Miss Plus America Elite 2009: Shavon Raquel Phelps

Interview By: Jenna Vaught

Shavon Raquel Phelps
Miss Plus America Elite 2009
Houston, Texas
Medical Graphic Artist/ AdvoCare Independent Distributor

Tell me about yourself.

First and foremost, I love God with all of my heart, and I acknowledge Him in everything that I do. As the oldest of four children, I have always tried my best to set a good example for my younger sisters and brother. My parents always pushed me to excel at anything I put my hands to do. I’m known for being a very spontaneous, outgoing, and friendly person who loves to live life to the fullest. Even with focused goals and ideals, I have never lost my spontaneity and drive for life. Also, I enjoy traveling all over the world. I spent almost 2 years working overseas in Kuwait as a contractor for the U.S. Government in the CSA Fuel Accounting Department. Currently, I spend time hosting and attending networking events and spreading the message of health and proper nutrition in local churches and in my community. None of my activities keep me from doing the other things I love to do like: spending time with family, attending church, fitness, reading, movies, bowling, and just anything fun!!

What motivated you to run for Miss Plus America 2009?

I represented the city of Houston as Miss Space City Houston in the 2009 Miss Texas Plus America Pageant. After being crowned Miss Texas Plus America 2009, I underwent communications training and wardrobe consultation with Nanette Watts, founder and principal consultant for Pageants Unlimited Plus in preparation for the National 2009 Miss Plus America Pageant. I was very excited because she has successfully trained ladies for pageant systems ranging from the Plus America System to the Miss USA System. I’ve struggled with obesity most of my life and decided to take control of my health about 2 y ears ago by shedding 85 pounds and becoming healthier. I really wanted the opportunity to help others change their lives through health, exercise, and proper nutrition. I thought this would be a great way to reach out to others who desire to take control of their health. I really felt that the Miss Plus America Pageant system would be a great way for me to reach out to other women who are going through some of the challenges I have once faced in my own life.

Do you feel that being “plus-sized” makes you less beautiful or worthy as a woman? Why or why not?

I personally feel that being plus siz ed does not make a woman less beautiful, less worthy or less deserving than anybody else. Psalms 139:14 lets us know that we were “fearfully and wonderfully made”. It is no mistake that we are the person that we are. Beauty is only skin deep and does is not determined upon how big or small someone is. Character, integrity, and values of a woman are what make her beautiful. How she is able to handle herself in various circumstances, how she treats others, and the life that she lives when no one is around in my opinion is what makes a woman beautiful inside and out.

What can you do today to help other women understand that beauty is not about a “size or age”?

My personal mission in life to encourage, empower, and uplift every female and let her know that one does not have to be a certain size or age to be beautiful. I would love the opportunity to share my own personal story of how I have been ridiculed, teased, mocked, and judged for being overweight. I always heard that I had a pretty face but “if only I could lose a little weight”. Needless to say, I have a very supportive mother and family who instilled wisdom and strength into me. They let me know that I was beautiful inside and out, and if I should decide to take control of my health, it should be for myself and no one else. I would love to say the same thing to everyone who may read this article. Know who you are, know what you stand for, and be confident in your own skin.
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How did it feel during your crowning moment?

Simply magical! Moments like that night are ones you wish could never end. I was truly on cloud 100! I felt so honored. I worked very hard and it was a blessing to be rewarded.

Do you have any advice for other women interested in becoming Miss Plus America?

I would definitely encourage her to GO FOR IT!! She has nothing to lose, but all to gain. In spite of what her circumstances may look like or things people around her might say or do to discourage her from competing, she should definitely go after her dream. Of course, nothing in this l ife comes for free. Definitely there will be hard work, time, and preparation that go into competing for the title. Miss Plus America is designed to empower, encourage, and uplift the woman who is fuller. You don’t have to be a small size to love yourself. Just remember, true beauty is only skin deep. Get ready for a beautiful journey of meeting new people, traveling, and getting to know yourself even more. Don’t be afraid, just step out on faith and DO IT girlfriend!!

Jenna Vaught is the former 2007 Miss Plus America Elite. She lives in Cleveland, Ohio with her daughter Kyla. Being a beauty queen is not all she has going for her, she is also a fourth year medical student. Although becoming a doctor was always a dream for Jenna… her desire to finally obtain a healthier lifestyle was even more important. With over 25 years of struggle with a serious weight problem, she hit the scales at 427 pounds. Jenna knew something had to change. Since that point, she has lost 190 pounds. Obtaining a more active lifestyle has really allowed Jenna to find herself as a woman, embrace her plus-sized frame, and given her a new life! As Miss Plus America Elite 2007, she used her reign to encourage all sizes to find a place for fitness and health in their life. As a future doctor and fitness advocate, she encourages all healthy adults to find new and unique ways to squeeze activity into their day. First hand, she knows what simple lifestyle changes can do for your life! Variety is the key to her success in exercise. From jogging, walking, hiking, swimming, strength training, crosstraining, and even Jazzercise…she enjoys them all. Jenna has even completed a 10K and half-marathon!

Despite losing 190 pounds, she is still a plus-sized beauty that loves every inch of her fuller frame. During her transformation, she redefined what beauty, confidence, and success meant to her life. Jenna has a belief system that does not allow TV, Hollywood, or ANY form of the media to dictate what is beautiful or not. As a result, she believes that women should start celebrating their life in this very moment…not 10, 30, or even 100 pounds from now! Beauty is not a size or age, and the key to feeling amazing about your life is learning to love yourself at this exact instant. Her advice, take the time to find yourself all over again! Jenna enjoys sharing this message in public appearances and speeches throughout the year. Traveling is another passion she could never live without. Her favorite locations are Paris and the Maldives. When she is not studying medicine or speaking, she finds time for herself by shopping, reading, writing, blogging, and even a little plus-sized modeling. She hopes you will enjoy her advice and tips on exercise. Always feel free to contact Jenna with any comments, advice, or article ides at www.jennavaught.com