Amara Charles is a beautiful woman who is accomplishing major things in the community. Features Editor Liletta Harlem spoke with Amara about her recent success of winning Ms. Curve’ Virginia in 2022.

Who you are and what do you do?

My name is Amara Charles, and I currently serve as a marketing & outreach manager; responsible for the marketing and outreach efforts of various government contracts. I am the founder of “Embody Grace, Empower You”; championing women to bloom where they have been planted; and I own and operate my small business, GraceFull Lashes and Beauty, LLC., specializing in empowering women whilst accentuating their natural beauty. Most recently, I won the Mrs. Globe, Ms. Curve’ Virginia title and will compete for the national Mrs. Curve’ US of A title on June 2022.

Your recent win and what does it mean to you?

I have recently won the title; Ms. Curve’ Virginia 2022 and I will compete for the national Mrs. Globe — Mrs. Curve’ U.S.of A title in June 2022. This has also allowed me the opportunity to be a spokeswoman for Women in Need (W.I.N.) Foundation.

 When people hear and view beauty pageants, they often think of the “exterior”, meaning the focus is on outer beauty. But the beauty of the Mrs. Globe beauty pageant and the WIN Foundation is that the call is to serve and empower others through how we live and what we do. To re-present this “idea” we call beauty, to reflect an inner and outer transformation so that we can grow and glow in grace. This produces light and love in the lives of all those we encounter—to further create, inspire, and encourage change. 

 Humbly, this win feels like a win for us all. The great Maya Angelou once said, “I come as one, and I stand as ten thousand.” This journey, this experience, and this title re-affirm that I was called and created for a time such as this. The work has just begun, and this “win” will open the door for so many who went for it, and dream big, and for those who bloomed where they have been planted.

What challenges have you overcome on your journey?

I overcame a lack of self-love (feeling as though I am not enough) and body shaming by others to gain a posture of confidence in who I am and what makes me different. I also overcame self-sabotage (over-eating, laziness, procrastination), and learned what my body needs to feel good and look the way I desire. Working out is essential for me physically and mentally. It taught me how to push past my discomfort, and to see myself as deserving, beautiful, and as enough. Those struggles, the unkind words said, and the self-talks that push me past adversity helped me overcome and prepared me for this moment, this new journey as Ms. Curve Virginia Globe 2022 and as the Spokeswoman of the W.I.N. Foundation. 

What message do you have for little girls coming up next after you?

Embrace the beauty of who you are and the uniqueness of all that you are and hope to be. There is and can only be one of you, so look in the mirror and appreciate ALL that you are. I also encourage you to tap into the areas that excite you, bring you joy; where you know you excel and build upon that. Whether it is through reading, studying through educational videos, or speaking with family and friends; seek wisdom and grow your knowledge in it. Your future is bright, but it is depending on how you see yourself and manage all that you have. Keep going, keep believing, the best is yet to come.

Princess,

Bloom where you have been planted, and embrace joy, as you grow and glow in Grace.

Xoxo,

Amara

To learn more about Amara and to follow her journey, you can follow her on her Instagram and Facebook platforms!