Watch Her Series: Ja’Kenya Bershell (NAM Miss Mississippi 2024)♡
Welcome to the Watch Her Series! Introducing you to extraordinary women you should be watching…
Today I’m featuring my Gulf Coast Sister Queen and the current NAM Miss Mississippi Ja’Kenya Bershell! Swipe to read about Ja’Kenya’s journey towards confidence
Ja’Kenya and I were crowned together at NAM AL/LA/MS. I’m so grateful to have met her and have that as a bonding experience. There’s no better feeling than meeting someone that supports you equally as much as you support them. Grateful for such a sweet friendship.
Thank you Ja’Kenya for joining me on the Watch Her Series! Read her story below!
What has your confidence journey looked like?
While I am still on my confidence journey, I believe that I have come a long way from where I started. I used to be very shy and to myself, and over the years, I have continuously come out of my shell to become more confident than ever. Having to be independent from a young age and trying new things has helped to bring my confidence up to where it is now.
What is a time you pushed past your comfort zone to boost your self-confidence and what was the outcome?
Participating in the NAM State Pageant this year was something that was way outside of my comfort zone. The personal introduction and formal wear were the two events that boosted my self-confidence the most because I put myself out there, and I was accepted for who I am. Winning the pageant solidified in my mind that I have the power to achieve anything that I set my mind to.
How do you maintain confidence during challenging times?
Maintaining confidence during challenging times has been something that I struggle with. When I’m going through tough times, I have to remind myself that I have been through worse and that what I’m going through is only temporary. Having an amazing support system and creating a plan to overcome those challenges help me to remain confident and push through!
How has being Miss Mississippi influenced your self confidence?
Being Miss Mississippi has influenced my self-confidence greatly. Throughout pageant weekend, I was constantly doubting myself and having low expectations for the outcome of the pageant. However, after winning the title, I realized that being myself is enough and that I can be successful in anything as long as I apply myself.
How do you plan to continue growing self confidence in yourself and others?
I plan to continue growing my self-confidence by challenging myself to continue to try new things and having a more positive mindset. Practicing self-care and surrounding myself with positive/supportive people will be a great help on my self-confidence journey. I want to help others build their self-confidence by encouraging them to try new things and being that person that they can go to when they need support or constructive feedback. Also, I feel that I can lead by example and hope that modeling my self-confidence can inspire others to become confident in themselves as well.
