"It was such an honor to represent Maryland," says Laquisha "I felt those little purple and teal butterflies fluttering softly. Then, I felt a calming and sense of accomplishment."
Purple and Teal are the colors of sexual assault and domestic violence awareness, two causes that Laquisha advocates.
The remaining top five were: Christina Schinner, Mrs. Northern Virginia Essence (first runner-up), Candice Sample, Mrs. Virginia Essence (second runner-up), Lateacha Colema, Mrs. Georgia Essence (third runner-up), and Alexsis Johnson-Rasheed, Mrs. Pennsylvania Essence (fourth runner-up).
As Mrs. Essence, Laquisha will travel the country representing the pageant organization and continuing the work with instilling positive self-esteem in young women. A naturally thin woman, Laquisha will be releasing a new book shortly for other young girls who have dealt with being ridiculed for being, "too skinny."
While most pageant contestants toil over losing weight in order to get into swimsuit shape, Hall has received criticism from pageant judges for being too thin. “I have struggled with being naturally thin my whole life,” explains Laquisha. “Unfortunately, I have found the pageant world to be more critical. A pageant judge once told me that I am too skinny to represent the American Heart Association. I find that funny, because don’t I have a heart too?” Hall jokes.
As Mrs. Essence, Laquisha received a prize package worth nearly $10,000:
- Exclusive Essence Crown
- Exquisite Rhinestone Trimmed Sash
- Elegant Silver and Blue Aurora Borealis Crystal Crown Pin
- Engraved Award
- Website Design and Support for 1 year
- Official Winners Photography Session sponsored by Skye Fine Art Photographics
- Business Cards
- Autograph Cards
- Floral Presentation
- Crown Ring
- Blue Velvet Crown Storage Bag
- Hotel Accommodations Paid for 2013 Essence Pageant (Queen Only Hotel Room Double Occupancy with another Queen)
- Featured in National advertising throughout their reigns
- Appearance Support from the national office
- One Year subscription to Pageantry Magazine
- $600 body sculpting treatments and 1 Box of Ultimate Body Applicators from New Contours
- A mentha lip balm with peppermint oil from New Blissful Cosmetics
- Crown Jewelry from Holly Hardwick
- $20 Voucher from Tiara Bags
- Workout DVD from Maria Beall, Ms. Classic Essence
- Free Entry from Majestic International Pageant
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