Today we’d like to introduce you to Blaine Ochoa.
Blaine, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in the very small, beach town of Crystal Beach, TX, and went to High Island High School. I’m very close with my family and was blessed to have two wonderful parents that raised my brother, sister, and I. I always had big dreams and goals, and believe that God has a special plan for my life. I graduated valedictorian of my high school and went to Texas State University where I became a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. I graduated in four years with a degree in Communication Studies. During college, I became involved with modeling, which became a passion. After graduating, I worked for different companies doing marketing in Beaumont, TX, and later in Houston, TX. While working, I never lost sight of my dream of competing for Miss Houston USA and Miss Texas USA, which was a dream since I was a little girl. I planned, worked hard, made sacrifices, and really focused on achieving this dream. In 2017, I was Miss Houston USA 1st Runner-Up and Miss Kemah USA 1st Runner Up. This was a great honor; however, my pageant journey is not over. I plan to continue to pursue my dream of becoming Miss Texas USA by competing for the title in the Fall of 2019.
As a child, I enjoyed writing songs, and my love for writing has enabled me to become a writer for two different magazines in the Houston area. My blog, Beauty With Blaine, was inspired by the first article I wrote for one of the magazines. I also am a professional in the media industry, working as an account executive for a television station in Beaumont, TX. I love music, fashion, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends. I am also involved with an array of local and national charities throughout the year.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it has been challenging, exciting, and liberating. I’ve come to learn that success is never easy. It takes hard work, sacrifices, courage, perseverance, and resiliency to achieve goals. One of my greatest challenges was believing in myself. When I started to truly believe in who I am, and who God is, my perspective on life changed.
First, my advice would be to always have hope and never forget why you started.
Secondly, never doubt yourself. Be confident in who you are and what you believe.
Thirdly, start where you are, you will learn as you go. There will never be a perfect time. Sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith.
Lastly, my advice would be to learn how to forgive yourself. When you make mistakes, learn from them instead of being regretful or depressed. There is freedom in being able to forgive yourself and others.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Beauty With Blaine – what should we know?
I work as an account executive at KBMT Channel 12 News in Beaumont, TX. I help clients meet their advertising and marketing goals through a variety of services that our station offers digitally and via TV.
I am a professional model and am also pursuing a career in the music and entertainment business.
I write for Bay Area Houston Magazine and LCA Houston Magazine, where my column, Beauty With Blaine, is featured. I have always had a passion for writing because it has been a way for me to express myself and connect with people. My column focuses on both outward and inner beauty. My articles feature beauty products, businesses, and people within the health and beauty community; however, I center my stories based on ideals of hope, inspiration, and courage. I want to relate to my readers and for them to know they are worthy and created for a purpose.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I believe some barriers to female leadership are roles set upon us given by society and ourselves. For example, as women, we feel the need to juggle everything and try to be perfect at it. We tend to lose confidence when striving for perfection that doesn’t exist. As women, we need to learn how to say no and let go of the negative and detrimental desire of perfectionism in our roles, in order to continue to progress in becoming strong female leaders.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beautywithblaine.com
- Email: blainejanell@gmail.com
- Instagram: @blainejanell
- Facebook: @BlaineOchoa
- Twitter: @BlaineOchoa
Image Credit:
Grant Foto, Miss Houston Pageant, Bay Area Houston Magazine, LCA Houston Magazine, Jilliane Kristina Photography
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