A Beauty Pageant Winner's Journey to Self-Confidence

By: Bu'Ji Magazine

"If I don't believe in myself who else will?" is a question that you should ask yourself over and over again and one that speaks volumes to Tiffany Parker, a Chicago native, who has big plans, a bright future, and most of all, courage and confidence. As an accomplished model and pageant winner, Tiffany knows that believing in yourself is a skill that can be learned and if practiced regularly, it can take you very far in life. Having just been crowned Ms. Maryland United States 2011, Tiffany undoubtedly serves as a positive role model for individuals seeking to build self-confidence. Take a look.

Bu'Ji Magazine: How would you define self-confidence?

Tiffany Parker: In one word "belief." I recently heard a quote that goes, "Many times we limit our own success because of a lack of belief in ourselves. We lack the belief that we are worthy of great thing." What I've learned along the way in my life [is that] it's not about how you end the race, [but] it's [about] having the strength, courage, confidence, and belief in yourself just to start the race.

Bu'Ji Magazine: How did you gain self-confidence?

Tiffany Parker: Honestly, I don't take credit for anything from my looks to my confidence. My mom, dad, and God came up with the concoction named Tiffany Parker. I owe a lot of who I am as a woman to the strong female figures in my life: my mom, grandma, and auntie. Each one of them collectively instilled in me how important it is to truly love myself. And after a few bumps and bruises along this road called life, I truly understand that it all starts with how you feel about yourself first.

Bu'Ji Magazine: Describe a situation (academically, professionally, or personally) were your confidence changed a negative situation into a positive situation?

Tiffany Parker: At one point of my life, I was in an emotionally and borderline physically abusive relationship. See, before people ever put their hands on you, they try to tear down your self-esteem and self worth. But one day, it just clicked, that no true love [would] ever hurt you, physically or emotionally. I found the courage and CONFIDENCE in Tiffany to walk away, and never look back. I've come so far. Never in a million years did I believe that I could be one of the women I see on TV, competing in beauty pageants, and more importantly going hard for my dreams and goals. I have a new lease on life and I'm riding it to the wheels fall off!

Bu'Ji Magazine: "I can do it." What do those word mean to you?

Tiffany Parker: "I can do it" to me represents packing my bags 2 years ago with nothing but $1200 in my savings, no real job lined up, jumping in my Jeep Liberty and moving to the DMV [D.C., Maryland, & Virgina]. The scariest moment was saying a prayer on my way here, and without a doubt knowing that this would be the best decision of my life. "I can do it!" I can leave my family and friends start fresh and [become] successful in a new city. And you know what, I did do it! (BAM)

Bu'Ji Magazine: How would you recommend others with low self-esteem gain confidence?

Tiffany Parker: Two small, but powerful words, "It's okay." Try saying it, and you feel an ease come over your spirit. See, we spend so much time trying to be everything to everybody else that we forget about ourselves. We turn on the TV, and they tell us if we are not a size 0, we're not good enough. Well, guess what? It's okay. See I'm playing this game in the uniform God gave me and you know what? I'm going to set my own rules. I may not be a size zero, but I'm a size "loving me." It's okay if he decided he wants to move on to the next woman. Your words should be, "Thank you. You have removed yourself from my life and freed more space for me to focus on my goals, my purpose, and [to] make room for the right person. It's okay!"

Photo Credit: Philbert Photography

For more information on Tiffany Parker, visit www.msmarylandunitedstates2011.com

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