World Class American Royalty Magazine Tesia Poulos Roberts Mrs. Florida Plus America 2023.
Full name: Tesia Poulos Roberts
Title/Year: Mrs. Florida Plus America 2023
Pageant System: Miss Plus America
Age: 39
Education Level: Pursuing MBA
Zodiac sign: Libra
Hobbies: Reading, Listening to live music, Spending time with my family, Traveling
Platform: Save the Superhero: Suicide Prevention
Years competed: 3 years
Countries visited: USA, Bahamas, Jamaica, Greece, Spain, Dominican Republic, Mexico
Likes: Open hearts and minds, trying new things, changing the world through compassion and love
Dislikes: Close-minded people, sour foods, reptiles, flying on a plane
Status: Married World Class American Royalty Magazine: Please tell us about yourself.
I am a mother to five amazing human beings who range in age from 18 years old down to two years old. I am honored to walk on the journey of parenthood with my handsome husband, Marcus. Professionally, I am a serial entrepreneur who loves helping other entrepreneurs meet their business goals! World Class American Royalty Magazine: Please tell us about your education.
I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, which is widely regarded as the top Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the world. Currently, I am in pursuit of an MBA with a concentration in Executive Coaching and Six Sigma at Liberty University.
World Class American Royalty Magazine: What does women Empowerment means to you?
Women's empowerment means a woman's right to make choices in her life that directly impact her quality of life and the path she is on. It also means access to opportunities and education so she has the means to support herself and her family. It means the right to control her destiny and the ability to influence those around her. History has shown us that these are tied to a woman’s self-worth and when women are empowered, the world is a better place!
World Class American Royalty Magazine: Tell us about your pageant history.
My pageant history started when I was a preteen. As a young girl, I had extremely low self-esteem and my mother would constantly work to empower me and teach me about my beauty. Despite her best efforts, I could not see it as I was teased and bullied relentlessly as a child. That severely impacted my view of myself but luckily for me, I had a mom that never gave up! She found an amazing organization called Miss S.T.A.T.S. and she signed me up for my first pageant! Little did I know that that decision would change my life forever! I not only competed in that pageant but I won and my self-worth started to bloom.
I competed again in 2010, where won the title of Ms. Black Florida, which is a part of the Miss Black USA system. My focus then shifted to motherhood and being the best spouse I could be until late 2022 when Florida Plus America State Director, Coach Delpha Samuels asked me if I’d be interested in competing in the Miss Florida Plus America pageant Mrs. division. Initially, I turned down the idea because I couldn’t see how it would fit into my life. I’m so very grateful that I took the chance to compete.
World Class American Royalty Magazine: What inspired you to do your first pageant?
I’m not sure I would call it inspiration. My mother was the driving force for me competing in my first pageant. I have to imagine that she struggled to watch me shrink because the world around me felt like an unsafe space. As a mother now, my heart hurts for what she must’ve felt watching me battle with feeling unpretty and isolated. I know that I want nothing but the best for my kids and how heartbreaking every bruise and bump is for me as a spectator in their lives. My mom is the greatest and her encouragement (however forceful it might’ve been) was my inspiration for competing in my first pageant.
World Class American Royalty Magazine: Why did you choose to compete for your current title?
Coach Delpha first spoke to me about competing in the Miss Florida Plus America pageant while we were at an event for a mutual friend. I politely declined initially. My life was so amazingly full with my kids, husband, and businesses that I literally could not see a world where I had time to compete in a pageant. If we’re being completely honest, I went on to politely decline Delpha’s suggestion several times before my husband encouraged me to take it into serious consideration. The decision was solidified when I did research on the Miss Plus America pageant system and found that they were a Christian-based organization that incorporated their love of God with providing a platform for women to make a change in their community. I'm all about that so it was an easy decision after that!
World Class American Royalty Magazine: To those unfamiliar with your pageant system please tell us what is it about?
I think it’s best if I share this paragraph from the pageant system directly because I don’t think I can say it any better.
“We are a Christian organization, committed to the plus size woman. We believe that all women are beautiful, inside and out and deserve a chance to promote those causes closest to her heart with a title worthy of her representation. The Miss Plus America™ Pageant System, founded in 2002, is an organization devoted to celebrating the essence of the full-figured teen and woman (Sizes 14W or greater) and giving her an avenue in which to pursue recognition for those causes.” -www.MissPlusAmerica.com
World Class American Royalty Magazine: What makes your director different from others?
My State Director, Coach Delpha Samuels, is one of the most compassionate and caring people I know. Her genuine love for people married with her exquisite fashion sense makes her a force in the pageantry world! It’s also important to mention that she co-pastors a church with her awesome husband Dr. Glenton Samuels so service to mankind is truly at the center of their core.
The National Director, Dr. Meahgan Dickerson Esq., is the pageant bestie I didn’t know I needed. She is compassionately authentic, and caring. She works hard to make herself available to all who need her. This is often not the case with national-level pageant systems.
World Class American Royalty Magazine: What are you being judged on during the competition?
There are 3 components to the competition. The first is the preliminary interview, which takes place before the competition. In the interview, you are allowed an opportunity to speak with a panel of judges on topics that range from your platform, background, and current events. The judges are looking to see how well-versed you are, how comfortable you are speaking, and if you would make a great fit to represent the organization. Next is the onstage performance with elegant pants wear and an evening gown. In these categories, you get an opportunity to show the judges and audience your poise and grace onstage as well as the fit and color of the garments you chose. Lastly, is the onstage question. The judges are allowed to learn how you think on your feet, respond under pressure, and formulate a thought in 30 seconds or less.
World Class American Royalty Magazine: Tell us about your experience during the competition.
My experience during pageant week, both State and National, was amazing! The directors worked hard to assemble supportive teams to not only help bring the vision of the pageant together but also serve as assets to the queens competing. I can say that the MPA organization strives to build a community of sisterhood and that was my experience through and through. I walked away with more than just a crown. I have sisters that will be a part of my life forever!
World Class American Royalty Magazine: Who would you recommend your system to?
I would recommend the Miss Plus America system to any plus-size woman who wants to feel empowered and make a change in her community. Growing up, I didn't have role models who looked like me, women with extra curves and I get goosebumps when I think about the opportunity and responsibility that I have to be that role model for other young ladies and women. I feel that any woman who dares to think that she can make a change and even who questions if they could, much like myself initially, I think she is the right woman for this pageant system.
World Class American Royalty Magazine: Tell us about your platform or what cause do you volunteer for.
As Mrs. Florida Plus America, I work to promote Suicide Prevention through my platform, “Save the Superhero", which serves to end suicide! My connection to this cause stems from the tragic loss of my father to suicide in 2014. He was my first real-life Superhero! What my family is now painfully aware of is that had we seen and been educated on the warning signs he exhibited, we could have intervened and saved his life. My mission is to prevent other individuals from losing their superheroes to suicide.
World Class American Royalty Magazine: What appearances have you done with your title?
I have been Blessed to make appearances throughout the state of Florida as well as, New York, New Jersey, Texas, North Carolina, and the Country of the Bahamas serving all ages and spreading prevention strategies and education. From schools to orphanages and community events, I am always pleased to stand in a capacity of service to help!
World Class American Royalty Magazine: What are some of your achievements?
I have had the opportunity to sit on an advisory board for the tri-state area of Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia as an advisor for a multi-million-dollar public awareness campaign surrounding opioid addiction. I worked alongside an amazing team of women to charter the Florida Chapter of the Association of Black Women Real Estate Investors, where I served as the inaugural President. While serving my platform, I have been blessed to have had someone tell me that I had a profound impact on them because they were contemplating suicide and my planting hope and providing resources to them changed their plans.
I am so grateful for all the amazing things I’ve been able to be a part of, and honestly, nothing can compare to being a wife and a mother! Being responsible for my 5 amazing children (one being my adopted nephew) has been the greatest achievement of all.
World Class American Royalty Magazine: What makes you stand out from all those other beautiful girls?
There were so many beautiful women that I had to compete with. These women were kind, warm, gorgeous, smart, driven… they were true competition! I can’t say what made me stand out. I can only say that I showed up with my heart open and a willingness to serve. I believe firmly in divine timing and as such I strive to always show up authentically.
World Class American Royalty Magazine: Tell us about the moment your name was called out as the winner.
When my name was called out as the winner of the Miss Florida Plus America Pageant I was in shock! I knew that there were so many other women who had fought hard to wear the crown and I cried in celebration for myself and acknowledgment that any of those other women would have been great candidates. I also felt proud that all my hard work and the sacrifices that not only I made, but also my family, sponsors, and supporters made had proven to be fruitful!
World Class American Royalty Magazine: What does it mean to you to be a Beauty Queen?
Being a Beauty Queen means being a role model, even in moments when you don’t realize it! Everyone is watching and that’s an inspiration! I want to share the text message I got from my oldest daughter during the pageant. “just wanted to say I’m really proud of you and I recognize how much work you have put in for what you want. love you ma!” This was the moment I truly understood what being a Beauty Queen is! It is being the best example for those around you. I’m tearing up now just remembering this message.
World Class American Royalty Magazine: How did competing in pageants helped your life?
Competing in pageants has shown me that beauty comes in all shapes and forms. From the very first pageant to now, my confidence has skyrocketed, I understand that I am more powerful than I think and that you can compete with your sister respectfully and still have an amazing relationship after the competition is over.
World Class American Royalty Magazine: How did pageants helped your selfesteem and body image?
I now recognize my beauty and celebrate my differences. It’s what makes me unique.
World Class American Royalty Magazine: You are an inspiration to all the girls out there. How does it feel?
It feels like a blessing to be allowed to make a positive impact on others. Especially for little plus-sized beauties who may not have other positive role models to look up to.
World Class American Royalty Magazine: What is your on stage strategy to win the judges over?
My strategy is to communicate without words. Show the judges and the audience that I am comfortable on stage. Show my personality and heart without ever opening my lips to speak. World Class American Royalty Magazine: How did you prepare for your competition?
I prayed and meditated quite a bit to center myself and make sure that I was fulfilling my purpose. I maintained a healthy diet, working hard to eliminate fried foods so my skin would glow. I stuck to a strict grooming schedule so that my physical appearance would be stage-ready. Finally, I worked tirelessly on and through my platform so that my heart was fulfilled and the work that I committed to would shine through to the judges.
World Class American Royalty Magazine: What are your tips for learning better pageant walk?
The number 1 component for a great pageant walk is confidence! When you are on stage, you get to tell the audience what to believe about you from the confidence you show. Next, practice walking in your competition day heels. Wear them while grocery shopping, cooking in the kitchen, checking the mail… You want them to feel like your second pair of feet. The last tip I’ll share is to watch yourself walk in the mirror or record yourself walking. This way you can see your walk from the judges' perspective and make adjustments accordingly. Walking on stage is one of my absolute favorite things to do and I love teaching others how to walk confidently on pageant stages and runways. I have had the pleasure of training girls and women who have walked the stages of NYFW and within several Pageant Systems (many take home the crown). Without confidence, nothing else matters. World Class American Royalty Magazine: What are your tips for choosing right pageant dress? Choosing the right pageant dress is so important! Color, fit, and style all matter. Many girls/women believe that you have to spend hundreds or thousands on a dress but as long as the color compliments you, the fit is impeccable and the style is relevant, you can steal the show! We’ve all heard stories of someone winning in a dress from a department store over someone who had a custom gown made. It happens! World Class American Royalty Magazine: What are your tips for winning interview? In order to win your interview you have to also be confident. Judges want to get to know the real you. It also helps to research the pageant system you are competing in and know what they value. Then you will be able to share the qualities about you that align best with the pageant system. World Class American Royalty Magazine: What is one mistake that you've done during competing you wish you could redo and fix it? A mistake I wish I could go back and redo is to enjoy the moment as it was happening. I am competitive and I found myself getting caught up in the competition of it all. I wish I could go back and enjoy small pockets of time during the experience and just be in the moment. World Class American Royalty Magazine: What other mistakes are made by girls during the contest? Believing that you have to be mean to the other girls/women competing. Yes, we are all here for the crown and title but that does not mean we are all enemies. Some of my best lifelong friendships have come from girls/women that I have competed against. There is a saying that ‘Iron sharpens iron’ and I have experienced that being true time and time again. Be kind to and get to know your competitors. World Class American Royalty Magazine: Any modeling or acting experience? I’ve had the pleasure of being an extra in several movies when I was younger. I also have modeled in runway, commercial, and print for many years. Before competing in Miss Florida Plus America, I hadn’t been on stage in almost 10 years. This experience has reignited my love for being on stage so I am eager to get back to modeling. World Class American Royalty Magazine: What are your plans for 2023 as a Queen? I plan to continue my work of Saving the Superhero through suicide prevention, work with plus-size beauties throughout the state and USA to foster the next wave of queens, make appearances, and continue to be an asset to the wonderful state of Florida. World Class American Royalty Magazine: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? I am on a life-long mission to make a positive impact on everyone I come in contact with. When I am long gone, I want to be remembered for how I made others feel and the change I was able to create in their lives. National Director: Dr. Meahgan Dickerson, Esq. Your Local Director: Coach Delpha Samuels Pageant website: https://www.missfloridaplusamerica.com/ Name of the Photographer and other credits: Marc Roberts Photography (photographer), Styles by Ria (Hair and Makeup) Thank you to my sponsors: True Me Bridal & Formal, Healing Thru Laughter 501c3, Comedienne Lady T, Marc Roberts Photography, Studio Blu Photography & Video, Styles by Ria, Miss Runway Competition, Lulu Orange, Inc., Profit & Growth Accelerators, MNT Homes, LLC., Alexander Dental World Class American Royalty Magazine would like to say thank you for this amazing interview!
Tesia Poulos Roberts Mrs. Florida Plus America 2023, World Class American Royalty Magazine, Photo by Marc Roberts Photography, Hair and Make Up by Styles by Ria
Interview by Derek Tokarzewski
Owner/Editor in Chief
Mr WorldClass 2023
Mr United Nations 2018
Platform: Women Empowerment
Comentários