Miss Represented Podcast: Episode 42 – Miss Vizcaya Swimwear Jada Kelly

Release Date: August 16, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 42 of the Miss Represented Podcast, host Lisa Opie welcomes back Jada Kelly, the reigning Miss Vizcaya Swimwear. Dressed in a charming purple ensemble from Pinkapple Dresses, both host and guest set a vibrant tone for the conversation. The episode delves deep into Jada’s experiences, insights, and growth within the pageant and modeling industry.

Jada Kelly's Journey with Vizcaya Swimwear

Jada Kelly shares her enduring relationship with Vizcaya Swimwear, highlighting her participation over three consecutive years. Reflecting on her journey, Jada recounts her initial foray into pageantry:

"Two years ago, it was the first time I competed and I came back. Oh, I placed in the top 12... I just wanted to put all my focus on Miss Earth USA." [01:03]

Her dedication paid off when she decided to compete once more, ultimately capturing the coveted crown.

Transition from Assistant to Competitor

Jada discusses her role as an assistant to photographer Reza during her second year at Vizcaya. This behind-the-scenes experience provided her with invaluable knowledge and support:

"I helped with posing, gave moral support, helped with makeup or hair... I was just there for them." [03:20]

Balancing her commitment to Miss Earth USA while assisting allowed her to remain engaged without diluting her focus.

Pageant Insights and Advice

Delving into the nuances of pageantry, Jada contrasts her initial experiences with subsequent competitions. She emphasizes the reduced stress levels and the opportunity to relax by the pool:

"A lot less stressful. You can really just hang back and relax by the pool when you have downtime." [02:10]

When discussing interviews, she admits her initial apprehensions but acknowledges the friendly and welcoming nature of the judges:

"The judges were always super friendly and welcoming. They just really want to get to know you as a person." [03:05]

Her advice to aspiring pageant participants centers on authenticity and genuine interactions:

"Just be honest. Whatever is on your mind, just say it... have a conversation with the judges because that's what's relatable." [22:36]

The Lady Code Campaign and Content Creation

This year marked the introduction of the Lady Code Campaign, a collaborative effort to select three girls for a social media competition related to Sunrise to Stardust Body Oil. Jada was handpicked for her exceptional content creation skills:

"You have to have like a certain eye for it... TikTok is the new Google. Search that product up, type UGC afterward." [07:00]

Her adeptness at producing engaging and relevant content underscores her influence and expertise in the digital space.

Behind the Scenes: Photo Shoots and Campaigns

Jada reflects on her memorable photo shoots with fellow participants Bryn and Natasha:

"I loved us in the nude bikinis, shooting with the products all together and individually." [09:05]

Another standout moment was her sequined gown walk in the water, an exhilarating challenge that showcased her versatility:

"I was like, oh, sequined gown. I'm like, you're gonna be really uncomfortable, but just go right." [09:13]

These experiences not only enhanced her portfolio but also solidified her presence in the modeling arena.

Improvements and Success in This Year's Competition

Jada attributes her success in this year's Vizcaya competition to meticulous preparation and strong familial support:

"Having my family there was a big motivation for me. It took away a lot of stress because I wasn't there by myself." [09:44]

She also highlights the positive changes in the judging process:

"We had an all-woman judging panel, which I loved. They wanted to know about my personality and what I do for modeling." [10:41]

These factors collectively contributed to her winning the title.

Personal Background and Growth

Jada opens up about her childhood, revealing her unique cultural heritage as both Black and Korean. Raised as an only child, she was initially shy but gradually overcame her reticence through participation in pageants and extracurricular activities:

"Growing up, I'm black and Korean... she instilled being a strong woman." [17:15]

Her involvement in cheerleading, playing the flute, and being part of bands in middle school played a pivotal role in her personal development:

"I was a cheerleader. I played the flutes. I was in bands. So I had friends all over, and I just talked to everyone." [20:13]

Hair and Makeup Tips

Jada shares her beauty regimen, emphasizing the importance of primer and setting sprays to maintain flawless makeup during the summer heat:

"Put on primer... setting your skin with setting spray is key." [24:34]

She recommends specific products:

"D'Alba for the truffle one for hydration and the one by Patrick Star for waterproof." [25:02]

Additionally, she highlights Lady Code Body Glow as an essential part of her daily routine.

Rapid-Fire Q&A

In a fun and engaging rapid-fire segment, Jada responds to a series of light-hearted questions:

• Shopping Preference: "I love shopping online." [25:55]

• Runway or Photo Shoot: "Photo shoot." [26:19]

• Coffee or Tea: "I like coffee... I only like, like, boba tea." [26:27]

• Swim Week or Fashion Week: "Swim week." [26:44]

• Two-Piece or One-Piece: "Two piece." [26:52]

• Glimpse into Future Projects: Designing her own swimsuit remains in its nascent stage, but excitement is palpable:

  "I'm super excited." [27:06]

• Lashes or Mascara: "I'm a lashes girly. I can't go without them." [27:07]

• East Coast or West Coast: "East coast. I love Florida and New York." [27:28]

• Clean Girl or Mob Wife Aesthetic: "Clean girl." [27:32]

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Jada Kelly encourages listeners to follow her on social media to stay updated on her journey as Miss Vizcaya Swimwear. Lisa Opie extends gratitude to Jada for her candid and inspiring participation, leaving listeners motivated and eager for more empowering stories.

"Make sure you follow Jada and stay tuned for all the amazing things she's going to be doing as Ms. Biskaya swimwear this year." [28:34]

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity is paramount in interviews and personal interactions within the pageant sphere.
• Preparation and Support from family play crucial roles in achieving success.
• Content Creation skills, especially on platforms like TikTok, are invaluable for modern influencers and models.
• Personal Growth through pageantry extends beyond titles, fostering communication skills and confidence.

Follow Jada Kelly:

• Personal Instagram: @hejadakelly
• Miss Vizcaya Swimwear Instagram: @missvizcayaswimwear

Stay connected to witness Jada’s continued ascent in the modeling and pageant world!