written by palmtree staff

Not too long ago we got the news that Jenna-Monet, model, and Founder of her very own make-up brand, “Jenna-Monet Beauty” was vying for Miss New York USA and was overjoyed by the news. This was important to us because we had the chance to form a relationship with her over our collaboration series interview, “Palmtree X Caribbean Beauties,” where we collaborate with beautiful and talented Caribbean women of all shapes, sizes, and idiosyncracies via Instagram, but more so because we are extremely proud to know that a caribbean woman hailing from the beautiful island of St. Croix and St. Kitts would be representing us on such a platform and after getting to know and work with her more we can tell you she’s nothing short of deserving of this opportunity!

Passed the Face Card (Which never declines,) and her many achievements like gracing the cover of Bazaar Vietnam, and walking the runway/modeling for iconic brands such as L’Oreal Paris, Sherri Hill, Motf, and Christian Siriano, Jenna-Monet is also a great person with a beautiful personality to match. She’s Articulate, easygoing, extremely punctual, cooperative, kind, and patient, and never complained once even when we came up with things on the fly for her to do during our project.

When we think of Jenna-Monet and her opportunity to represent, we can’t help but think how important it is for caribbean woman to occupy not only the pageant space but all types of spaces where their voices can be heard and they can exact change. It is an honor that someone like Jenna-Monet will be representing caribbean women on such a platform of legacy and we can’t wait to see her shine!

We were grateful to get the chance to interview her again, especially during such an important and busy time in her life. Below she shares with us what it takes to prepare for such a competition, her #irepresentbeauty movement, and how she plans on winning the crown!

Palmtree: Can you walk us through your preparation process for the Miss NY USA pageant and how you have been getting ready to represent Caribbean women and promote your platform on eradicating unrealistic beauty standards?

Jenna-Monet: My preparation for Miss New York USA has consisted of binge-watching past Miss USA & Miss
Universe shows, paying close attention to the winner & why they stood out in comparison to their competitors. In addition, I’ve also been staying up to date on all current events as interview prep, as
well as practicing my walk. More recently, I announced vying for the title of Miss NY USA and mentioned my platform in that of eliminating the unrealistic beauty standards society has placed on young women. With the use of Jenna-Monet Beauty’s #IRepresentBeauty movement, I plan on taking advantage of Women’s History month, and raising awareness of this movement & having healthy and necessary conversations.

Palmtree: Your platform, #IRepresentBeauty, aims to challenge societal norms and empower young women to embrace their natural beauty. How do you plan to incorporate this message into your journey towards the crown and use your makeup brand, Jenna-Monet Beauty, as a tool to promote self-love and acceptance?

Jenna-Monet: I plan to incorporate #IRepresentBeauty into my journey by first defining the #IRepresentBeauty movement, and secondly, asking my followers and supporters what beauty means to them. This will then
encourage multiple perspectives of how they view beauty. I’d also ask what is one flaw they were once insecure about that has now become an attribute they’re more confident with. Furthermore, I’d also highlight ways in which to target low esteem in comparing your attributes to others.

Palmtree: What strategies and initiatives have you put in place to raise awareness about the damaging impact of unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by social media and society? How do you envision the #IRepresentBeauty movement making a difference in the lives of young women, especially those from the Caribbean community?

Jenna-Monet: Strategies that I’ve put in place to raise awareness about the impact of the unrealistic beauty standards brought on by society is predominately through social media specifically through Jenna-Monet
Beauty. I’ve recently come up with a campaign that involves the community, and their views on the beauty standards of today’s society, and I can’t wait to launch this idea. I envision the #IRepresentBeauty making in difference specifically in young women’s lives in that there’s a platform that doesn’t discriminate against beauty, in that the brand message of Jenna-Monet Beauty is determined to enhance your natural. In other words, the natural beauty that you have makeup is just highlighting what is naturally present. I’d like the #IRepresentBeauty movement can be a safe space for
young women to tackle self-esteem flaws or a place to receive encouragement.

Palmtree: As a representative of Caribbean beauty and talent, how do you hope to inspire other young women to join you in challenging beauty stereotypes and celebrating diversity in all its forms? What advice would you give to those who may be struggling with self-confidence and body image issues in today’s digital
age?

Jenna-Monet: As representative of Caribbean beauty I hope to inspire other young women to join me in challenging the stereotypes & accepting beauty in all forms, by sharing the importance of self-acceptance and how
this first step leads to a change of behavior & viewing yourself in a high form. Advice that I would give those who may be struggling with self-confidence is to stop comparing your attributes to someone else’s. I think this is why so many young women are affected & have low-self esteem. As I entered my teen years I’d also hear, “Comparison is the thief of joy”, and I grew to understand it more in my adult years. I’d advise anyone struggling with low self-esteem to stay true to you and affirm that you are loved, beautiful, and enough. These affirmations should not only be vocalized but also manifested in behaviors.