Hey Everyone, I have wonderful news: I've been selected to be a contestant for the Miss Illinois USA pageant, which is a prerequisite pageant to the notable Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants.  I am SO EXCITED because I now have the opportunity to go after one of my life goals, but I can't do it without your help.

As part of my responsibilities as a contestant, I am required to raise $1,295 in sponsorship to cover my pageant expenses including accommodations, meals, production and entertainment expenses. I have set my goal at $5,000 to cover out of pocket expenses such as competition wardrobe, hair, makeup, head shots, and any other pageant-related expenses.  Financial contributions can be made on gofundme.com/misstnking.

My highest contributing sponsors (top 12) will receive advertising or recognition in the distinguished pageant program book.  However, even the smallest donation will be greatly appreciated and help me reach my goal.  If you are a business, your donation could come from your advertising budget, and be utilized as a business tax-deduction.

In "Creating Your Queendom", I blogged about passion, purpose, and how to confidently go after your dreams.  I remember stating that a Queen goes after her dreams without fear or doubt holding her back.  The #1 reason why most dreams never become a reality is because people fail to take the first step to accomplishing it.  We give up before we even begin.  It took me DAYS to submit a simple pageant application because I was too busy battling fear and "what ifs".  Sometimes Satan tries to use these tactics to hold you back because he knows how far you will go if you step out on faith.  Your haters and enemies are intimated and scared of your success, and that is why they try to bring you down.  Sometimes you are you own hater and worst enemy, and in the case of submitting an application, I was.  Stop killing your success before it even begins.  I have always dreamed of being a part of a platform that represents beauty and elegance, as well as supporting young women in fulfilling their goals and dreams.  I am so happy that I did not let those "what ifs" and fear stop me from an opportunity of a lifetime.

In most of my posts, I discuss my past journeys and how I saw them through.  However, this time I want to take you on those journeys with me.  Some of my future posts will be inspired by my current struggles and realities.  Lately I've been dealing with internal battles such as self-control, beauty insecurities, discipline, and perfectionism.  I know its millions of people out in this world who face those same struggles--and together, we will conquer them.  As God molds and matures me during this journey, I pray that my transparency will do the same for you and grow you in all aspects of life.

Join me in my journey of obtaining my real life crown.  :-)

Thank you in advance to anyone who plans to contribute to my Go Fund Me page and sponsor me in any way.  I am forever grateful and appreciative.

Sincerely,

KING