The Beginning!

Hello everyone! 
I am so excited to be coming to you as the newly crowned Miss Black Ohio USA. My name is Kayla Chanelle Hardimon (find me on facebook =]). For this first post I am just going to introduce myself and tell you a little bit about my experience so far (in the last 4 days!) 

1. I was SHOCKED when I heard my name called that evening, but beyond that, the amount of gratitude and honor I felt was something I cannot put into words. My motivation for doing the pageant was the impact and change that I want to see in today's world and I am BLESSED to now have the opportunity to be the change I wish to see in this state, this country and this world! 
2. A little background information: I am a 20-year-old junior studying broadcast journalism with a focus in political science and dance. Where or where? OHIO UNIVERSITY. That's right everyone, I am a proud BOBCAT =D 
3. A little MORE background. I am the daughter of Eddie and Starlena Hardimon who currently reside in Indianapolis, Indiana with my wonderful brothers Trey and Mason Hardimon. The love I have for my family could travel to the stars and back more times than anyone could every count! I am blessed to have a group of people who stand behind me in any and everything that I do, from my parents and grandparents, to my cousins, aunts uncles and even my "sisters" that I met at Ohio University I have the best support system that I could ever ask for! 

4. I would love to have you all as a part of my new family. Because of this pageant I have already gained  new sisters and even a brother and I can't wait to see who else I will meet and ultimately learn from on this journey! 


With love, 
Your Queen
         Kayla Hardimon 

2011 Midwest Black Family Reunion

Hey, hey everyone!! The 2011 Midwest Black Family Reunion was great! I got the opportunity to be apart of the parade and represent Ohio! There were so many business professionals there and it was a great networking opportunity! It was a pleasure to be apart of an event and to be able to come together in unity and peace to celebrate our rich African American heritage proudly!

Nationals

I honestly don't even know where to begin when it comes to my experience at Nationals. The people I met while in D.C. and the bond that I have established with my Sister Queens will be forever etched in my heart. When we first got to Nationals we had to check in and we were able to go out on the town and mingle with one another and get to know one another. The days following check-in were all about business! We had to wake up bright and early ready to eat breakfast, work out, prepare for an event, come back, practice opening number, practice the fitness routine, eat dinner, practice some more, debrief, and then do it all over again the next day! There was always something to do everyday and we all worked so hard at Nationals. When I went, I was not expecting to be as close as I am to my Sister Queens or anyone for that matter. I didn't expect to establish a sisterhood with them because that is something that I have not had the pleasure of experiencing as a black woman with other black woman where I'm from. It was absolutely delightful and I love my Sister Queens with all my heart. They are an extraordinary group of attractive, intelligent, and divine young ladies that I am proud to call my Sister Queens. No one knows our experience like we do and we were able to support one another and uplift one another humbly and genuinely. The talented and sincere Miss Black Texas, Ocelia Gibson, took the crown home to be the next Miss Black USA. We were ecstatic for her and are confident that she will do an awesome job! We know that God has a beautiful plan for our lives and our journeys will continue on. My Sister Queens are truly amazing women. It was truly an honor to be in the presence of young African American women who esteem excellence in everything they do, who strive for greatness, who set goals and achieve them, all while aspiring to leave a legacy for generations to come. I am forever grateful and blessed for the experience that I was fortunate enough to have and to call them my friends.  

Leaders for the Future 2011

I was invited to Leaders of the Future by Ms. Sally Elliot, a wonderful woman with a very warm spirit. Ms. Elliot established this specific awards ceremony to recognize leadership within the African American community and to openly award their accomplishments to inspire and encourage our youth so they may go above and beyond in their dreams. I was very honored to have received this award. It is truly a work of God. During the awards ceremony there were youths that were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements, performances, and we were able to talk one on one with a classroom. I decided to have my group get up and demonstrate team work without using words to show them that it is important to cooperate with others and to let them get up and out of their seats. I just want to congratulate everyone that was honored in the ceremony and a special thanks to Ms. Sally Elliot.

Refuge Temple Youth Revival

I attended an AWESOME youth Revival in Columbus Ohio at a church called Refuge Temple. I was invited by my dear friend and fashion designer, Akira Takashi. When I say this revival was off the chain (crazy good) it was off the chain! There were so many youth that got up and ministered and performed in front of the entire church! They poured their hearts out and gave it their all! There was singing, praise dance, rapping, instruments, and the like! There was so much talent in that room that night. I wish I had pictures to show you but hopefully you can visualize how awesome and anointed this event truly was! I was blessed that night. Thank you Refuge Temple. I encourage everyone, if you are ever in the Columbus area, to go and give God a try with Refuge Temple.

Up To Date!!

Whew! I haven't been blogging as much as I normally do and for that I apologize to you! My health has improved! I also enrolled in school full time and began in May 2011!  Between work, school, and home things get hectic but I am here to bring you all up to date! The school I am going to is called Full Sail University. It is based out of Florida. I am doing the online version and so far I like it. It meshes extremely well with my hectic schedule and makes it easy for me to attend class when I can. So far I have two A's and one C! There are a few events I would like to tell you all about but I want them to be in their own separate post because they were just THAT great! :)

Happy Mother's Day

First I'd like to say Happy Mother's Day to all! This day is a day to cherish the women that brought us life. The women that stood beside us and cared for us and nurtured us when we were sick and made sure the monsters in our closets went away. This day is set aside to give thanks and honor and reverence the women that put our needs before their own. For those of us who grew up without our mothers there to protect us and show us the way, you are that much stronger. For those of us who had mothers in our lives but not necessarily "mamas", they gave us what they had the only way they knew how. If the cup has a pint of water in it, only a pint will come out once poured, and yes, you are that much stronger. No matter the background, the most important gift given was the gift of life. It is up to us to make our life inspiring and the first step to being an inspiration and being a success is to honor your father and mother. With that being said, enjoy today, and enjoy your loved ones while they are still here. Happy Mother's Day.
Love, Brittainy.