Meet Lizmary Perez: Miss New Jersey Teen 2015!

While covering the Miss USA 2015 pageant I had the distinct pleasure to meet and interview a most remarkable young lady – the stunning Lizmary Perez, recently crowned Miss New Jersey Teen 2015.

The first thing you notice about Lizmary Perez is that she is much more than a beautiful lady. She is bright, warm, personable, interesting, well read, caring, and ready to make a difference with her life – a perfect example of “Beauty with Relevance”. Here is a transcript of my interview with her:

Universal Misses (UM): Please tell us about the pageant you recently competed in…

Lizmary Perez (LP): The International Junior Miss! This pageant had fun fashion – you could wear whatever you wanted to wear so you were able to choose something that looked right on you. Then there was the regular evening gown and interview. It was so much fun, a “fashion forward” event. It was a very large, well attended pageant. I was thrilled to finish in the top 15!

UM: Preparing for a competition like this must take dedication and commitment. What did you do to get ready?

LP: I practiced! Every single day! I was crowned in November and since then I’ve been taking time every day to go over interview questions, research online… I also like to practice the walk once the walking pattern is released. I had to get that pattern memorized in only seven days.

UM: What qualities do you think help you stand out for contests?

LP: Well, I’m funny and like to laugh. I’m not one of those girls that are overly serious and just there wanting the crown. I like to have fun and enjoy myself. It’s also exciting to meet new people. I’m friendly and I like to be myself.

UM: Could you describe your fashion style?

LP: I don’t know what my fashion style is [laughs]. I can sometimes go vintage, sometimes trendy… I can go all over actually, but I really love two-pieces, which is all I wear most of the time.

UM: Who is your role model?

LP: My mom of course! I also admire Olivia Culpo. She won Miss Rhode Island in her first try which was an amazing accomplishment. Then on her second try she won Miss USA. I was inspired by her persistence so I keep trying too. This was my third time competing for Miss New Jersey Teen USA and I’m going to keep on going [laughs].

UM: And who is your favorite Miss USA and Miss Universe? LP: Miss USA? Nina Sanchez. The way she is representing the Universe Organization is amazing. She’s been everywhere and I love to follow her on media. It’s sad for me that she has to give up her crown. Paulina Vega from Colombia has been an impressive Miss Universe who is not afraid to be herself: she is the first Miss Universe that I see who is unafraid to appear without makeup or with minimal makeup. She is showing us that being natural is also beautiful and hopefully this will inspire ladies who can be beautiful naturally, without overusing makeup and products.

UM: What message would you like us to leave to your followers and fans?

LP: Thank you so much for your support! You guys have been there through everything, standing with me through the three years I’ve been competing. I love all of you and I hope you keep motivating me! Every day I wake up it is for you! Thank you so much!

This was the First Spotlight On from Universal Misses, and much more is coming. Thanks for reading and don`t forget to follow the beautiful Lizmary Perez on twitter and show her your support: @_LizmaryA.