Maaliyah Papillion, Miss Louisiana USA 2016  encouraged young women at the Junior Women’s Conference held last week. The beauty reminded the ladies that they are strong enough to overcome any obstacle.

Lake Charles native Maaliyah Papillion stated that it was not a smooth journey getting to where she is today. The beauty queen also said that she wants to be the best example and role model for young women so that she can inspire young women in the best way possible.

She sated- “Even though I am Miss Louisiana, I still have struggles and sometimes insecurities and worries,” she said. “But that just makes me relatable.”

She encouraged young women saying that not every girl is perfect in this world, but they can achieve anything and can do anything if they just believe in themselves.

This year’s theme of the conference was “How do you wear your crown?” Papillion told the young women to think of their crown as a part of their personality.

Also Read more about the beauty here

“It’s something that’s going to be with us as we live our lives. It’s about how you act each day.” – she said.

Later she took the girls for an exercise that gave them a demonstration using imaginary crown. She talked about the jewels that they can incorporate on their crowns. She uses words like: I am beautiful, I am intelligent, I am strong, I am worthy, I am blessed, I am one of a kind and I am enough.

She further said - “Beauty for me is how you feel inside and how you make others feel outside.”

Papillion has been participating in pageants since a very young age and came across many struggles. She said she was shy and carried an introvert personality, she even cried once on stage. Later, as she began to come out of her shell, she appeared more confident at the Teen Miss Black Heritage pageant.

She also shared that taking part in pageants have allowed her to boost her confidence level and made her learn public speaking skills.

“It can be difficult at times because we do have to stay physically fit, so staying away from pizza and brownies, my two favorite foods, is probably the most difficult part,” Papillion said.  

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