One on One with Lydia Holman: Miss Teen New Mexico 2012

We had the privilege to interview Lydia Holman, Miss Teen New Mexico 2012 and a published model. Not only is she beautiful, but she is also extremely bright. At only 17, she has been published on the cover of a magazine, competed in a national pageant, and has bright plans for her future, both in the modeling industry and scholastically.

Name: Lydia Holman
Birthday: December 13, 1995

Occupation(s):
School/Education Level: High school senior

Favorite…

Quote: “Every day is a fashion show and the world is your runway.” – Coco Chanel

Color:Blue
Accessory: My David Yurman ring that my parents gave me as a Class Ring
Food:Lasagna
Book: Two Little Girls in Blue by Mary Higgins Clark

What got you interested in pageants? When I was 6 years old, a few of my friends and I thought that it would be fun to enter the local Miss Nelson pageant. I competed and thought that it was a fun activity to do and continued with it. When I was 13 years old, there was an ad on TV that said that Johnathan Kayne needed volunteer models for a local It’s My Prom fashion show. It’s My Prom promotes safe habits for prom night as well as life in general. I decided to volunteer for the show and that is where I met Chris Wilmer. At the time, he was the director for the Miss Virginia United States pageant and is now the national Miss United States director. He spoke with me about the system and I signed up for the state pageant. When I discovered the Miss United States Pageant, I loved how much it promoted volunteer work as well as the importance of being a positive role model. I decided that I wanted to help make a difference in any way that I could and I entered the Miss United States system.

Are there any misconceptions about the world of pageants that you’d like to clear up? Most people think that pageants are only about looking pretty for an audience. If I have learned anything from competing, it is that pageant girls compete because they want to make a difference in the world. They are looking for a way to find a voice that people will hear so that they may promote their platform that will help people in some way. These girls that I have met are truly amazing, and even if they don’t win they still do their best to improve upon the community that they live in. Every single pageant girl is a lot more than just a pretty face.

Name one mistake you have made on the way to your current success that you have learned from:
I think that one mistake is thinking that being a model would be easier.  It requires a lot of physical and mental preparation,organizational and time management skills.

You are in tip-top shape! Do you have any fitness advice for our readers? I’m always trying to keep myself busy throughout the year. I play basketball for my school during the fall and swim on my own during the summer. In the months between, I try to go to the gym when I can. I try my best to stray away from any junk food, but I have a treat every now and then.

If you could be famous for any reason, what would it be? It has always been a goal of mine to be an interior designer. Growing up, I watched HGTV constantly and I’m always filled with anticipation for the day that I get to design on my own. If I could be famous, I would want it to be for my designs and they way that they could inspire people. My dream is to one day have my own show so that I may bring out the designer in everyone.

What is one interesting, useful thing you have learned from being a model/pageant girl? When people see a model in a picture or on tv, they should see a role model. And to be a good role model, you must act accordingly even when the camera is off of you. It’s very important to always remember that even when you are not working, people are still watching you and looking up to you so you must always convey a positive image.

In the next five years, where do you hope to see yourself? After graduating high school, I plan to expand my modeling career. I also would like to attend college to acquire a major in interior design.

Who are your inspirations and why? My inspiration comes from my drama teacher, Diana Driver. She helped to bring me out of my shell. She taught me to take risks and aim high with my goals. Through taking her classes, it helped me become the person who I am today. I have a lot more confidence in myself because of her. The way that she treats her students has always captivated me. She connects with them all in a way that no other teacher can and always tries her best to be there for every one of them. She’s the best teacher that I’ve ever had and I will continue to remember what she has taught me throughout my entire life.

If you could tell us three interesting things about yourself, what would they be? I have always had a passion for acting as well. I absolutely love to be on stage. This will be my second year competing in my schools One Act Competition. In my spare time, I love to play the piano. I get lost in the music when I am playing and it’s fun to learn new songs to play. One of my favorite places to volunteer is the Almost Home Animal Adoption Center. The animals are always so sweet and it’s amazing to see how happy they are when they find a new home.

Is there anything you’d recommend to girls to help them be the most beautiful (and successful) version of themselves? One of the most important pieces of advice that I have learned is that you should always be yourself. You’re an individual and no one else will be able to take that away from you. Express yourself in everything that you do. Find your passion in life and follow that dream.

You have such a bright future ahead of you, Lydia! We are so proud of you.