We had the good fortune of connecting with Evelyn Bailey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Evelyn, what do you want your legacy to be?
I want to be remembered as a woman, a queen, who was deeply passionate and had a heart for helping people. I always want people so say “wow she never allowed her fears to stand in her way.” I aim to be guided by my faith and intuition and act in ways that positively impacts the Character, Health, Attitude, Narrative, Growth, and Environments of others, leaving legacies of love and compassion everywhere I go.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
From the basketball court to the pageant stage is when the evolution of Evelyn began. But it took me willing to be bold and courageous enough to believe in the magic within myself. I took this 1st step in my transformational journey by seeking the title of the Honey Queen, the most coveted title in my small rural hometown in Appalachia Kentucky. Nonetheless, those chains of low self-esteem and self-worth due to conflicting cultural beauty norms were not enough to prevent me from winning the title. I’d like to believe that in fact, it was pageantry that broke the chains and became experiences that set the platform for my life’s journey. Pageantry has allowed me to meet many people and inspire people all across the world. In 2010, I received my 2nd major crown as Miss Plus America Elite. I embraced that opportunity and use my stories of inspiration and hope and traveled across the United States, inspiring women to love, embrace, and accept themselves while shifting their narratives of beauty. In 2018, I was inducted into the Miss Plus America Lifetime system and crowned Miss Plus America Lifetime IX. I have been blessed with the opportunities to be featured as a special guest on national TV shows, radio stations, blogs, and news outlets. My advocacy and passion didn’t stop there, I also had the opportunity to advocate to get laws passed that would prohibit job discrimination based on weight. I continue my mission to inspire change across the world, but I often have to remind myself that the change I wanted to see started in me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Currently, I reside in the City of Tampa, FL. It is a beautiful city with great weather. From some cool evenings to perfect afternoon days, you can always find something to do in Tampa Bay. Amazing beaches in Clearwater & St Pete with the perfect sunsets and cuisines, To trips to Ybor and the rich Tampa culture it illustrates. Must visit HOT SPOTS in Tampa, definitely the ROSE BAR where you will get a great cultural vibe and amazing dining experience. Or one of our amazing cigar lounges to chill and enjoy a great stick.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother is the BIGGEST inspiration in my life. I want to grow up and be just like her. She has always been my number 1 fan and cheerleader and believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. She is beautiful, smart, intelligent, and loving. I often tell her I am so lucky and blessed to be your daughter. : )

Website: www.evelynbailey.com

Instagram: Ladie_eve

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelyn-e-bailey-b-the-change-2020-2021/

Twitter: N/A

Facebook: Miss Plus World America 2020 and Evelyn E. Bailey

Image Credits
Stephanie Matthews Photography KreativeKoncepts

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