Today we’d like to introduce you to Haven Harris.
Hi Haven, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My parents always said even as a young girl I was sassy and filled with spunk. I LOVED playing in my mom’s high heels, wearing dresses, covering myself in makeup and loading as many jewelry accessories onto my body as I possibly could at the time. My parents decided to enter me into my first pageant (Sunburst Pageant in Gulfport, MS) at the age of four. I didn’t have a clue as to what I was doing. I was just excited to have my hair curled and to wear a sparkly pink dress. Because after all……sparkles and pink were my happy place!!! Ha!!!
Some time passed and as I got older, the urge to hit the stage in beautiful dresses and pose in front of the mirror did not go away. I would prance up and down the hallways at home pretending I was on stage.
At the age of 6, my parents received a letter in the mail informing me that someone recommended me as a competitor in the 2016 National American Miss pageant. Let’s just say we had no idea what we were getting into. The competition was fierce, but fun. I loved the lights, sisterhood, meeting all of the contestants, studying the styles of their dresses and hitting the runway for the model walk. The MODEL WALK….my favorite!!!! The photographer said I was a natural. I couldn’t stop smiling! I didn’t win the overall pageant. However, I was in the top five. But I did walk away as the Top Model Overall winner. My heart was so bubbly that day.
In 2017 we relocated from Louisiana to Texas. Honestly, it was probably one of the best things my parents could have done for my brother and I. We had just lost our grandmother (our dad’s mom) and we were heartbroken. Our parents said we needed a new start. My dad accepted a new job and we were off. Well, for me…that was my chance to release all of this runway rage.
I couldn’t stop talking about pageants and modeling so my mom started googling and connecting with designers and runway coaches in Houston. She also entered me into several pageants. My dream was coming true. A few of my titles include:
Sunburst Texas State Pageant – 1st Runner Up (2022)
Heart of Gold – Grand Supreme (2022)
Miss Fulshear – Runner Up (2019)
United National Miss – Runner Up (2019)
Texas Choice State Pageant – Little Miss Texas (2018)
Pretty Princess Pageants – Grand Supreme (2018)
Texas Choice Holiday Pageant – Little Miss Holiday (2017)
However, as much as I love the pageant world, my heart was yearning for the runway. My mom found opportunities for casting calls in Houston and I began to audition and audition. Guess what??? I was selected for several shows in and out of state. So exciting!!!
Some of my adventures consist of events like:
The Gift Benefit Show, December 2022
Kids Fashion Network New Orleans, December 2022
A Taste of Vintage (Sebastien Productions), October 2022
Bovtiqve Fashion Week Atlanta, September 2022
House of Buke, July 2022
Young Sir Productions, February 2022
Coastal Fashion Week, January 2022
Rhysikel Clothing Line, January 2021
Coastal Fashion Week, January 2021
House of Yere, December 2020
New York Fashion Week, February 2020
EWO Entertainment, January 2020
I Am Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Awareness Tour, November 2019
Caribbean Fashion Week, November 2019
Houston Fashion Extravaganza, July 2019
Good Girl Type Modeling Event, July 2019
Chance 4 Change Runway Show, January 2019
Lavish Mindz Kids Premiere, November 2018
Houston Fashion Week, September 2018
Plano Fashion Week, August 2018
With a lot of hard work, experience, and dedication I have been blessed to be where I am today! I cannot take credit for anything as my goal is to always be humble. My parents have taught me and always tell me to remain humble and true to myself. My belief is that I have been blessed with a gift and I would like to use that gift by being a hardworking model and pageant girl who loves to show positivity to others.
In my heart, I feel it’s important to give back and share with others. I do this through being a positive role model wherever I go. You never know who is watching. My goal is for others to look at me and say, “Wow she is confident, blessed, and doesn’t have a problem with just being herself.”
So, I show others it’s ok to volunteer, spend time with those in need, serve, read stories to kids, and donate school supplies and food to help out.
I can’t encourage other people wherever I go to just be themselves if I am not respectfully displaying my true character.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This road has been one with lots of learning. Honestly, I am developing tough skin. My feelings used to get hurt when told “No” or “You are not what we are looking for.” Even though it breaks my heart, I try not to cry and view it in a positive way. I tell myself it’s not personal and am grateful for other doors that may open.
I am extremely thankful to be a part of The Skin I’m In Model and Talent Agency led by Mr. Ferrell and Mrs. Sonyia. They are so inspiring and uplifting. Both of them push me to always be the best representation of myself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
To be honest, I am excited about how much I have grown mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally. My parents always say, “We are the Harris Family, and no matter what, we push through.” And that’s what I have been doing. It’s always in the back of my mind. No matter how I feel, I still keep pushing and being positive.
This pertains to everything I do in life…school, modeling, pageants, church, etc.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Honesty, loyalty, hard work, encouraging others, perseverance, dedication, faith, being a good steward, respect for myself and others, trustworthiness, and truthful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_havey0113
Image Credits
Ferrell Phelps | Ferrell Images | IG: @ferrellimages84
Skin I’m In Talent and Modeling Agency
Anthony Junior
Thru Da Looking Glass | IG: @_thru_da_looking_glass
