On Online: Keia Brown

keia-brown-140-8x10Where do you live? Abingdon, Maryland

Area of study? MFA Fashion Merchandising

Day job/occupation: Financial Aid Counselor

What qualities do you most value in others? Honesty. It creates a sincere relationship with others immediately.

Name three of your favorite designers, journalists, bloggers, stores, etc: Sherri Hill, Marc Jacobs, Chanel

List a guilty pleasure: My guilty pleasure is watching reality TV. However, I am very picky on which shows. I watch Gossip Girl, re-runs of The Hills, The City, and Say Yes to the Dress simply for the fashion. In addition, I have fallen in love with 90210 (The New Season), The Kardashians and Lamar & Khloe recently.

What is your present state of mind? I am carefree and since I am 25, I am re-examining who I am as a young woman andwhat I want to achieve next.

What is your dream job? My dream job is to become an entrepreneur and be my own boss. I aspire to own and manage a pageantry and prom boutique on the mid-east coast that specializes in styling and provides the latest trends.

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What is the most important thing that people should know about you? I am a very creative and hardworking individual. I love to use my experience in the pageantry industry and develop many different business aspects, including styling, coaching and photography.

When was the first time you recognized your interest in fashion? It had to be the day I was allowed to offer input in my pageant wardrobe. I was 13 years old and because I have always been tall, my mother allowed me to shop the walls and walls of prom-style evening gowns in a friend’s boutique and select the one of my choice. Since then, I’ve accessorized and been in love with shopping and styling.

Where have you found inspiration lately? I have to admit, I am truly inspired by the wardrobe shown on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. I am a “sparkle” type of girl, coming from a pageantry background. Every time I see the pieces worn on the show, I am inspired with the designs and color palettes.

What is your most valued possession? I would have to say my most valued possession, as cheesy as it sounds, are my crowns & banners I’ve won in the last 15 years. Every win has been a result of hard work, dedication, and the drive to do MY BEST! I am very proud of my accomplishments and look at these pieces of jewelry as a photo album — great memories I’ve created.

What music do you like to listen to? Music gives me great inspiration and keeps me motivated. As a competitive dancer for the first 18 years of my life, I have a healthy appetite for all genres of music. I dance ballet, modern, lyrical, jazz, pointe, tap, hip hop and theatre. Any music that allows me to feel a mood or rhythm — I’m listening to it!

If you had anopportunity to travel back in time, who would you like to meet, and why? Definitely, Marilyn Monroe. I loved her carefree passion about simply being the best, but truly being herself. I hope to achieve my dreams, while still keeping the morals and values that makes me, me!

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