Leaves are falling. The air is crisp. The general atmosphere is abuzz in preparation for the festivities of the holidays and some due time to relax. And that’s perfect for everyone but Shelby Patrice, Miss Black Kentucky USA 2012. You see, after competing in a national pageant over the summer, Shelby has no intentions of settling down or relaxing. She is instead stuffing her stockings with plans of continuing her personal community service platform and maintaining her dedication and focus to her education. This week “5 Questions” keeps up with Shelby and finds out just when she fell in love with pageantry.
1) What was the best piece of advice ever given to you, and what advice do you have for any ladies getting into pageantry?
The best piece of advice that someone ever gave me was: “Be yourself and forget the past. You and your past are the reason why you are who you are today.” That advice has always stuck with me because it reminds me that it does not matter what you’ve been through. It reminds me that it does not matter if negativity has come your way. All of the trying times have brought you to the place that you are standing now. For the second part of your question, I would tell any girls that are entering pageantry to never give up on their dreams. Honestly, great things do come to those who wait. Determination will get you to where you want to be and farther. 2) What have you been up to since your last competition, and was it difficult adjusting to a new routine post pageant season?
Since my last competition (the national 2012 Miss Black USA Pageant), I have been doing community service projects and continuing my personal platform: Adoption and Foster Care. Adjusting to a new routine has actually been fun! I fell right back into a great place after the pageant and have been extremely comfortable.
3) What sparked your interest in pageants and how did you break into the industry?
My interest in pageantry was actually sparked by my dance ability. I guess you could say that I broke into the industry by starting out as an extra in an opening number for a pageant a few years ago, dancing in the background. During that time, I went above the call of duty for the program as I helped the contestants during the show and assisted with some of the production needs. Shortly following, as a sophomore at Kentucky State University, I competed in the Miss Kappa Kappa Psi pageant, and won! That really started it for me. From that moment, I knew I was capable of accomplishing anything I put my mind to. Two years later, I was crowned Miss Black Kentucky USA 2012. You can easily say that I’ve fallen in love with pageantry.4) With the holidays coming up, what are you most looking forward to as a pageant girl?
Christmas is my favorite holiday! As a pageant girl during the holiday season, I am looking forward to going to a local nursing home, and helping out as much as I can. I’m pretty sure I’ll be passing out presents, food, singing Christmas carols, and sharing testimonies. I love the spirit of Christmas and that is really all about giving. 5) What’s next for you?
Next up, I’ll be focusing on my education as I pursue a Masters in Public Administration. While getting m
y masters, I look forward to starting my foundation, entering more pageants, and whatever surprises life may bring me!
y masters, I look forward to starting my foundation, entering more pageants, and whatever surprises life may bring me!
Quick Facts!
Name: Shelby Patrice
Age: 22
Hometown: Miami, FL
Education: B.S. Public Administration from Kentucky State University, Masters of Public Administration from Kentucky State University (May 2014)
Titles: Miss Kappa Kappa Psi 2009-2011, Miss Black Kentucky USA 2012 Organizations: Adoption and Foster Care
Contact: www.ShelbyPatrice.com
Love it! Great read about a great friend and sister queen!