Miss Represented: Miss Earth USA Fire 2025 - Ta'ya Imaage Hazelwood [Episode 67]

Summary

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Miss Represented: Miss Earth USA Fire 2025 - Ta'ya Imaage Hazelwood

Podcast: Miss Represented
Host: Lisa Opie
Episode: 67
Date: October 8, 2025
Guest: Ta'ya Imaage Hazelwood (Miss Earth USA Fire 2025 Finalist)

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Episode Overview

This vibrant episode features Ta'ya Imaage Hazelwood, a standout Miss Earth USA Fire 2025 finalist, educator, model, and cheer coach, renowned for her unapologetic confidence and advocacy for self-expression and sustainability. Host Lisa Opie dives deep with Ta'ya on her journey from Milwaukee to the pageant stage, the lessons she’s learned in her first-ever pageant, her foray into cryptozoology, sisterhood on reality TV, and the power of manifesting confidence. The tone is supportive, lively, and honest, blending inspiring advice with fun personal stories and memorable moments.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ta'ya's Path to the Miss Earth USA Fire Final

• First-Ever Pageant Experience
  • Ta'ya reveals this is her first pageant, surprising many because of her transformation and presence.

    “Yes, this is my first pageant ever. And a lot of people don't know that.” (03:43)

• Lady Code Challenge & Palette Concept
  • The Lady Code challenge required contestants to create and pitch a makeup palette. Ta'ya’s concept, "Pilates Princess," reflected her journey embracing femininity and self-discovery through shades of pink, magenta, and burgundy.

    “...exploring the different facets of myself as a woman.” (02:44)

• Coaching & Growth
  • Ta'ya credits coach Joanne Romero Martinez for being “the first person to really believe in me in this industry” and providing honest feedback that fueled her growth.

    “He gave me another sense of confidence that I needed...” (04:05)

2. Background: Growing up in Milwaukee

• Diversity and Segregation
  • Milwaukee’s unique demographic shaped Ta'ya’s resilience; she often navigated diverse yet segregated environments.

    “Milwaukee is very diverse, but it's also the most segregated city in the nation.” (05:07)

• First Time as ‘Only’
  • Pageantry brought new challenges, being the first setting where she was “the only Black girl.”

    “That was something new, and it was an experience I had to prepare for mentally… hands down, probably the best week of my life.” (05:07)

3. Motivation for Entering Pageantry

• Watching "Toddlers and Tiaras" spurred her curiosity, though her father’s encouragement came later. She almost didn’t apply, finally submitting her application late one night in May.

  “It's really one of those things where you just have to do it. You can't overthink it. If you really want to do something, it's worse to regret it 20 years later that you didn't try it.” (08:10)

4. Leadership & Cheerleading

• Skills Translation
  • Over a decade in cheerleading and later coaching her high school team honed her leadership, adaptability, and teamwork, preparing her for the dynamics of a shared pageant house.

    “My interaction with women came from the cheer team. And I think that those interactions is what prepared me for... staying in a house with 10 other girls.” (09:21)

5. Unique Interests: Cryptozoology

• Ta'ya delights in studying creatures of legend (Sasquatch, Loch Ness monster, mermaids) and recently hosted a cryptozoology conference.

  “Cryptozoology is the study of animals that are either extinct or have not been scientifically proven to exist.” (10:19)

• Belief in Sasquatch

  “I do now… And that could be a whole nother episode in itself.” (10:42)

• Mermaids & Cultural Myths

  “A lot of those myths or cryptids, so we say, come from... African spirituality.” (11:54)

6. Reality TV Experience

• Authenticity on Screen
  • Approaching the show, Ta'ya was determined to be herself, believing authenticity translates best to the audience.

    “I really approached the reality show of 'I'm going to be 100% myself at all times.'” (13:54)

• Memorable Challenge: The Worms
  • Fun recall of a "worm digging" challenge, highlighting who handled it best.

7. Sisterhood & Camaraderie

• The strongest element of Ta'ya’s pageant journey has been building genuine friendships and support networks among contestants.

  “We’re bonded for life. Like, these girls can never get rid of me at this point. I talk to them almost every day.” (15:11)

• Supportive Competition

  “We are really genuinely happy for each other. Like when Maddie won, I was so excited for her.” (16:06)

8. Childhood Lessons & Confidence

• Family Dynamics
  • Growing up as the only girl among many male cousins, Ta’ya gained “thick skin” and learned to be both assertive and nurturing.
• Learning to Stand Up for Herself
  • She explains it was adulthood and repeated experience (“you experience the same person in a different body”) that taught her to speak up.

    “You have to be classy and polite, but you also have to know when to stand up for yourself. And that is something that I learned later in life.” (17:39)

9. Philosophy: Manifesting Confidence and Impact

• Preparation and Mentality
  • Focuses on claiming her goals with “I am” statements, modeling active manifestation for her students and peers.

    “You are exactly what you think you are... you have to already claim what it is that you want to be and what you are.” (19:41)

  • Reference to a reality show exercise on positive affirmations.
• Impactful Legacy

  “I think making an impact is based on the way you make people feel when you walk into a room and you interact with them.” (20:45)

10. Long-term Vision

• Ta'ya sees herself long-term with the Miss Earth USA organization, serving in multiple roles, and continuing community impact.

  “I always see myself involved with Miss Earth USA in some way, shape, form, or fashion... I just can't see myself anywhere else.” (21:55)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Self-Discovery:

  “I just started wearing pink. So when I got into this whole phase of discovering who I am as a woman, that is really when I got comfortable wearing pink.” (02:44)

• On Coach Joanne:

  “He was the first person in the pageant industry to actually see me. He gave me another sense of confidence...” (04:05)

• On Sisterhood:

  “We’re bonded for life. Like, these girls can never get rid of me at this point.” (15:11)

• On Impact:

  “I think making an impact is based on the way you make people feel when you walk into a room and you interact with them.” (20:45)

• On Manifesting Success:

  “When I got my state title... I was already Miss Wisconsin Earth in my head by the time I hit submit on the application.” (19:41)

• On Affirmation:

  “Use 'I am' statements. …That is the mindset that I try to carry… and I try to instill in all my students and athletes.” (21:20)

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Important Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------|-----------| | Lady Code Challenge/Palette Concept | 01:39-03:30| | First Pageant Experience/Transformation | 03:43-05:00| | Growing up in Milwaukee / Representation | 05:07-06:47| | Introduction to Pageantry | 07:19-08:21| | Cheerleading/Coaching & Confidence | 08:44-10:11| | Cryptozoology & Sasquatch Chat | 10:11-13:36| | Reality TV: Authenticity & Challenges | 13:54-15:30| | Sisterhood/Camaraderie | 15:30-17:08| | Childhood Dynamics & Finding Her Voice | 17:19-18:52| | Manifestation/Philosophical Advice | 19:41-21:16| | Long-term Vision with Miss Earth USA | 21:55-22:34|

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Fun This-or-That Rapid Fire Q&A (24:16–26:37)

• Pep talk in the mirror or hype from your team?
  “Hype from my team.”
• Pageant walk or cheer routine?
  “Cheer routine, because I do them in my sleep.”
• Bigfoot or Loch Ness Monster?
  “Bigfoot.”
• UFO sighting or ghost encounter?
  “UFO sighting. Because I've... I want to see one from a distance again.”
• Fact check everything or trust your gut?
  “Fact check and then trust your gut.”
• Reality TV or real life transformation?
  “Real life transformation.”

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Where to Follow Ta'ya

• Instagram: @tayaimage (T A Y A I M A G E)

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Tone & Takeaways

Lisa and Ta'ya’s friendly, open, and empowering conversation charts the multi-dimensional journey of a modern pageant contestant. Listeners get actionable advice about confidence and manifestation (“You are exactly what you think you are”), warm laughs over cryptid lore, and insider perspective on the real-life bonds formed through the Miss Earth USA experience. More than a discussion on pageants, this episode resonates with anyone pursuing self-growth, leadership, and authentic connection.

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Transcript

[A]

Dive into summer with Vizkaya swimwear. Stylish, comfortable, unforgettable. Make a splash with Vizkaya swimwear. Discover your beauty with Lady Code cosmetics. Bold colors, flawless finishes. Unleash your confidence with Lady Code. Hello and welcome back to Ms. Represented. I'm your host, Lisa Opie. And before I introduce today's guest, I want to thank all of our sponsors for making this possible podcast possible today. I want to thank Pink Apple Dresses for dressing us in these fabulous outfits. We're going with a really fun vibe today. And the Code creatives for the amazing production of this podcast itself. And of course, Lady Code cosmetics for all of the glam. Today's guest is Taya Image. Taya is a standout voice in the Miss Earth USA community. A passionate educator, cheer coach, and model known for her unapologetic confidence and curiosity. Whether she's empowering young students, leading a team from the sidelines, or exploring her love of cryptozoology, Taya brings bold energy and heart into every space she enters. Through her work in education and pageantry, she champions sustainability, self expression, and showing up fully as yourself on stage and beyond. So welcome Taya.

[B]

Hi. Thank you for having me.

[A]

Oh, my gosh, of course. I had so much fun with you at Miss Earth USA Nationals, like, six months ago. I can't believe it's already been six months.

[B]

That time flew.

[A]

It flew. But I'm so happy you're back in our studio.

[B]

Yes. I'm so excited to be here. I love lady company.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. We love you back. So tell me about how you ended up here.

[B]

Okay. So I ended up here as a finalist for Miss Earth USA. There's 11 of us now, and we had a series of challenges to do to compete for the ultimate title of Ms. Earth USA. And one of them was our Lady Code challenge, and we had to sell palettes. But we also had the really cool, cool opportunity of creating our own concept of a palette and pitching it to Lisa. And so when I found out about that, I was like, yes, I'm going all in. Like, I love Lady Code, and I think that this would be a really good opportunity for any of us to win. And I was one of the three that were selected to be a part of this project. Maddie won first place, and she should have. Maddie put her heart and soul into her palette, and I am just grateful to be able to stand beside her and Kiara to do this.

[A]

Well, we had such a hard time as, like, the Lady Code team choosing because you had a really strong pitch as well. I loved the Pilates princess concept. And the day on, say, like, I remember that whole palette, and I'm like, you know what? Like, one day, we should still make that happen.

[B]

Like, I was just thinking. Trying to think of something that a lot of different women can relate to and that is really explicit, exploring their femininity. I grew up around all men, all boys, really. So for me, it was kind of a struggle, like, coming into even liking the color pink. I just started wearing pink. Yes. So I. When I got into this whole phase of, like, discovering who I am as a woman, that is really when I got comfortable wearing pink. So the concept for my palette was going from, like, the lighter hues of pink, that pink Pilates, the soft girl era, to that really fierce magenta, sparkly, to the more mature burgundy colors. So it was just exploring the different facets of myself as a woman.

[A]

I love it. I'm telling you. It's a really hard decision. And we were only supposed to pick one, but this is why we chose three, and there's three of you here, so I love the idea so much, and I heard from a little bird that this is your first pageant ever.

[B]

Yes, this is my first pageant ever. And a lot of people don't know that.

[A]

Yeah, because you have transformed, truly. When I think, is Joan coaching you?

[B]

He's. He helps me with my walk, because.

[A]

I think he told me he kind of saw you from the beginning to where you are now, and I'm like, oh, my gosh. I. I would never believe that, because you've turned into a pageant girl, and I feel like you've been doing this your whole life.

[B]

Joanne Romero Martinez, let me say he is the. He was the first person in the pageant industry to actually see me. He, like. He's the first. I'm gonna actually get emotional already so early. He was the first person to really believe in me in this industry, and he really gave me another sense of confidence that I needed to, like, really go as far as I did. He gave me the push that I needed. He was honest with me. He gave me advice. I took it, and I'm like, okay, I'm going full force. But, yes, this is my first pageant, but I've had a lot of stage experience in my life. I'm a theater kid. I've cheered my whole life. Dance. I did music. I used to rap back in the.

[A]

Day, when I found that out today, 14, 15.

[B]

I used to make music. So I'm not new to the stage. I'm new to the pageant stage. And it is very different, though. It was a new experience, for sure.

[A]

I kind of do want to back up a little bit and talk about your upbringing and how it was like growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

[B]

So Milwaukee is an interesting city. I love my city, but I think growing up in Milwaukee, it really. I would say it kind of prepared me for the pageant industry in the sense that there's a lot of different people from different backgrounds in Milwaukee. I honestly have been in predominantly black settings my entire life. I have never been in any setting where I was, like, the only black girl. Milwaukee is very diverse, but it's also the most segregated city in. In the nation. And so this was a new industry for me, and a lot of people don't know about pageantry. Where I'm from and doing shooting pretty down to Earth, that was actually the first time I was ever in a setting where I was the only black girl. So it was something new, and it was an experience I had to prepare for mentally. And it was, honestly, hands down, probably the best week of my life, really.

[A]

And I think I cry right now.

[B]

I think all of us can say that.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Well, I can't speak for everybody, but I know a lot of the girls that I've spoken to. We all feel that way. And I can't thank this organization enough for making me feel so comfortable and so seen. I know a lot of times in settings, as a woman of color, you can sometimes either stick out like a sore thumb or you feel like you don't belong. I never had not once felt like that the entire week or ever interacting with anyone in this organization. So I really thank them for being so open and always being available to me and to us. As a panel finalist, I love hearing.

[A]

That, and I'm so happy to hear that you had an amazing experience, and I feel like even in the makeup room six months ago, you were one of, like, the Ladyko team favorites. I think we were, like, fighting over your face. We wanted to use you for our campaign.

[B]

Like, you're just so beautiful.

[A]

Your energy is, like, magnetic. And we were like, oh, she needs to be in our promo videos.

[B]

So thank you.

[A]

We're lucky to have you. And now you're here shooting a billboard.

[B]

Yes. So fun. Like, I couldn't. I'm so grateful for this opportunity.

[A]

So what made you want to get into pageantry?

[B]

So I've always been interested in pageantry. I used to watch Toddlers and Tiaras as a kid all the time. When I was younger, my dad was always kind of like, oh, I Don't know.

[A]

Like, well, toddlers and tears will scare you. Yes. It's not like that at all.

[B]

Right. And as I got older, he was kind of the one to push me. Like, maybe you should. And I slept on it for a few years. Actually. I think the first time I considered it seriously was 2021, right after the pandemic. I remember it was like, January. I'm like, okay, I'm gonna compete in a pageant this year. Slept on it, overthought it for three years. And then last year, it was May. I was up at 3am in the morning, and I was like. I came across the Miss Earth USA organization, and I was like, you know what? I'm just gonna do it. And in the middle of the night, I submitted my application, and it went from there. So.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

It's really one of those things where you just have to do it. You can't overthink it. If you really want to do something, it's worse to regret it 20 years later that you didn't try it.

[A]

Exactly. So just look at you now. Like, look at how far you've come. You're on this reality show. You're iconic. Like, who knows what's gonna happen next week? I mean, there's just so many opportunities, so. Well, I'm so proud of you. So in your personal life, you're a coach and a cheerleader. So tell me about the skills and mindset that you built as a cheerleader and how they translate to passionate confidence and leadership.

[B]

Oof. Okay. So. So I was a cheerleader from ages 4 to 18, and then due to. I had a knee injury that I cheered on for about three years that I didn't tell a lot of people about. So when I graduated high school, I had to have surgery right after high school. So that kind of, like, brought my cheer career to an end, so to speak. I didn't cheer collegiately, but then about. What is that? Five, six years later, I came back to coach my first former high school team.

[A]

That's awesome.

[B]

The team that I was captain of.

[A]

So that's like, the dream, right?

[B]

That was always what I wanted to do, and it happened at the right time.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

And I'm an only child, so I got all my SK people skills from being a part of teams and dealing with. Like I said, I grew up with my uncles, my cousins, and they're all boys. So my interaction with women came from the cheer team. And I think that those interactions is what prepared me for, like, pretty down to earth and staying in a house with 10 other girls.

[A]

Kind of throw you for all the girly things.

[B]

This is. Okay, so, like, I know what to do.

[A]

You were ready.

[B]

And especially with working with a bunch of 16 year olds. Now it's like, oh, okay. So now I know how to go about this.

[A]

Yeah. If you can do 16 year olds, I think pageant girls.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Easy. For sure.

[B]

For sure. They probably texted me right now about something. I'm like, oh, my gosh. They text me all throughout the day.

[A]

Okay, I have to admit, when I was reading your bio, I have no idea how to pronounce this or what it is. What is cryptozoology. So.

[B]

Cryptozoology. Yes, you did. Cryptozoology is the study of animals that are either extinct or have not been scientifically proven to exist.

[A]

Wow, that's really cool. I'm into that.

[B]

Yeah. So it's like Sasquatch and Chupacabra, Loch Ness monster, Mothman, things like that.

[A]

Okay. So do you believe, like there's a Sasquatch?

[B]

I do now.

[A]

There's been a lot of cases where people haven't seen it, right?

[B]

I do. And that could be a whole nother episode in itself. I believe it just based on. Well, I just hosted a conference in. Back in. Back home in Wisconsin last month, two months ago. And I saw some evidence and I've heard some stories. I have never gone on a search myself, but not because I'm afraid to see the Sasquatch. I'm afraid of the other things to see, like going out west. I'm grizzlies and mountain lions.

[A]

Yeah. Because we're afraid of things that have been proven.

[B]

So that is why. But I do plan to do maybe like a group squatch trip one day though.

[A]

I mean, there's. They're everywhere. The stories are everywhere.

[B]

I wanted to do it upstate New York for pretty Earth. I thought that would have been a hilarious episode for us to go out into the woods.

[A]

But I think they're camera shy probably.

[B]

Yeah, for sure.

[A]

Another crazy thing I've heard in the makeup chair. I work with a lot of Miss Universe Haiti girls.

[B]

They believe in mermaids and sirens.

[A]

Is crazy. When I did a deep dive into it because they know people that I've seen, seen mermaids. I'm like, I'm never going in the ocean again. It's so scary.

[B]

And so a lot of those myths or cryptids, so we say, come from a like African spirituality. So a lot of people's theories on the sirens or mermaids in Hades or those are the spirits of The African slaves that decided to that chose the water over bondage. So those are the theories behind would.

[A]

That go into cryptozoology or is it something else?

[B]

Okay.

[A]

There's no evidence of mermaids. I love how we're in this huge like sidetrack, but it's so interesting to me. So let's just keep going.

[B]

There are, how do I say it? There are theories of mermaids being like cryptids, but then also like you can go into more like spirituality too. Yeah.

[A]

That's crazy.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

What's your favorite one?

[B]

Sasquatch.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Because that's the one that I've always been into. Since I was a kid. I've studied Sasquatch.

[A]

Yeah. And I just think that one has the most cases where people have seen.

[B]

It and it makes a lot. If you really, really study it, it makes a lot of sense. Especially depending on what you believe in, it makes a lot of sense. If you want to talk like, you can even go back to like evolution and all that kind of stuff.

[A]

What would you do if you saw one?

[B]

I would probably pass out. I always. Because I'm into, I got into it because my uncle was into it. Hunch. He's he love like he's a cryptozoologist itself. Oh my God. And so then me and my dad kind of joined the bandwagon too. And I think like, I think I would just pass out and I always tell him like I, if I did see a Sasquatch, it would have to be from a distance and it would have to be daytime. Like I want to see like in the car. Seriously?

[A]

We're not going to be in the woods at night?

[B]

I don't know. Not face to face at all? No.

[A]

Oh my gosh, I'm glad we're talking about this now. I just came back from a camping trip and I probably wouldn't have done that if I knew. Anyways, our next talking point is reality TV to real life. So what have you learned from your experiences on screen and how has it influenced your self awareness and goals?

[B]

Oh, I think honestly that's a good question. But I really approached the reality show of I'm going to be 100%, 100% myself at all times. I think that was the easiest way to go about it because if you go in there too self aware, it's not going to be authentic on camera one. And then that is when you really like start stuttering. You can tell when somebody is not being authentic. So I think it just. I translated how I am in real life. On camera and vice versa.

[A]

And watching the show, I think it shows. Even, like, when you were digging for the worms.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

All the girls kept it together, but you were like.

[B]

Yeah, I know. Like, anybody says they. Unless, like, Sydney said she likes worms. That's different.

[A]

That's different.

[B]

So she enjoyed it. But if you don't like worms, like.

[A]

I don't want to put my fingers in there.

[B]

Oh, my gosh.

[A]

Okay, speaking of the worm challenge, were you mostly team pink or team green?

[B]

I think the majority of the challenges, I was team pink.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

And one of two. I was green with. With John. Yes.

[A]

Awesome. What was your favorite part about filming? Ooh.

[B]

Honestly, and I'm not saying this because it sounds good, but I really think bonding with the girls was my favorite part of the experience. Even though it was freezing. I don't know if you can tell on camera how freezing.

[A]

We couldn't tell, but I've heard about it now.

[B]

We were freezing. And honestly, I wouldn't change that either, because I think those moments of in between scenes, sharing one blanket to three girls, those are the moments that really brought us together. And, like, we're bonded for life. Like, these girls can never get rid of me at this point. Like, I talk to them almost every day. At least one of them, for sure.

[A]

And you're here with two of them right now. Yes.

[B]

So I wouldn't change the experience at all.

[A]

Do you have, like, a bestie from the whole experience?

[B]

Well, I. I have. I love all the girls for different reasons. Like, I have a special bond with each. Like, Sydney, Gia. Like, all of them. We. I love them all, honestly.

[A]

Same. I love all of them. After, like, getting to know them through their pitches, I'm like, this is an amazing group of girls.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I'm actually, like, really sad that Pretty down to Earth is coming to an end.

[B]

Yes. And I think the. The unique thing about this group of girls is we're really genuinely happy for each other. Like, when we win, like, when Maddie won, I was so excited for her.

[A]

I saw that video, and I was like, oh, my God.

[B]

Because she, like, Maddie is so genuine, and I know that she really put her heart and soul into her palette.

[A]

She did.

[B]

So when we win, like, we are really excited for each other. Yeah.

[A]

That makes me so happy.

[B]

So, like, the results on Sunday, like, we are, like, we really love each other, and I think all of us are gonna support whoever wins, regardless.

[A]

Do you think that feeling would have been the same if there was no reality show and it was just, like, a weekend pageant?

[B]

No, yeah. Because I knew I got to meet some of the girls during prelims. And of course, like, you see each other in the hallway during rehearsals, some of the events. But when you're staying, like, living together for a week, you get bonded on a whole nother level. And you have to share bra pads. Like, I'm wearing Maddy's bra pads right now. That's a fun fact. Like when you have to. Like when you're eating together, waking up together, like, you get bonded in a whole nother level. So I don't think that we would be. Be as close as we are now.

[A]

That makes me so happy. And I'm really hoping that they continue this format because I'm really enjoying following it along. And like, watching the reality show gives us more access to get to know you all on a deeper level.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah, I love that. So tell me about your childhood. What were you like growing up with all the boys?

[B]

So this is very funny. I am an only child. Like I said, I'm an only child. But I have a ton of cousins and they're all boys. And I was only girl, so that hasn't been hard.

[A]

But fun.

[B]

Yeah. Because I think it gave me thick skin in a sense. But they also still, like, I was like the princess of the family. I was very bossy at home, like, with them.

[A]

I was really bossy.

[B]

Like, I had one cousin, I was always putting makeup on him. The other one, I'm making him play with my Barbies. I love that they're doing whatever I say. But honestly, at school, I was very shy. I was like, I was always afraid to shake the room or shake the table. I always. I always. What's the word I want to say? I never wanted to be the one in trouble or disappoint anybody. And I think as an adult, that's when I kind of came into, like. No, when you are. When you carry yourself that way, people are going to run over you. You have. You can be classy and polite, but you also have to know when to stand up for yourself. And that is something that I learned later in life. I didn't learn that as a kid.

[A]

I learned specific incident that you can recall that major.

[B]

I don't think there was one. I think over time, you. You have different experiences, and you experience the same person in a different body. Yeah. That is when you decide, okay, something has to change.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I think that's what it was.

[A]

That's so important. I'm learning that the hard way, too. And I feel like the more Successful you become, the more you're on people's radars and then you get those hey girl messages. So it's really hard.

[B]

Yeah. You have to fall on your face a couple times.

[A]

Yeah. Before you realize like, okay, yeah, definitely 100%. Is there anything else you want to share with our audience before we get into this or that portion of this?

[B]

Make sure you watch Pretty down to Earth. For sure.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Make sure you watch me. I'm Pretty down to Earth and my, my sister queens. We. This is a project that I don't think there's anything like it on any other network. I think you're really going to enjoy it.

[A]

I'm loving it. And I can't wait for tonight's episode. And actually. Okay, two more questions. Because you are competing for Ms. Earth USA, right. So if you won the crown, what would your reign be like? What would your legacy be?

[B]

I think my legacy. How do I want to word this and I want to overthink it? I think that I just want girls, and not even girls, everyone to know that you are exactly what you think you are. And so if you go into something with a mindset, I don't know, I don't know if I can, I don't know if I should do this, then it's never going to work. You have to already claim what it is that you want to be and what you are. When I got my state title, Miss Wisconsin Earth, I had. I was already Miss Wisconsin Earth in my head by the time I hit submit on the application. And I try to approach everything in life like that. That way you're already prepping and planning for it and it's already yours. So all of my goals for Miss Earth as Ms. Earth USA are pre planned. Like, I already know the way I want to carry myself, the things that I want to do, the people I want to touch. And I really think it's about making an impact on people. And I think making an impact is based on the way you make people feel when you walk into a room and you interact with them. So.

[A]

Okay, so I've done like 60 episodes on misrepresentative. So I talked to 60 accomplished women. Right. And that has to be some of the best advice that I've heard because there's, you know, the advice that's like, be yourself and stay true to yourself. But this advice is like something where I'm like, wow, like people need to hear this and I needed to hear that. So, yeah. Thank you for sharing that.

[B]

I try to tell my, my athletes and my students that all the time. Like, you know, you are. Like, if you have this mindset, you become everything that you think it's, like.

[A]

Manifestation, but you're taking it to the next level.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Like, you already are.

[B]

Like, it's already yours. Don't speak in the present tense.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So you say when this. Like, don't say. Okay, when I become this. Don't say I am. Use I am statements. And that's something actually, when you'll see this on an episode when Nisha Adams actually talked about that, we did a. We did a communications exercise on the show, and we had to do I am statements. And I think that that. And I resonated with that because that is the mindset that I try to carry anyways. And I try to instill in all my students and athletes.

[A]

Wow. That was really good. Amazing. I'm speechless. But I do have one more question, and that is, where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?

[B]

And this is not saying this to. To pub. The organization, but I always see myself involved with Ms. Earth USA in some way, shape, form, or fashion. I've had such a good experience that I just can't see myself anywhere else. I always. In some way. And I know that. I think Sydney and I were talking about that. We were like, we love this organization. Like, I've. I'm never leaving like, that me. Oh, my gosh, I'm never leaving. So I see myself still working in pageantry in some way. And of course, like, I want to have a family by then, but we trust in God's timing. So whatever he sees from me is what I want in 10 years.

[A]

I'm right there with you. I think I've been with Ms. Earth USA for, like, 10 years now. From the beginning, because I met Laura in 2009, and that's a long time. I just knew, like, this woman is everything. We stayed in touch. I came on board as the makeup artist for Miss Earth usa, and I have never left. And I love this organization. It's like a family, and you are a part of that family now, so you're not going anywhere.

[B]

Laura is a powerhouse.

[A]

She's amazing.

[B]

Laura is a powerhouse power.

[A]

That's who I want to be when I grow up. Yes.

[B]

Laura Clark is a powerhouse.

[A]

Yeah. She's such a good role model.

[B]

I was saying me and Maddie were saying while we were prepping, like, we want to. We want to be Lisa, Obi, Brittany, Ann Payne, and Laura Clark all together. Like, we could, like, combine those three and, like, become those People like, that's what we want to be when we grow up.

[A]

Well, we're all in your family, so I love that, and I love seeing people grow through pageantry. And I think we all, like me, Laura and Brittany have all started and got to where we are because of beauty pageants. Yes. So I can't wait to see where this takes you.

[B]

Thank you. I'm excited.

[A]

Yeah. Okay, so let's get to our this or that questions. This is just really fun. Okay, so first one is pep talk in the mirror or hype from your team.

[B]

Okay, I'm gonna say hype from my team.

[A]

Yeah. Beat off that energy just for a very specific reason.

[B]

And that's because there's something. Well, this will air after the episode, I think so. Okay. Before our surprise interviews on Pretty down to Earth, Brittany gave me this really hype pep talk. Beforehand. I had no reason. I didn't know why she was doing it. And that really gave me the boost that I needed. So pep talk for my team, for sure. I love that.

[A]

And I love that Brittany did that pageant walk or cheer routine.

[B]

At this point, I'm still gonna say cheer routine because I do them in my sleep.

[A]

Yeah, it's easier. It's less pressure. Maybe because you're not being judged.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Bigfoot or Loch Ness monster?

[B]

Bigfoot.

[A]

Yeah, we knew that. Sorry. I made these before the interview. UFO sighting or ghost encounter?

[B]

Oh, UFO sighting. Because I've. Yeah, I've never. I want to see one from a distance again. Oh, my gosh.

[A]

Fact check everything or trust your gut intuition.

[B]

I think that you have to fact check and then trust your gut.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Like, you can check the facts and then go with what you feel is best.

[A]

That's true. That's a really good approach. Lesson plan or hands on activity?

[B]

This is hands on activity.

[A]

Hands on activity the same. I can't retain anything in a book inspiring with structure or leading with heart. Lead him with heart in pageantry. Would you rather have a crowning moment or backstage bonding?

[B]

Oh, that's a hard question.

[A]

Someone gets both.

[B]

Yes, someone gets both. I would say at this point, crowning moment. Because I have my sisters.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

I have my sisters. We're bonded already.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

I like that. Yeah.

[A]

Full glam or fresh faced on everyday?

[B]

Fresh face. Okay.

[A]

Reality TV or real life transformation?

[B]

Real life transformation.

[A]

Oh, I love it. A Runway strut or camera close up?

[B]

Runway strut.

[A]

Love it. And last question. Netflix binge or conspiracy theory? YouTube spiral?

[B]

Netflix binge.

[A]

What are you watching on Netflix right now?

[B]

Dcc Dallas Cowboys oh, my God.

[A]

Yes. I need to watch it.

[B]

I was watching it. That's almost why I missed my flight yesterday because I couldn't step away from the tv. Watching the new season. The new season is good.

[A]

I can't wait to watch. I already know, like, who makes it because obviously they posted.

[B]

But yes, I love Jada. She is, I think, a first, first team leader this year. Love Jada.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

She's. She's everything. I can't wait she doesn't bite her tongue.

[A]

I love Jada.

[B]

If you see this, you're my girl.

[A]

Oh, can't wait. Well, thank you so much for coming on. Where can we follow you on social media?

[B]

You can follow me on Instagram at taya image. It's t a y a I m a g e. Awesome.

[A]

Thank you so much for coming on.

[B]

Thank you for having me, Lisa. So fun.