It takes a lot for a girl to navigate her way across the threshold of womanhood. Developing a strong self esteem is the main key to successfully reach this destination. At times it's not a smooth journey for most. Sasha appears to have things well under
control to face a bright future ahead.
control to face a bright future ahead.
"Sasha Hailey"
By Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa: Where did you grow up?
Sasha: I grew up in a great neighborhood near Chantilly, Virginia.
Copa: Where did you grow up?
Sasha: I grew up in a great neighborhood near Chantilly, Virginia.
Copa: What school do you attend?
Sasha: Chantilly High School.
Sasha: Chantilly High School.
Copa: Have you always desired to compete for a pageant title?
Sasha: Not really. The one and only pageant I participated in was when I was 11. I did not really like the pageant world, but it did introduce me to modeling and I found out that I was good at it.
Sasha: Not really. The one and only pageant I participated in was when I was 11. I did not really like the pageant world, but it did introduce me to modeling and I found out that I was good at it.
Copa: Was there anyone who encouraged you or was this your idea?
Sasha: It was suggested to me by Jeanne Theismann after I told her how I was bullied in elementary school. She thought I would be a good model and recommended a pageant that was based on modeling rather than singing or dancing. I recall nailing the modeling portions but was shy during the interview.
Sasha: It was suggested to me by Jeanne Theismann after I told her how I was bullied in elementary school. She thought I would be a good model and recommended a pageant that was based on modeling rather than singing or dancing. I recall nailing the modeling portions but was shy during the interview.
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Copa: Was there something that you wanted to prove to yourself in the competition or did you wish to be an example in some way to uplift others with their self-esteem issues?
Sasha: That’s a really good question that I hadn’t really thought about. My older sister, Laila, had also recommended I model because of my slender build and she also thought competing in the pageant was a good idea. I remember just wanting to see what it felt like to model on stage or a runway and when it was over, I felt I had found my niche. At the time, I was more focused on my own self-esteem issues after being bullied in elementary school.When I was 11 years old, I was gangly – I wore size 00 jeans and 10.5 women’s shoes. I was teased for my clown feet and stick figure. Girls can be so mean to other girls and I feel that really needs to stop – we girls need to support each other and lift each other up rather than tearing each other down.I feel my experiences have helped me to defend others that I see being bullied and lift them up to see themselves in a more beautiful light.
Sasha: That’s a really good question that I hadn’t really thought about. My older sister, Laila, had also recommended I model because of my slender build and she also thought competing in the pageant was a good idea. I remember just wanting to see what it felt like to model on stage or a runway and when it was over, I felt I had found my niche. At the time, I was more focused on my own self-esteem issues after being bullied in elementary school.When I was 11 years old, I was gangly – I wore size 00 jeans and 10.5 women’s shoes. I was teased for my clown feet and stick figure. Girls can be so mean to other girls and I feel that really needs to stop – we girls need to support each other and lift each other up rather than tearing each other down.I feel my experiences have helped me to defend others that I see being bullied and lift them up to see themselves in a more beautiful light.
Copa: How has this entire experience changed your life and those around you?
Sasha: I have to tell you that since becoming a model, not only has my confidence soared, but so has my ability to encourage others. I find beauty in so many people now. My experiences with modeling has helped me to be more confident in public and with interviews. You know, my cousin had cancer as a teenager and so any chance I get to help with fund raisers like "Runway for Life", I jump on it without hesitation.
Sasha: I have to tell you that since becoming a model, not only has my confidence soared, but so has my ability to encourage others. I find beauty in so many people now. My experiences with modeling has helped me to be more confident in public and with interviews. You know, my cousin had cancer as a teenager and so any chance I get to help with fund raisers like "Runway for Life", I jump on it without hesitation.
Copa: Did your family play a large part in motivating you to win?
Sasha: I don’t recall really wanting to win, but I did hope to at least make the top 10. I just wanted to feel what it would be like to model in front of an audience. My family was there cheering me on and they wanted me to focus on enjoying the pageant. My family played a large part in encouraging me to follow my dreams of modeling.
Sasha: I don’t recall really wanting to win, but I did hope to at least make the top 10. I just wanted to feel what it would be like to model in front of an audience. My family was there cheering me on and they wanted me to focus on enjoying the pageant. My family played a large part in encouraging me to follow my dreams of modeling.
Copa: What was the most important lesson you have learned about yourself during your pageant experience?
Sasha: I believe the most important lesson I learned was to no longer compare myself to others and accept myself as God made me knowing that He loves me just the way I am.
Sasha: I believe the most important lesson I learned was to no longer compare myself to others and accept myself as God made me knowing that He loves me just the way I am.
Copa: What does the future hold for Sasha Hailey?
Sasha: I plan to continue modeling while I study to become a paramedic.
Sasha: I plan to continue modeling while I study to become a paramedic.
~PORTFOLIO~
~Copa
