Meet Miss Texas United States 2016: Alayah Benavidez

With the Miss United States 2016 pageant a little over a month away, I’m so excited to bring you an exclusive interview with the queen of the Lone Star State, Alayah Benavidez! When she isn’t busy making appearances as Miss Texas United States and volunteering in her community, Alayah is a student, model, brand ambassador and even works for a property management company! Today on Lady Code Alayah shares her beauty secrets, advice on how to deal with bullying, and a peek into the life of a beauty queen.

Quick facts…

Hometown: Helotes, Texas

Current City: San Antonio

Hobbies: Crossfit, reading, exploring the outdoors

Favorite food: pizza

Favorite movie: Great Gatsby

Three words that sum you up: happy, genuine, caring

Song you have on repeat right now: Comfortable by Nick Jonas

Dream job: English Professor

Beauty product you can’t live without: Cream Puff powder from The Perfect Face Cosmentics

Favorite quote: “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire”

alayah benavidez miss texas us

Having a title keep you pretty busy! What is a typical day like for you? Thank goodness I am pretty good at time management! A typical day for me is pretty full these days. I normally start my day at about 7:30 am. I work for a property management company, go to school, model for 3 agencies nationwide and am a brand ambassador for Vienna Prom. After work I hit the gym and spend time with family. At least twice a week I also make an appearance as Miss Texas (in fact I am completing this interview from a hotel room in Laredo) and volunteer my time with some of my favorite charitable organizations. It’s a crazy busy life, and I love it!

What has been the highlight of being Miss Texas so far? It’s really hard to pick just one…but I have to say that all the support I’ve received has been so heart warming. Having the support of my state and hometown will be something I will always remember and has been the highlight of my journey so far.

What are some of your best beauty secrets to looking flawless all the time? Lashes, lashes, lashes! I love lashes. Even on a bare make up day lashes can complete a look. I also love to “bake” with Cream Puff by The Perfect Face Cosmetics. Not only does it sound delicious, it leaves your face looking flawless.

Growing up, who was your inspiration? Growing up I always looked up to my grandmother. She was, and still is, such a strong woman of faith. She’s my counselor, my fashion adviser and my prayer warrior. Anyone who has met her would agree that she is inspirational.

alayah benavidez

Lady Code has a focus on anti-bullying and women empowerment. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be victims of bullying? In middle school and even in high school I felt bullied. Sadly, I think most people are faced with some sort of bullying in their lives. For me, cutting unhealthy relationships out of my life and realizing my self worth and potential was key. When I was able to look in the mirror and see myself as perfectly imperfect and embrace those imperfections I was finally able to face those bullies with confidence. And you know what? That confidence scared them away. My mom used to say “fake it ’till you make it”…. and I did just that. I faked it until I believed it myself. Today I can proudly say I am 100% confident in who I am. Hey Bullies, look at me now! 🙂

Tell us about your platform: I am so thankful that at an early age I discovered a love for reading. Little did I know that all those hours of escape were building a foundation for the years ahead. Good grades came easier to me than some of my peers, job interviews were a breeze and my public speaking skills were confidently developed. All which has led me to success in my career, personal life and pageantry. This is why I started my campaign, Read The Way.

My mission is to create an excitement and love for reading in our youth. Excitement sparks passion and passion fuels dreams. I’ve reached hundreds of Texas children with my message and look forward to taking it nationwide.

What can Lady Code readers do in their communities to get involved? I would love for all the “Lady Coders” out there to pick up a book and read to a child! Visit a library, a youth group or a classroom! Help me spread my message and #ReadTheWay on your social media. Every community has young bright minds that are full of imagination and ready to Read Today and Lead Tomorrow!

In your free time, what do you enjoy doing? I’m sure you can tell I am a book nerd, but I also enjoy crossfit and living a healthy lifestyle. If it’s outdoors I am down to do it! Fishing, hiking, swimming. I’m actually kind of a tomboy in my free time… a tomboy with fierce lashes!

What is your go-to makeup look? Okay, here is a great tip. If you need to look amazing and only have a short time to prepare…wear red lipstick. Done! I’ve had to use this go-to look a couple of time this week and I must say, I got so many compliments!

What is one thing you can’t live without? My nude heels. When in doubt wear nude.

What is the hardest part about competing in pageants? I love PIZZA! Sadly, it’s not a good idea to mix pageant prep and pizza. So, minimizing my pizza intake to form the perfect bikini body is super hard for me 🙂

What is the best part about competing in pageants? The relationships formed with the contestants is the best part hands down. Some of my very best friends in life were met during pageants. These women are like minded, confident and are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. It truly is a sisterhood.

What is the best advice you have ever received? Social media is such a big part of today’s society. the best advice I ever received was from my mother. She said, if you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see it, don’t post it. I’ve taken that advice and applied it to my life and it has really helped me to keep my moral compass steered in the right direction at all times.

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