponsor to the Miss United States Organization. 

Being a model and former top-5 Miss United States Finalist, Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to her designs. Lisa draws inspiration for her designs from her history in modeling and pageants, and it is evident that she incorporates design ideas from diverse cultures in more than 30 countries she has visited. It is these  travels that has also allowed her to use fabrics from all over the world, with the current line of swimwear created with fabrics from Colombia.

Vizcaya Swimwear's Kristina bikini
http://www.vizcayaswimwear.com/

Rather than use an exotic, secluded beach for a photoshoot highlight her swimwear, Lisa would rather distinguish each piece by the model chosen for the shoot. These models are chosen, not only for their relatable looks, but also for their positive backstories and worthy platforms that Lisa and Vizcaya can support. Also, instead accessorizing her suits with big, flashy jewelry, Vizcaya has partnered with Shine Tattoos, makers of temporary metallic tattoos. These tattoos are waterproof, look fantastic and give the wearer the freedom of not having to worry about jewelry while at the pool or beach.

Of course, we all want that bikini, beach body, and Lisa has some very simple, easy to follow rules that help her stay in shape. Her Motto is, "The abs are made in the kitchen!" Instead of three large meals, Lisa eats six smaller meals throughout the day, consisting mostly of proteins (Chicken, meat and tofu) while cutting out the satisfaction foods like pizza!

Franz Orban and Lisa Opie, Owners of Vizcaya Swimwear
Official Sponsors of the Miss United States Organization

Franz Orban, who started Vizcaya Swimwear with Lisa in 2013, tells us that their association with the Miss United States Organization arose from the Organization and the models' desire to break from the traditional pageant swimwear, in favor of something a bit more "flirty". He is proud to be associated with the pageant as it allows a common design to be worn and expressed differently by so many models.

For the new 2016 line, he looks forward to maintaining that flirty look while incorporating more flora and fauna patterns. Please come view their new line at DC Swim Week July 24-25th. 

Lisa and Franz while in Washington, DC

My thanks to Pamela Privette from PageantLive for her assistance during the interviews with both Lisa and Franz. Also, many thanks to AJ of AJ Photoz for the spectacular pictures.

Lisa Opie and Paige Clark,  Founder of PageantLIVE
www.pageantlive.com

PageantLIVE & Ask The Crown's Most Memorable Moments of 2014

Setting the Trend

This has been amazing year for PageantLIVE and Ask the Crown.  These accomplishments were made possible by the incredible people who support us...YOU.  A heartfelt thank you to the volunteer staff, family and friends... you are all the backbone that brings life into each and every production.   Here are some of our most memorable interviews and moments from 2014.

10)  Miss Teen USA - K. Lee Graham

9) Gretchen Carlson - Miss America 1989 and host of The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson

8 ) Designer and star of Project Runway, Johnathan Kayne

7) Miss USA - Nia Sanchez

6) World Famous designer Mac Duggal

5) Stephanie McGrane co-hosting the Miss United States Pageant in Washington, DC where it was officially announced that the new winner would represent the US at the 2014 Miss World Pageant. And, of course meeting Megan Young - Miss World 2013!

4) PageantLIVE traveling to Mexico with titleholders from around the world to film a reality TV show

3) Kyle Haggerty helping Elizabeth Safrit win the Miss World Media Challenge with his Ask The Crown interview

2) Miss Universe - Gabriela Isler

1) Our media invitation to cover the Miss Universe Pageant! We can't wait to arrive in Doral! Watch for exclusive interviews with some of the most gorgeous ladies in the universe!

We hope your 2015 allows you to shine bright like a diamond!