International Pageant Day: Crowned in Purpose, United in Power
International Pageant Day is more than a celebration of beauty—it’s a celebration of purpose, resilience, and the power of women walking boldly in who they are. On this special episode of the BFF Empowerment Podcast, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with my incredible 2025 Queen’s Court from the Ms. Blind Diva Empowerment Pageant—our Better Together Edition.
Joined by Ms. Blind Diva & Ms. Photogenic Courtney “Coco” Brown, Ms. Independent Ashley Inniss, and Director’s Choice Lakisha Guest, this conversation was filled with laughter, authenticity, and powerful moments that remind us all what it truly means to wear the crown.
More Than a Crown—It’s a Calling
Each queen’s journey into pageantry was unique—and for many, unexpected.
For Coco, it started with a nomination she never saw coming. What began as hesitation turned into a powerful mission to prove not only to herself—but to others—that blindness does not limit purpose. Through her businesses and advocacy, she is redefining beauty, confidence, and accessibility—one sparkling step at a time.
Ashley’s journey began with something even deeper: prayer. She asked for an opportunity—and when it came, she answered. Her message is simple yet powerful: just show up. You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to be willing.
Lakisha’s story is one of courage and transformation. From struggling with confidence and accessibility challenges to now advocating for inclusive gym spaces and speaking on larger platforms, she is living proof that your voice matters—even when you’re unsure of it.
Breaking the Misconceptions of Pageantry
One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that pageantry is not about perfection.
It’s not about being the “ideal image.”
It’s not about fitting into a box.
It’s about authenticity.
It’s about showing up as you are—flaws, fears, and all—and allowing your story to shine. True beauty isn’t what’s seen on the outside. It’s the confidence, purpose, and passion that radiate from within.
Behind the Crown: Strength, Identity, and Growth
Wearing the crown represents something deeper for each of us.
It’s a symbol of strength.
A reflection of growth.
A reminder that even when life tries to knock us down, we still rise.
As Coco beautifully expressed, the crown isn’t new—it’s simply a visible representation of what has always been there.
And that’s the truth for all of us.
We’ve always been queens.
The crown just makes it visible.
Sisterhood That Goes Beyond the Stage
One of the most powerful aspects of this journey is the bond we’ve built.
This isn’t competition—it’s connection.
It’s women uplifting women.
Encouraging one another.
Seeing the greatness in each other—even when we don’t see it ourselves.
From shared experiences to heartfelt shoutouts, it’s clear that this sisterhood extends far beyond the stage. It’s a lifelong connection rooted in empowerment and support.
A Message to Every Woman Listening
If there’s one thing we want you to take away from this episode, it’s this:
Take a chance on yourself.
You don’t need permission.
You don’t need perfection.
You just need belief.
Your potential is limitless—but you have to be willing to step into it.
Whether it’s pageantry, business, advocacy, or simply becoming a better version of yourself—go for it.
Final Words of Empowerment
- “You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.” Ms. Blind Diva 2025 and Ms. Photogenic 2025 Courtney Brown
- “Just be you—that’s your greatest gift.” Ms. Independent 2025 Ashley Inniss
- “Speak up, stand tall, and never give up.” Director’s Choice 2025 Lakisha Guest
- “The only limits you have are the ones you place on yourself.” Ms. Altruistic 2025 Bianca Johnson
Because here, we don’t just wear crowns…
We walk in purpose.
Author/Poet/Motivational Speaker/Entrepreneur/Podcast Host/Pageant Titleholder/Advocate/Women's Empowerment Coach/Mom
Blaque Diamond is a powerhouse of resilience, creativity, and purpose. Known as a motivational speaker, award-winning author, poet, podcaster, and advocate, she has transformed a life marked by adversity into a mission rooted in empowerment, visibility, and hope.
Blind since the age of 15 due to childhood abuse and medical neglect that resulted in irreversible retinal detachment, Blaque Diamond refused to let her circumstances define her limitations. Instead, she embraced her journey with courage and faith, earning the nickname “No Limits” for her unwavering belief that obstacles are not stop signs—but stepping stones.
Also being a survivor of sexual abuse and a 2x time domestic violence survivor, marred her life with strife and tested her endurance and ability to bounce back, but those traumas that were meant to break her only further harden her. Making her unbreakable.
She is a 15-time published author, having written books across multiple genres including memoir, poetry, urban fiction, and children’s literature. Several of her works have received national awards, further solidifying her voice as one that both challenges and inspires. Her writing is deeply personal yet universally relatable, often centering themes of healing, self-worth, survival, and triumph.
Beyond writing and self-publishing books,, Blaque Diamond is also a songwriter, having released 3 R&B EP’s with music that reflects emotional depth, vulnerability, and growth. Each creative outlet she touches becomes another avenue for storytelling and empowerment.
As the host and creator of …Read More
