Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Smith.
Hi Mariah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I am a pageant coach and competitor, competing for Miss Black USA 2023. I use my title, Miss Black South Central States, to move about my designated region to help high school girls to prepare a post-graduation plan. I plan and attend events across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma to spread my platform, and make connections across the South!
I’ve competed in pageants since 2018, and have built a career supporting other young women like myself with a huge dream. My platform is entitled: POSH (Pushing Our Sisters Higher), which I have turned into a lifestyle. I am always looking for opportunities in the community to mentor or coach other young ladies who just need a little “push”.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road! I’ve lost competitions, money, friends, time, etc., but I’ve gained way more than I’ve lost. I learned so many skills, made so many connections, and took my losses and turned them into a successful business. I’m actually starting my own pageant, which is a dream of mine coming true.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Within my pageant platform, I travel around to do events for high school girls, as I earlier mentioned. I mentor and teach girls different methods to reach their wildest dreams. I also go above and beyond to provide resources that can be useful to them. I have even started my own pageant system to prepare young ladies for the big leagues.
I’m most proud of the reach that my platform has been getting across the country. My business partner, Imani Cooper, and I have worked with young ladies in Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, and others, just to name a few!
This was always my dream, so I’m happy God continues to give me the strength to keep going!
What does success mean to you?
I define success as reaching every personal goal you have set out for yourself. Success is not just the end goal, it’s the tenacity to stay the entire journey to reach the end goal. Say a prayer, do the hard work immediately after, then enjoy.
Contact Info:
- Email: www.poshpageantco@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/missblackscsusa2023?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Image Credits:
Phillip Fowler, Jr. @philofthefutur
