(Photo Credits - Shana Lemos)
Kelley Johnson is all set to represent California at the upcoming Miss USA 2018. As Kelley is training strenuously for the finale, she finds time to share her thoughts, aspirations and experiences in the world of beauty pageants in an exclusive interview with Angelopedia.
Below is her full Interview -
Q. How does it feel to be crowned as Miss California USA 2018?
I feel prepared, humbled, and honoured. I worked very hard during the months before the pageant to prepare for the competition, and I have worked my entire life to become a woman that I believe was made for the job of Miss California USA. I was honoured and humbled that the judges saw that in me as well, and I am so excited for the year ahead.
Q. What is the best lesson you’ve learnt in your journey as the delegate of Miss USA 2018 in the competition?
The best lesson that I have learned in my journey to becoming Miss USA 2018 is that I cannot, should not, and will not compare myself to other contestants. I do not compete in pageantry against other women; I simply strive to show the world my best self and present the very best version of myself knowing that win or lose, I am enough to do the job of the titleholder. I hope that the judges on that day feel the same way.
Q. What is the one thing that keeps you going and inspires you to be the best version of yourself?
Self-motivation. I push to be the best version of myself for myself. I have to love who I am before anyone else can love who I am. However, it always feels good to make someone else’s day, and it is important to me to live every day with kindness for others.
Q. We have come to know that you really enjoy cooking and baking. What is the one thing that you could cook and eat forever?
I could cook cream cheese green chilli enchiladas forever, and I could eat ice cream every day for the rest of my life and be happy!
Q. If you could be invisible for a day, how would you like to spend it?
I would spend the day petting animals that would otherwise be dangerous, finding out the secret recipes at all my favourite restaurants, and sitting in the audience of all my favourite talk shows.
Q. Would you like to share your most special childhood memory with us?
My step-father would always take me on “adventures”. He never told me where we were going and would surprise me with really fun dinners and events. It was always just us, and he would even take me on school nights!
(Photo Credits - Kelley Johnson Instagram Official)
Q. You’ve achieved so much at such a young age. Can you tell us who you look up to in life?
I look up to strong, intelligent, kind, tolerant, and ambitious women. There are many, but to name a few: my mother, my sisters, Ellen DeGeneres, Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lawrence, Reese Witherspoon, Condoleezza Rice, Amal Clooney, etc.
Q. You are definitely one of the most experienced and accomplished pageant competitors this year at Miss USA 2018. Do you think experience gives an edge over other delegates in esteemed pageants such as Miss USA?
First of all, thank you! However, I do not think it gives me an edge over anyone else. I do think it gives me an edge over myself. National pageants come with a huge amount of pressure, stress, and competition. Having done this before, I feel incredibly level-headed, prepared, and confident going in. I know what to expect, I know what to do differently from before, and I believe in myself more than ever before. It gives you a sense of peace knowing that win or lose, you are content with who you are and what you bring to the organization.
Q. What is the one thing you can label as your guilty pleasure?
Restaurants. I love food, and I love eating out and trying new restaurants even if I just went grocery shopping.
Q. We’re sure that this competition is another milestone in your life. What is that one thing that you ultimately want to achieve?
I want to leave Miss USA knowing that the Miss Universe Organization and the judges knew everything I want them to know about me before making their decision about the next Miss USA. I feel very prepared and qualified to be Miss USA. I do not want to have any regrets, and that will come from showing them exactly who I am and what they would be getting if I was their next Miss USA. This way, if they do not choose me, I will be okay knowing there was nothing I could have done differently, and I will happily support our new titleholder.
Q. If you are granted 3 wishes right now, what would you ask for?
I would ask for good health, financial stability, and safety for all of my family, pets, and friends.
Q. Lastly, is there any message that you would like to give to your fans at Angelopedia?
I am thankful for your support, love, and kindness throughout my pageant career. I hope that I am always known as a contestant who put kindness before anything else, led with intelligence and strength, and never wavered in who she was authentically while competing despite what other people said. Go be the best YOU, that is who is going to win. There is nobody in the world that can tell you how to be you, and nobody has an exact recipe for winning pageants. People are drawn to women who know who they are, stand up for themselves, and are confident in what they bring to every table--even if what they bring is different than everyone else. Listen to your instincts and follow your heart. We are not defined by what other people think of us, we are defined by what we know to be true about ourselves.
All my love,
Kelley Johnson
You may also follow Kelley Johnson on her official Facebook page and Instagram account to know more about her and support her in her journey to Miss USA 2018.