Welcome to the first edition of Beauty Corner! Beauty Corner is an outlet where I interview notable people within the beauty and fashion industries. I am pleased to announce that the first guest on Beauty Corner is Miss U.S. International 2020 Maritsa Platis. Maritsa Platis is a 20-year-old college student attending the University of South Carolina majoring in public health. Maritsa made history by becoming the first woman from South Carolina to win the Miss U.S. International title last summer, and she now has the honor of representing the United States at the 60th Miss International Beauty Pageant. While in the middle of her preparations for the international pageant and fulfilling her duties as a national titleholder, Maritsa kindly took the time to be a part of Beauty Corner. Continue reading to learn more about Maritsa, her aspirations, pageant journey, and the road to Miss International.
Q. How did you feel when you were announced as the new Miss US International?
A. “Your new Miss U.S. International 2020 is…” In that moment my world stood still, where seconds felt like minutes, and where minutes felt like hours. As they kept calling my name each round, I was shocked looking around the room admiring the amazing, accomplished women from across the United States on that stage, in that moment I was just so honored to be representing my state. As my name was called for the final top two, I was walking forward to the middle of the stage to hold hands, it felt as if I transformed into my thirteen-year-old’s self, as if I was in my living room playing pageant, but not this time it was real life. I was shaking, trembling that I have made it this far in the competition, I kept trying to whisper to Kelly Seibold, “It’s going to be you” but at that moment it felt like I was talking in slow motion. Before they called my name, I prayed to God that it was his will and his way. As soon as they called my name, I collapsed hitting the ground crying, feeling on top of the world, in shock, and the months and years of hard work finally paid off. I knew in that moment what it exactly took to win the crown and that is something I will cherish forever. I was replaying all of the long hours, days, and nights I spent working on who I wanted to become as a person rather than chasing a crown that was never meant for me and in that moment it all came full circle when I finally captured the crown that was meant for me. Once I won, I knew in that moment that this crown wasn’t only for me but for all of the young girls out there who want to accomplish their dreams, women in STEM, the families that I have impacted through my initiative, and the first-generation Greek American women across our country. During this whole process I have failed more than I have succeeded, and, in this moment, I learned what success really means, hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Q. What made you drawn to joining the Miss International system?
A. The Miss International Organization is one of the Big Four international beauty pageants in the world. This is one of the most coveted beauty titles among the international pageant competitions. I believe that the core values of the Miss International Organization spreading the message of the “realization of world peace through mutual understanding” truly represent who I am as a person and I was drawn to join this Organization from that moment on. Whether you wear a crown or not, I believe everyone can make a difference and be the change they want to see in this world. Being Miss U.S. International is an honor. Once crowned, I knew the importance of the title and the impact it could have on others. My motivation to compete stems from knowing I can use my voice and sphere of influence to advocate for those who cannot be heard. I knew that this was more than a title but an outlet where I can create a wave of change. The work that goes into community service and bringing others together brings tears to my eyes. I plan to work just as hard if I have the honor of becoming the next Miss International.
Q. What are you looking forward to the most at the 60th Miss International pageant in Japan?
A. I look forward to traveling to the beautiful country of Japan, learning about their culture and taking it all in learning from every moment I get to experience while at the 60th Miss International pageant. I look forward to meeting the Miss International Organization staff and all of the contestants. Once I was crowned Miss U.S. International, I started reaching out to many of the contestants and I have been chatting with them via social media ever since. It is such an honor that I get to represent the USA at the 60th Anniversary edition of Miss International. I cannot wait to finally be in Japan with all of my sisters from across the world!
Q. What aspect of your preparation for Miss International do you find to be the most challenging?
A. I believe that every portion of the competition that I am preparing for can use improvement. As I am learning each and every single day about this organization, I find myself fine tuning my strengths and weaknesses for every area of the competition.
Q. Based on fan predictions, many predict you to place in the Top 5. Do you feel any pressure to live up to people’s expectations?
A. I am so thankful for everyone who has followed my journey, it truly is amazing to see the support coming from across the country. I am so honored to be predicted to place in the Top 5 by many esteemed fans. I don’t feel pressured because I know that I will work my hardest and if I win the crown, that it is not for me but for the people of my country. I know that no matter what happens they will always be so proud! God Bless the USA!
Q. How did you get into pageantry?
A. I received a letter in the mail, from an organization at thirteen years old, inviting me to compete for Miss South Carolina Pre-teen where I placed 3rd runner up to the title at my first pageant ever. Ever since then I have competed in many organizations including MAO, MUO and many more.
Q. You mentioned in a recent post that you took a year off from pageants to grow as a person and find your purpose, more specifically, your “Why.” Do you mind sharing with us what your “Why” is? Do you have any advice for those trying to find their “Why?”
A. After a year off from the pageant world I wanted to take a break to reflect on who I am, giving myself time to grow as a person to find my purpose and my “Why.” My Why stems from a life changing experience when I lost my cousin due to an unfortunate incident involving positional asphyxia/ co-sleeping. Ever since that life-changing moment I have made it my “Why.” As I watch seasoned competitors, I see so many girls so burned out, lost, wondering why they can’t win, and crown chasing. In order to be a queen, I truly believe that you must want to advocate change because a crown and sash will not do it for you. As a queen you must work day in and day out behind the scenes on philanthropic work, interviews, organizational building, and real-life skills. So, you ask “How do you find your why?” well it’s simple, find something you are truly passionate about and make sure you know in your heart that you are staying true and authentic to yourself throughout the process.
Q. You are the founder of the “Cradle of Love” initiative. What made you start “Cradle of Love”?
A. As the current Miss U.S. International 2020, I have developed an advocacy entitled “Cradle of Love” where I aim to educate others on the dangers of co-sleeping while also providing substantial support to families in need. Through my initiative, I provide bassinets and baby items to lower-income families. Gaining inspiration from a family member who passed away from co- sleeping/positional asphyxia, the fatalities resulting from co-sleeping impacts many parents in the U.S. In relation to my personal initiative, Cradle of Love, throughout my reign my goal is to partner with hospitals and organizations to fundraise for families across the nation. I plan to elevate my voice by standing with numerous nonprofits, and organizations that align with the International Organization’s mission. My mission statement for my year as Miss U.S. International 2020 is “let’s combat infant asphyxia with one cradle at a time, by speaking up for the voices that cannot be heard”.
Q. Besides from “Cradle of Love,” you have worked for many other charitable causes. What is your favorite memory from your charitable work?
A. Besides my personal initiative, I am working with many organizations across the nation during my reign. I have teamed up and partnered with the American Red Cross, St. Judes Children’s Hospital, Children’s Miracle Network, Greek America Foundation and many more. My most memorable moment during my charitable work was seeing a mothers life change before her eyes, she was overjoyed to receive a bassinet for her baby that I was able to provide for her, in that moment I knew that I must keep working hard to raise funds to keep my organization running so I can save infants from the dangers of co-sleeping and positional asphyxiation.
Q. You are a proud Greek American. What about the Greek culture do you love the most and want to share with everyone?
A. Growing up I always heard my grand-mother talk about the Oath of Hippocrates and how the first medical doctor was Greek. She also said the first lawyer, politician, philosopher and more, were Greek. I am so proud to be Greek and what I love about the Greek culture is, it has always made me feel like we stand on the shoulders of giants and we have a responsibility to do great things. I am so very proud of so many Greeks making great medical discoveries, including today currently with the Covid vaccine.
Q. You have just been inducted into The City of North Myrtle Beach Area Historical Museum. Knowing you have visited the NMB Historical Museum when you were younger, how does it feel knowing that you are now going to be a part of the museum?
A. It was such an incredible experience being inducted into my hometown’s museum; it was such a surreal moment for me. I remember visiting the museum as a young girl seeing all of the inspiring stories. I hope to be an inspiration to the young women in our community because if I can do it, they can do it too!
Q. Finally, is there anything else you would like to share with us?
A. I would like to thank all of my incredible supporters and those who have followed my journey! I would like to thank the Beauty Corner, Beauty and Brains for interviewing me. This was such an honor. Please follow @Maritsa_Platis & @Miss U.S. International on Facebook and Instagram to follow my journey to the Miss International title! Thank you all so much!
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I want to give a big thank you to Maritsa for being a part of Beauty Corner and giving beautiful, meaningful answers. Make sure to follow and support Maritsa on her journey to the Miss International crown on the Miss U.S. International Facebook and Instagram as well as Maritsa’s personal Instagram account.
Tags: Miss International, Miss US International, Miss USA