Miss Represented: Teona Kbilashvili [Episode 58]

Summary

Miss Represented Podcast: Episode 58 – Featuring Teona Kbilashvili

Release Date: July 23, 2025
Host: Lisa Opie
Guest: Teona Kbilashvili, Miss Grand Central New York 2025

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Introduction

In Episode 58 of the Miss Represented podcast, host Lisa Opie welcomes Teona Kbilashvili, known affectionately as Tay Tay, the reigning Miss Grand Central New York 2025. Teona is an international model, content creator, and a dynamic presence in both the fashion and pageantry worlds. This episode delves into Teona's inspiring journey from her roots in Georgia to her rise in New York's competitive landscapes.

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Background and Early Life

Growing Up Between Two Worlds

Teona shares her unique experience of being born in Georgia (the country) and relocating to New York at the age of 13. This significant move shaped her identity, blending her rich cultural heritage with the vibrant energy of New York City.

• Teona [01:34]: "I love New York. It's my second home. Both Georgia and New York feel like home to me."

Challenges of Relocation

Adjusting to a new country presented challenges, including overcoming language barriers and cultural differences. Despite these obstacles, Teona adapted quickly, though she humorously notes her accent has grown stronger over time.

• Teona [02:48]: "After six months, I was like, okay, I'm good... but my accent is getting stronger."

• Lisa Opie [03:22]: "I love your accent. It gives you an edge."

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Journey into Modeling and Pageantry

From Dreams to Reality

Teona's passion for modeling ignited in her youth, often creating impromptu fashion shows in her village. Although she initially considered a career in the medical field, her unwavering passion led her to pursue modeling full-time after high school.

• Teona [05:04]: "Modeling was always my dream... I just decided let me do whatever I am passionate about."

Rise in the Modeling Industry

Over seven years, Teona established herself as a full-time model, participating in New York Fashion Week and international shows in Dubai and Japan. Her dedication and relentless effort solidified her reputation in the fashion world.

Embracing Pageantry

Feeling a deeper calling, Teona ventured into pageantry, particularly finding her place in Miss Grand competitions. Her involvement allowed her to express her true self and challenge societal stereotypes.

• Teona [07:35]: "Miss grand is about being grand, being who you are... be bold. It's something that felt very natural to me."

• Lisa Opie [09:18]: "I love that... You're glowing and shining more than you used to be."

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Insights and Lessons Learned

Overcoming Industry Pressures

Navigating the modeling and pageant industries, Teona faced pressures to conform to specific standards. Her resilience shines through as she discusses maintaining her authentic self amidst these challenges.

• Teona [12:20]: "If anything is a problem, it's not about me, it's about them. Just follow your path and follow your goals."

Aha Moments and Personal Growth

Teona recounts pivotal moments that shifted her perspective, particularly around body image and self-acceptance. These experiences fostered her confidence and commitment to her goals.

• Teona [14:22]: "If anything is a problem, it's not about me, it's about them... Just keep your space clean, your mentality, your health."

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Highlights from the Conversation

Favorite Modeling Destinations

Teona shares her top three favorite places she's modeled, highlighting the cultural diversity and unique experiences each location offers.

• Teona [15:31]: "Top one is Japan, top two is Dubai, and third is Puerto Rico."

Funny Ethnicity Mix-Up

A delightful anecdote from Teona's time in the Dominican Republic showcases the international appeal of her features.

• Teona [16:00]: "He kept asking, 'Are you from Thailand?' I wanted to say yes!"

Supportive Pageant Community

Teona emphasizes the supportive and familial environment within the Miss Grand community, contrasting it with her previous experiences.

• Teona [17:57]: "They treat us the same. It feels like I'm part of the big sisterhood and the family."

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Advice for Aspiring Models and Pageant Participants

Starting in Modeling

Teona advises aspiring models to connect with reputable agencies, build a strong portfolio, and embrace their unique personalities.

• Teona [25:31]: "Find yourself and find your personality. Try to get connected to the right people. Good networking."

Embracing Authenticity

Her key message revolves around self-acceptance and authenticity, encouraging individuals to pursue their dreams without fear of judgment.

• Teona [26:18]: "Don't exaggerate things and just be yourself... Fall in love with yourselves."

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Fun Segment: This or That

Teona engages in a lighthearted "This or That" segment, revealing personal preferences that highlight her personality and style.

• New York Street Style vs. Parisian Chic:
  Teona: "I love New York street style. It's so diverse and bold."

• Passport Full of Stamps vs. Closet Full of Shoes:
  Teona: "I need both, but definitely traveling over shoes."

• Travel Solo or Group Adventure:
  Teona: "I prefer traveling solo. It feels more calm."

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Conclusion

Teona Kbilashvili's journey is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and unwavering passion. From overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers to thriving in the competitive worlds of modeling and pageantry, her story inspires listeners to embrace their true selves and pursue their dreams relentlessly.

• Teona [27:08]: "Go for it now. Today is the time. Do it now."

Follow Teona:

• Instagram: tete_97
• Miss Grand Central New York Official Page: MissGrandCentralNY

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Transcript

[Lisa Opie]

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 Misrepresented. I'm your host, Lisa Opie and the. And before I introduce today's guest, I have to thank Pink Apple dresses for dressing both of us for today's episode, and of course, the code creatives for production and Lady Code Cosmetics for our glam. Today's guest is Teona, and she is Miss Grand Central New York. She is known to most as Tay Tay, a bold and creative force in the world of fashion and pageantry. Born in Georgia and raised in New York, she's a proud blend of cultural heritage and city grit. Teona is an international model, content creator, and of course, the reigning Miss Grand Central New York 2025. She's graced the pages of global magazines, walked for luxury designers, and brought fearless energy to every shoot. She's on her mission to inspire confidence, challenge stereotypes, and to empower the next generation to pursue their dreams without hesitation. Welcome, Teona.

[Teona]

Hello. Thanks for having me.

[Lisa Opie]

Of course. This was so last minute. I know you went through some crazy, crazy airport cancellations to get here. It's been a mission. So thank you for taking the time to be on the podcast.

[Teona]

Of course. I love to be here. I'm excited and I'm glad that I made it.

[Lisa Opie]

I know. Me too. So, okay, in your bio, I read that you're from Georgia but raised in New York. And some people don't know this, but you're not from Georgia the state. You're from Georgia the country. So what was it like growing being born in Georgia and then growing up in New York?

[Teona]

So I get that a lot. So once I mentioned I'm from Georgia, they always say, oh, you're from state of Georgia, but, yeah, I'm from country Georgia. Beautiful country Georgia. Raised in New York. When I was 13, my family moved out to New York, so we stayed here, continued life. I love New York. It's my second home. I love my country and I love New York. So both of them are my home to me. It feels like home home to me, both of them.

[Lisa Opie]

I feel like 13 is such a big age where you change countries. I moved states when I was 12, and that was hard for me. So what were some challenges that you faced when you moved to a completely different country, or were you excited?

[Teona]

I. I was excited. New York was like, dream for me. But When I came here, so it's in Georgian country. We. We didn't, like, really learn English. It was mostly, like, German. But when I came here, I faced so much.

[Lisa Opie]

Many.

[Teona]

Obstacles. Yes. Language barrier, and then people, culture. Everything was different. But I. I could catch up with it so fast. So after six months, I was like, okay, I'm good, but I think. I think time goes. But my accent is getting stronger. It's supposed to be opposite. Like, I started so nicely in the school and everything, but I think once I'm getting older, I think it turns back, like, I'm going back to Georgia, but I don't know what happens.

[Lisa Opie]

But I love your accent. I feel like it gives you, like, an edge, you know? I love it. It's part of who you are.

[Teona]

Yes, it's part of who. Who I am. I love it too. But it's just. I don't know, it happens maybe because of the environment that I'm in. Mostly it's in New York is very diverse, and it's a lot of different people, so. So I feel like that's. That affects me a lot. But I love New York, too. Definitely. I raised in New York, so that.

[Lisa Opie]

What surprised you the most when you moved to New York? What were your expectations? And like, what's something where you were like, oh, this is not what I thought it would be?

[Teona]

So my expectation was like, oh, it was like my dream country. I felt like everything was perfect. Like in the movies, it's like, everything's so perfect and smooth. And I came here. It's just. It was different. It was a lot of noise, a lot of drama. I would say sensitive people around, and I was not used to it because in my country, people are very strong in different mentality. Like, people don't take seriously those kind of small words that we. I was. Had trouble with, to deal with in school. I would say, like, small, tiny bit something. And then people get super sensitive about it.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, gosh.

[Teona]

So that was really difficult for me because the. My country is a different culture and mentality. We say things, things for fun, but we never meant to. But those things were, like, different, like cultural things.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah, that's so true. And I feel like that's like, that all over America, not just New York. For sure.

[Teona]

Yeah.

[Lisa Opie]

But now you, like, became a model. So I want to know how you got started in modeling.

[Teona]

Modeling was always my dream, and then it became a goal. So when I was a little, I always used to dress up and, you know, model by myself in the. In the. In my I used to, when I used to go with my grandmother and grandfather, I used to make a little shows for the whole village, like a fashion show. And my sister used to sing oh my God. And I was like putting the performance with the dresses and all of that. It's just a. I wish I had like the memory box to just show the people how crazy it looks like me going like a dresses and pausing all the time. And then over time when came here, I graduated school and I started. I wanted to go in the medical field because my family is. My mom is a medical field, my aunt is medical field. But know it's something into me that it was always pulling me to go with my inner self. Like something that I was passionate about. And I just one day I just decided let me just do whatever I am passionate about. And I just stopped going to school, stop from doing any work. And I just went for the modeling agency and they told me, okay, you're so beautiful, we can get started. So I just did my headshots and portfolio and I did one show, another show and. And then I get so much experience and after that I fall in love with it. And since then I'm like, I'm stuck in there for seven years. Seven years non stop. I'm a full time model. I enjoy what I do, every minute of it. And since I started as a fashion model, I did a lot of New York Fashion Week and I continue going for internationals like Dubai, Japan and had girls to train. So it was a lot of stuff that goes was going on with me. But then the different thing came to my life. It was the pageantry and I was like, oh my God. So I felt like something was still missing and that was the part of me that that was missing. So I needed to be in a pageant. So I went to attend Miss New York. That was my first experience in pageantry. And even though I didn't make it to top 20 or I didn't make it to top five or it didn't really matter to me because I was so inspired that I felt like I was in the right place. But it was just beginning because I had no experience. So I thought, oh, this is a great start. And then I gather my people around me. They gave me a lot of knowledge about pageantry. And I felt like that was something that I needed to do and that was my goal for a future. And I, I did it. I went for Ms. Grand. Ms. Grand is something that is really relates to me because I'm very like different person inside. Like I feel like I need to express myself wherever I go. I love myself, and I love to show people who I am and not to pretend. So I feel like the Miss grand is. Is going grand. Being grand, being who you are. Express it and show it, and don't be afraid of it. Be bold. Be authentic. It's just. It's something that felt very natural to me. And then once I found out, find out about Miss grand competition, I'm like.

[Lisa Opie]

Okay, yes, this is. That's literally how this is me.

[Teona]

And I feel like people around me, they also see me, like, glowing and shining more than I used to be. So I feel like I'm in the right spot. And I wish. I wish I could do the best on the stage. So show the world and show everyone who I am and what is my purpose of the pageantry as well.

[Lisa Opie]

I love that. And I. We talked about this when I was doing your makeup today, but I was like, you know, when I worked my first Miss grand pageant for one client, I was like, oh, this is where I belong, even as a hair and makeup artist, because I'm so extra and I'm so glam, and I love that grand doesn't hold back. And they just let you be yourself and be that diva and just be yourself. You know, there's no, like, oh, well, you know, you have to dress a certain way and act a certain way. Like, there's none of that going on at Grand.

[Teona]

Yes. And I, I, I, I heard what you said, and I was like, oh, my God, we are so related.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah, totally.

[Teona]

And it's. It was so natural working with you. It was. I don't know. It felt so natural, and I enjoyed every minute of it as well.

[Lisa Opie]

I love my grand girls. So I guess we already talked about why Miss grand, because obviously it's where we belong. What are you the most excited for at Nationals?

[Teona]

I'm excited about a final day with a gown.

[Lisa Opie]

Yes.

[Teona]

I think that's the most dreamy, exciting thing for the pageant. Show out with your dream dress on the stage and shine and be the. The queen.

[Lisa Opie]

I heard you're getting a custom dress. Do you have any hints about your dress?

[Teona]

I do, but I would just hold that to it and not cheer.

[Lisa Opie]

Okay.

[Teona]

Because I think it's going to be a grand because we are in the process of a couple designers. They're working on it, so I'm sure it will be grand. And I'm so excited about it.

[Lisa Opie]

I just know it's going to be amazing because we're here shooting today. With the code creatives and the dresses that you brought, every single one of them. I'm like, oh, my gosh. And we still have one more look to shoot, by the way. I'm the most excited for that one.

[Teona]

Something else for that, like a different style.

[Lisa Opie]

So what is one thing that you learned on your road to Ms. Grand or through pageantry that changed your life forever?

[Teona]

Yes, it changes my life because I change my point of view of seeing things in different way. So I started looking at things like, oh, it's okay. It's okay if you're not on top five. It's okay if you are not top five, 10, or anything like that. As long as you are there and you're present in the moment, it doesn't matter how it goes when whatever happens. Just enjoying the moment and be present.

[Lisa Opie]

I love that. That's such good advice. And on that note, so you're in two industries where they try to mold you, right? Like with a model, they're like, oh, to be a model, you have to look like this and be this tall and weigh this much and look this hair color, whatever. Pageants can be the same. So what is it like being in that industry and are you following those rules?

[Teona]

That's a great question. And I would just want to go back to my story. When I started, I would say there was my first designer for the first show. She told me she got ang great because I gained two pounds.

[Lisa Opie]

Two pounds?

[Teona]

Yeah.

[Lisa Opie]

You can't even tell.

[Teona]

She was. She was measuring us on the. On the. On the weight. And she told me that I couldn't make it to the show. So she just. She was like, go home. And I left. I left the show and I came back home and I was like, it's okay. Because I. It really never affect me to change perspective, seeing myself in different way. It was just. I accepted every. Everything that they told me, but it was not that I agreed to them. It was just like, okay, let me. Yeah, it's your opinion. But it doesn't shape me in different way in the pageants. I feel the same way. I don't need to fit in. I just need to be present and show my best self at the stage. Because everybody's body is different. They shape differently. I can go get skinnier as much as other people can do. I cannot have longer legs that other people do. But I am the pretty as the way I am. And it was very sensitive for me too. When you start in young, age is different. Your mentality is weaker and it becomes more Stronger you get, you get all these comments very seriously, but once you get older, it's just. It's nothing. It was just something that you imagine. It was strong, but it was so much lighter. Just follow your dreams, follow your goals. Make your dreams, become your goals and just face it. Don't get afraid of obstacles. Don't get afraid of other people's opinion. Just follow your path and it will happen. And as long as you keep consistency of your work and be bold and not be afraid who you are. Yes.

[Lisa Opie]

What was the moment in your career when you realized that? Because I know, I'm sure in the beginning we were all like, insecure and like, you know, overthinking everything. What was like, did you have like an aha moment where you were like, oh, I don't have to care so much?

[Teona]

I had that maybe in early age, when I was 17, 18, I had those moments when people told me, oh, you're a little bit big for modeling, You're a bit fat for modeling. You know, you're body shapes bigger. But now it's. It's a good thing. But before then it was not a good thing. And I, I was kind of. Maybe in some point I was trying to hide it, those parts not to be much seen, maybe in certain age. But then after I realized that, okay, no, no, if anything is a problem, it's not about me, it's about them. So let me just keep my space clean, my mentality, my health, and just going, go to my path and follow my goals and work, work, work for your dreams and goals. Because without consistency and work, it just never happens.

[Lisa Opie]

That's so true. And you work so hard and you're thriving. You get to travel all over the world as a model. So what's the favorite, Your top three favorite places that you've modeled and what jobs were they?

[Teona]

So I have been traveling to different countries a lot, but my top three, I'll definitely start from Japan.

[Lisa Opie]

Really?

[Teona]

Top one is Japan, top two is Dubai, and then third one will be Puerto Rico.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, I love that. Oh, my gosh. And tell us your funny story. So people can never guess your ethnicity. And I think nobody's ever gonna guess Georgia. But what happened when you were in the Dominican Republic?

[Teona]

Oh, my God. Yes. I'm so. It's. It's crazy, but it makes sense kind of. Because you also said, oh, yeah, it makes sense. My face is like, so international. I would say my structure and face can be different. Different countries. So. So once I went to Dominican Republic, it was a Ms. Grant competition. And I met Mr. Nawad and he got also confused and he was saying, oh, are you from Thailand? And I was so shocked. I wanted to be from Thailand. And I said kind of like maybe.

[Lisa Opie]

In the future.

[Teona]

Because I was super excited. And I. I was also. I wanted to say something nice because I don't want to upset him, but I'm not from Thailand and that would upset him. And he was checking on myself. She was like, what is this why it says New York?

[Lisa Opie]

Oh my God.

[Teona]

He was like, are you not from Thailand?

[Lisa Opie]

I'm like, no, I don't see Thailand. I see like a lot of ethnicities, but I don't see Thailand.

[Teona]

Yes. But I'm glad he saw that in me.

[Lisa Opie]

So like, oh my gosh.

[Teona]

It is amazing. His very kind, a very nice person and very handsome.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah. He's funny.

[Teona]

Yeah.

[Lisa Opie]

He really definitely embodies what grand is all about.

[Teona]

Yeah.

[Lisa Opie]

Yourself and you know.

[Teona]

Yeah, definitely. And I love that. I Love that about Ms. Grant.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah. It's very authentic and I think that's so important. Yeah.

[Teona]

And I love that. I'm so excited to be on stage soon and show everything that I got.

[Lisa Opie]

I love it.

[Teona]

On the Ms. Grand competition.

[Lisa Opie]

There's been a lot of changes with Ms. Grand. How is the new director doing? How's everything going? We've had an amazing experience with them.

[Teona]

Everything goes very smoothly. Every. Everything they do is they let us know every detail. They go over everything that we need to do before the pageant to get prepared. I never had those kind of experience before. Even like previous pageant I would say they are there for you. They support you. If you have a question, they're available for 24 7. It doesn't matter the time. If you need anything, they are there for you. So I never really felt like I was confused. And. And other as other pageants but this one is they're. They're supporting us. They're love to hear that they're supporting us for all the way and the mostly they treat us the same. So it feels like I'm part of the big sisterhood and the family and. And I love that I about Ms. Grand USA and then all international pageant. It's just the sisterhood and the family and people you work with there. Everybody is about Grand. They're. They have the same intentions, same passion. And that's what is interested about this competition. Get getting beautiful people, talented people and also people that will be there for you for rest of your life.

[Lisa Opie]

A hundred percent. And I feel like as a sponsor working with the New directors. I'm like, wow. Like, she. They really care about the girls, and I'm just so happy that, you know, they want to spoil you guys, and I'm so happy I get to spoil you guys. So I seriously cannot wait for Nationals to be in Vegas and glam everyone. And you told me during makeup, you know a lot of queens that have already competed at Miss grand, so do you have any secret advice you can share with us or not? So, secret advice. If a girl's going from Miss USA to Miss grand, what does she need to do differently?

[Teona]

I would say that is different, because every country represents themselves indifferently in the international pageant. And I don't really had any experience in Ms. Grand USA before, but I know in different countries, such Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba, those people, they. They shared their experience through Miss grand competition, and they were all different. Every girl goes different path because of the country they represent, so. But I know Ms. Grand USA is big, and we have so many things to show the world in different way, and probably it's very different for every year how we represent ourselves. So I don't know. I don't know. I don't know yet. But I'm excited to find out.

[Lisa Opie]

Okay, so one last question before we get to the next talking point. You are so stunning, I can't stop staring at you. So give me some beauty advice, like, what do you do to maintain your looks? Give me something.

[Teona]

Definitely I look beautiful because I need Lisa's hands forever in my life.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, my gosh. No. Like, you are stunning. Like, I had such a good.

[Teona]

And I need all of the products. I already have most of the products from the Lady Cod, but I think I need more of them. So to get this look every time I do my makeup. Thank you so much for everything. I never felt this fabulous.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, my gosh. Thank you.

[Teona]

Today was my time to shine, and I probably. I'll just continue more and more, and we'll do so much more, but thank you for that. Thank you. Thank you.

[Lisa Opie]

I wasn't expecting. I was expecting good facials or something.

[Teona]

Definitely, I do facials, but this is. This is not for the facials. This is the lady code. And then you. That you did magic today, and I. I don't know. I can't even stop looking at myself. I'm. I'm obsessed with myself.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, my gosh.

[Teona]

Thank you.

[Lisa Opie]

Oh, my gosh. Well, I'm excited for Nationals and keeping this going. Tell me about your platform and your influence and the intentions with your influence and how you inspire Girls with your platform?

[Teona]

That's a great question. Because my platform is, it's not that huge. But I would say the people that are next to me, they're real people that going through my journey for years, they're watching me for years, me struggling and never giving up for myself. Every year I make more effort to reach my goals. And those people are excited, they're. I feel like they're also in the competition with me and they're there for me anytime I need something. They support me, they do everything for me basically because the Internet, you can do anything with Internet nowadays. You can influence so much people. And I use that platform to show people how, how was my journey, what I went through. And now here I am, I speak English and I'm going for a pageant for Miss grand usa. Yeah, me, someone, the little kid who came from very tiny, tiny country of Georgia, who didn't even speak English, who didn't even had money or like nothing like that. But today I'm competing for Miss USA and I'm so excited, excited about it. And those people watching me, little girls or the grown ups already, they, they keep, keep asking me how did you do it? How, why or why did you do it? And I said I'm consistent with my goals. I work every day, I try to improve my skills and open to myself in the, in the industry, go everywhere, introduce myself. And that's the only key in the, in the fashion. And they're inspired because so many people don't talk about it. The modeling is very difficult. You got to be very open minded. You gotta go and try and try fail, try fail. But just keep going and enjoy the moments and not just get disappointed about small things that happens because so many no's turn into yes after time. But it's just, it just requires a lot of work. Every, every path. I think that's what happens if you want to succeed. It's just a lot of no's and big no's and then it's heartbreak and pain, but then it turns to big yes. And then that's why it felt so good that you accomplished something that you desired and you worked hard for it. And I feel so proud that I did it and I didn't. I never gave up. And my family, they never gave up on me even though I stopped doing everything. And I just went through my journey. Everybody was there for me, they were supporting me through my journey. And I'm so thankful. Having those people around, that's so beautiful.

[Lisa Opie]

That's so amazing. I'm like really inspired just listening to you right now. And I also feel like I can relate to you a lot. Do you have. So a lot of people want to get into modeling and I feel like it's a lot more accessible now than it was back in the day, like when you were 17. So do you have any advice for our audience that want to start a career in modeling? Where do they start?

[Teona]

Yes, to start modeling is definitely to go with a modeling agency and start working on your portfolio. How would you like to represent yourself to the world? Find yourself and find your personality. Try to get to connected to right people. Good networking, go to the great events, attend, be present, hear so many yo knows and be acceptable. Accept yourself, accept your journey, accept your past and accept your future.

[Lisa Opie]

I love that. Is there anything else you want to share with our audience before we go to this or that section of the show?

[Teona]

I was not prepared, but it's things that I said, it's from bottom, from my heart. So that's me probably. I never prepared. So I would say same thing to you guys, my ladies. Don't exaggerate things and just be yourself. Don't get prepared for everything. Even though I make so much mistakes, even though now it's okay, it's okay for me. I just, it's just me. And I love being me and just falling in love with yourselves too. And it's okay to make mistakes and you know, I never need to be. Be prepared. I'm just okay, so go for it and go for it. Not tomorrow or after tomorrow. Today, Today is the time. So go for it now. Do it now. That's so true.

[Lisa Opie]

You're never gonna feel totally ready.

[Teona]

Yes.

[Lisa Opie]

So you just have to jump in and do it. And in the beginning, I asked her very last minute cuz she was here for her photo shoot with the code creatives and I was like, hey, like since you're Miss Grand Central New York, come on the podcast.

[Teona]

So thank you. No, thank you. Thank you for inviting me. And then have a small talk.

[Lisa Opie]

I know. I love yapping. I love having this podcast. It's so fun.

[Teona]

So much fun.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah, it's so easy, right? You just talk.

[Teona]

It's it's just. It went so natural and I feel so confident. I feel like I'm not now saying time. I'm gonna start more talking.

[Lisa Opie]

Really? Okay, go.

[Teona]

I love it. I love everything about the studio.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah, it's been fun, right?

[Teona]

Yeah.

[Lisa Opie]

Crazy guys. Oh my gosh. Okay, so first we're gonna start with a fashion and passion tree. This or that question. Runway or editorial shoot? A Runway couture gown or power suit? New York street style or Parisian chic?

[Teona]

Oh, New York street style.

[Lisa Opie]

New Yorker.

[Teona]

I love New York street style. It's just so many different people and so many different designs. They're like open, open minded people. My God. You see the things that I would never imagine. Sometimes I face people, oh, wow. This is incredible how they find the match. It's just they being super bold about their fashion taste and they just show up like that in the street and it's so great to see it.

[Lisa Opie]

Where's the best spot for people watching, like good fashion in New York?

[Teona]

Soho, I think. So you will find so many people, like, they dress up differently and then just being so super bold about their fashion taste. Yeah, I love fashion.

[Lisa Opie]

So fun. Would you rather have a passport full of stamps or a closet full of shoes?

[Teona]

That's like a super hard question for me. I need both. But.

[Lisa Opie]

Shoes, I'm not mad about it. Okay.

[Teona]

I love traveling, but shoes are forever. I just. I love shoes.

[Lisa Opie]

I love shoes too. Next. Travel solo or group adventure?

[Teona]

I love. I think I got used to traveling solo, so I feel like more calm. Traveling solo.

[Lisa Opie]

Okay, this one's really hard. I don't even know if I can answer this one. Would you rather speak every language or visit every country?

[Teona]

Oh, my God. I would say visit every country because I love traveling, but I love shoes more than traveling. I love it, but definitely, yeah, traveling more and then I can catch up with languages.

[Lisa Opie]

Yeah, you can Google Translate. It's okay. Netflix binge or TikTok scroll.

[Teona]

That's a hard one too. I like both equally, but I spend more time on Netflix than TikTok. I don't scroll on TikTok. I create more as a social media, but I would say more Netflix.

[Lisa Opie]

Okay, I'm the opposite. I like scroll on TikTok to like way too late. Would you rather be late and overdressed or five minutes early but not overdressed?

[Teona]

Oh, no. Late and over jazz. Oh, but I'm always trying to be on time, but I don't know. Five minutes is always me. Like be late five minutes. No more than that. Five minutes.

[Lisa Opie]

But yeah, better late than ugly. That's Michael.

[Teona]

Yes, I agree to that. Yes. Because I'm not leaving the house if they. I don't feel confident and I'm not. I'm not having a full glam.

[Lisa Opie]

I love it. Yeah, I love this diva.

[Teona]

I don't. I don't like the hair up and just living. No I need to be ready like fully ready.

[Lisa Opie]

I had so much fun with you. We still have one more look to shoot so we're going to go shoot that real quick before we close out. Where can our audience follow you on social media?

[Teona]

Sure. So will be great to follow my Official page for Ms. Grand Central New York and get to know me and follow my journey and of course my personal Instagram page is tete_97 but for my journey I would appreciate if you follow me and Support me on Ms. Grand USA on my official page of Ms. Grand Central New York. And thank you so much.

[Lisa Opie]

Of course. Thank you.

[Teona]

I had so much fun and thank you so much for pink apple dress for making me this beautiful.

[Lisa Opie]

I love the outfit. It's perfect.

[Teona]

Yes. And I love your outfit. So, so thank you so much for everything and thanks for having me. I enjoyed being here and I had so much fun.

[Lisa Opie]

Thank you.