Vintage

A very accomplished young lady, Mariela Flores, was crowned Miss Tennessee Latina on August 9, 2007 after runway competitions with a personal presentation, a swimming suit, followed by an evening gown. Her awards included a professional photo shoot by Shannon Fontaine which she hopes to put to use towards her future career in acting. She is eager to represent the state of Tennessee in the Miss Latina National Competition this year.

Born in Queretaro, Mexico, she has been in the United States for six years; is bilingual and lives with her family including her five sisters.

eSpanglish: How does being Miss Tennessee Latina make you feel? Do you think having this title pressures you to be a good role model?

Mariela: I am only the second to receive the award. The first winner was Miss Janet Abeja. This title has helped me be aware of many things in the community, so it is still very new and there are many things I want to do to be a good role model.

eSpanglish: The winners of beauty pageants usually have a platform that they endorse. Do you have a charity or a worthy cause that you endorse?

Mariela: Yes, I would like to use my bilingual capabilities to help as a volunteer and raise community awareness and funds to help those in need. I have already contacted Vanderbilt to see if I can volunteer as an interpreter in the clinics when families need it. I am waiting to hear back.

eSpanglish: With all the media technologies exposing young girls to images of tall, super-thin bodies, what type of message is this sending to the young girls today and how do you think it is affecting their self-image?

Mariela: It is sending the wrong message. Young girls cannot possibly be like the models on TV. We all come in different shapes and there is nothing wrong with that. I hope young girls come to realize this.

eSpanglish: Do you agree that the outer and inner beauties are both very important traits that should be cultivated?

Mariela: Yes, just being pretty does not make you a nice person, or a good person. Beauty is not all on the outside, but in the inside. Beauty from the inside is more important to me. My advice is pursue what you want to be and feel good the way you are.

eSpanglish: What are your thoughts about some of the scandals about some of the beauty queens appearing on revealing photos?

Mariela: They should be more careful. They have to understand the importance of the position they represent and how it reflects in the community.

eSpanglish: In the mind of every little girl there is always the desire to become a beauty queen. How should she start preparing?

Mariela: So much depends on the pageant, they are all different. You can get experience with Miss Teen Latina first to learn how to present yourself and how much you enjoy doing it. Of course you want to win, but have the attitude that if you do not win, at least enjoy every moment of it.

eSpanglish: What has been the happiest moment of your reign?

Mariela: Knowing that I won! My parents and entire family felt so proud.

eSpanglish: Have you had an embarrassing moment?

Mariela: The swimsuit competition was making me a little uncomfortable.

eSpanglish: Our society places a lot of emphasis in physical beauty and perfection. What do you think of this?

Mariela: Nobody’s perfect! I think beauty should be a natural thing, without plastic surgery.

eSpanglish: With a majority of the population being overweight, do you have any advice for them to try to correct the problem?

Mariela: I know some individuals that are a little overweight and they struggle real hard with this. It would be helpful to contact organizations or professional help to encourage the weight loss. It’s like a disease or a cycle that needs professional help to overcome.

eSpanglish: Among Latinos the family unity is very important. How would you compare the American and Latino cultures in that regard?

Mariela: I grew up in a strict family with rules but we were very close and respectful of each other. In the United States the families are very liberal and I think there is too much openness and there are too many freedoms given to the kids.

eSpanglish: What are your plans and goals?

Mariela: I hope to be going to classes at MTSU for Spring 2008 to learn working with the media. I am also attending the Alan Dysert Acting School in Franklin. I would like to continue volunteer work, and hope to win the National Miss Latina contest in 2008. I would also like to guide aspiring contestants in the various counties who want to participate in the contests, also.