The Girl Underneath the Crown

Most of you know me as Miss Le Rich but after all, to win the competition I had to bring with me Beauty*Strength*Destiny already. To achieve these things It only took me an entire life time of working at this. I want to share what this means for me, and I also want to introduce to you, the real me, the girl without the makeup and beautiful dresses and crown, behind the scenes!



I love to laugh! But I love the people that make me laugh even more



*BEAUTY*

I wasn’t born with “model looks” and I had to work at this for a VERY VERY VERY long time! Growing up I was the awkward, super tall, and super thin girl with braces. Like any awkward kid, I didn’t have a prom date, and I got made fun of for being very tall and skinny. My real “swan transformation” didn’t happen until my early 20’s when I was in college!

What I truly attribute my beauty to is my heritage. I was born in Mexico and moved to the US when I was 5 years old. I didn’t speak English and had to learn it very quickly when I started school. I love my country and I am very proud to be Mexican. I have not lost my ability to speak Spanish fluently and I absolutely love listening and dancing to Spanish music.

*STRENGTH*

I have a degree in Biochemical and Biophysical sciences with a minor in chemistry and biology from the University of Houston.
 Go Coogs! This degree taught me what it meant to sacrifice many comforts such as sleep, spending time with loved ones, holidays, and many weekend nights in order to study. The tradeoff of missing many an exciting night out was worthwhile when I successfully completed my degree.

Go Coogs! Class of 2003!!!

Currently, I work as an Infectious Disease researcher. I LOVE my job and everyday I wake up happy to go to work and to learn something new. I also have gotten the opportunity to present my work at seminars in the Houston Medical Center and Puerto Rico.

*DESTINY*

Since September 2009, I have served as a mentor for high school girls in a group called Pure Fashion ( Remember last week’s blog?!). I was called upon this organization as part of the very first chapter in Houston, Texas because of my modeling experience. This organization promotes beauty through modesty, authenticity, and healthy lifestyles which are very necessary in today’s society especially in young women. I teach young ladies how to walk on the runway for a show given at the end of the year. Most of the girls involved have never walked on a runway let alone in high heels. I give them some essential rules: smile, don’t look down, and practice. I also encourage them to apply this to not only the runway but in their everyday life. I want to be their inspiration as they are mine to continue professional careers, and ambitions. Pure Fashion allows them to stay strong in the path of their goals despite the obstacles they will face.

I am a young girl with very big dreams. My goals don’t just stop at getting a degree and winning a crown. I will soon be going back to school to pursue a graduate degree in Biomedical Sciences. I love to learn and what better way to do this than to go back to school? Please keep me in your prayers as I embark on the next difficult but exciting journey of my life!

*FUN FACTS*

I LOVE life because I have been blessed with so many wonderful people that surround me with love.

1.      I’m really close to my family!

2.      I love my friends! They are amazing!

3.      I love Hello Kitty

4.      I love ice cream

5.      I love to eat! Almost anything…

6.      I had a microscope when I was 7 years old!

7.      I love to travel! (more on my adventures NEXT week)

8.      I love to dance anything from ballet to salsa. It’s more fun than working out too.

9.      I am a foster mommy to an orphan elephant at a wildlife refuge in Kenya (it was a gift from my boss, best gift ever!)

10.  I love art museums and in my next life, I’d want to be a museum curator!

*FAVORITE QUOTE*



The Best is Yet to Come!



"The best is yet to come" ....I can't wait!!!

I hope you’ve learned a little bit more about me and who I am underneath the crown! Thank you for visiting my blog!

Don’t forget to LIKE us on Facebook, visit us on the web at

www.lerichcouture.com and follow us on twitter www.twitter.com/lerichcouture !

Keep your eyes out for our Love and Lace collection!

Love,


Esmeralda


Miss Le Rich


Beauty*Strength*Destiny



Beauty*Strength*Destiny

Whether we like it or not, our choice in what we wear can say a lot about our personalities, the moods we are in, and can also give people a glimpse into who we are. This is especially important in occasions such as a job interview or a first date when we only have a few minutes to make a strong first impression. You may not always think about it, but what we wear is also a reflection of our self-respect and self-esteem. The great news is that we have complete control over how we express ourselves to the world. We can choose to wear an outfit that boldly says “Respect me because my thoughts and values are important and beautiful,” rather than one that screams “Look at me because I’m desperate for attention."




jay marroquin photography

 

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous”

~Coco Chanel

Pure Fashion is a movement that started in 1999 by a group of young women that were unhappy with the fashion trends and negative messages portrayed by the media and fashion industry. The message of Pure Fashion teaches us that we can be classy AND fashionable at the same time, that the two are not exclusive but can co-exist.  They set modest guidelines for models and organized fashion shows that exemplified this message to young ladies. Today, Pure Fashion is a worldwide organization that focuses on guiding young women ages 14 to 18 to become confident and competent leaders by living, acting, and dressing without compromising their modesty or integrity.



Young ladies like us started this fashion movement



  

“On matters of style, swim with the current,

 on matters of principle, stand like a rock”

~ Thomas Jefferson

These young ladies embody grace and beauty



They did such a great job! I'm so proud of them!



In 2009, Houston was lucky enough to open the first chapter of Pure Fashion! After a very successful year filled with community service, leadership building activities, guest speakers, and a beauty session, a fashion show was held to celebrate the end of the 8-month training session in May 2010 at Memorial Oaks country club.



These young ladies are my inspiration to be a role model



“Virtue is the most important must have for every season.”

Pure Fashion rule #4

This year Pure Fashion will host yet another amazing fashion show at the River Oaks country club, Saturday April 30^th from 1130-2:30 pm. I invite everyone to join me, especially young ladies, to attend and see for yourself how you CAN integrate modesty and fashion into your own everyday expression of self.

http://www.purefashion.com/cities/houston/fashion_show

For more information about Pure Fashion, visit the website www.purefashion.com or email me personally at misslerich@lerichcouture.com ! I would love to tell you more about it and ways you or someone you know can participate or be a sponsor.

“We can begin to change the world by changing our hearts, our minds and our clothes.”

~ Pure Fashion rule #10

At Le Rich couture, we are all about promoting dignity to young women and our T-Shirt collection sends positive messages that are not only super fashionable but literally send out great messages. Visit our website and tell a friend all about our beautiful collection! They make great gifts for graduates and birthdays!

Match them with a cute summer skirt

or jeans.

They are appropriate for any occasion! And trust me; you will get so many compliments!

                                                           Share them with your bffs!

Thank you for visiting my blog this week!

 Keep a look out on the Love and Lace Spring collection. A little bird told me it will be out very soon! Don’t forget to LIKE our Facebook page, Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/lerichcouture   and recommend us to a friend! Have a wonderful Easter!

“A real model is a role model”

~Pure Fashion rule #8

Love,

Esmeralda

Miss Le Rich

Beauty*Strength*Destiny

Back home in Houston, it’s back to work!

So you may wonder what does it mean to be "Miss Le Rich”?

Other than amazing trips to New York City, I also have the responsibility of fulfilling the duties promoted by the brand; beauty, strength, and destiny. As a researcher in the Texas Medical Center, I decided that the best way that I can fulfill this mission is by helping spread awareness. Le Rich Couture supports cancer awareness because it has affected the loved ones of many in our organization. During the month of March and April, I attended several fundraising events that helped to raise money for cancer research and to support the people working to fight cancer. I strongly believe in the idea that you gain strength by giving strength exemplified by the many people involved in great charities that help raise money for research, support the families affected by diseases, and spread knowledge about treatment options.

“I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge — myth is more potent than history — dreams are more powerful than facts — hope always triumphs over experience — laughter is the cure for grief — love is stronger than death.” ~ Robert Fulghum

On March 26th, I attended the 2011 Masquerade Ball benefiting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. The event was put on by six amazing women from the Texas Medical Center, many of whom are medical students. These young women were able to raise over twenty-five thousand dollars for cancer research!

Ovarian cancer is really difficult to treat because your body doesn't get sick or give you any signs that you have the disease. Thus, it is very important for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund to find new ways to detect cancer so that we can treat people who need help. To learn more, please visit http://www.ocrf.org/ to get the latest and to find out how you can help.

Participating in the MD Anderson Cancer Center 14th Annual 5k Run/Walk and Sprint for Life is another way to raise funds for research and increase knowledge about ovarian cancer. To find out more information and to sign up, please visit: http://www.mdanderson.org/how-you-can-help/community-events/sprint-for-life/index.html

                                                                                                                         http://www.athousandwordsmedia.com/
                                           We got to wear Masquerade gowns and masks

                                                                                                                           http://www.athousandwordsmedia.com/

From Left to Right: Esmeralda Ramirez Pena, Maya Sanchez-Rotunno, Kim Skrobarcek, Kellie Reed, Ashley Barttarbee, and Vanessa McInvale.

These young women organized a fantastic event. They are the perfect example of Beauty, Strength and Destiny!

"Love life, engage in it, give it all you've got. love it with a passion, because life truly does give back, many times over, what you put into it”

~ Maya Angelou

On Friday April 1st, Lady Le Rich, Sarah Wenzel, and  myself along with others from the Le Rich team volunteered at the 2011 Coaches Huddle at the NCAA Final Four Weekend. This year, the American Cancer Society joined Rice University and University of Houston men's basketball coaches to raise awareness in the fight against cancer. This effort is called Coaches vs. Cancer and has raised over $65 million dollars to further their vision of a world with "less cancer and more birthdays." It was an honor to be a part of this event as we helped with the silent auction, greeted guests and talked about the organization with attendees. These events are a great reminder that we can always do something to help others.

     Smiling for a great cause! Lady Le Rich, NCAA coach Norm Stewart, and myself

Sarah, myself Lady Le

Visit our Facebook fan page to see the entire album! For more information on this great organization please visit www.coacheshuddle.org

“When you have come to the edge of all light that you know and are about to drop off into the darkness Of the unknown, Faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly"
~ Patrick Overton

On April 7^th I attended Havana Nights with Taft McWhorter benefiting Miriam Habbib of Lexis Florist Houston, TX  (Proud Sponsor of "Une Bonne Nuit Avec Le Rich") and Tim’s Leukemia and Lymphoma society. The Leukemia and Lymphoma society (www.lls.org) provides support and information about services and treatments for patients and families affected by leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. The silent auction offered beautiful abstract paintings by the very talented Taft McWhorter. It was a perfect night with a great crowd and I am so honored that I was invited to this event in support of a great support society. A very special thank you to Oliver Puzon, official photographer of the event.

                             The beautiful and gracious hosts, Miriam Habib and Ashlee Lee

                                              Myself, Miriam, and Taft McWhorter

This event was held at America’s, a great venue! And the artwork was spectacular.

A gorgeous arrangement by Lexis Florist

Thank you for visiting my blog! Keep in touch by visiting my blog every week. Also, don’t forget to LIKE our Facebook fan page AND follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/lerichcouture!

                    Have you been Le Rich'd? Visit us on the web www.lerichcouture.com

Love,

Esmeralda

Miss Le Rich

Beauty*Strength*Destiny

Welcome to the very first Miss Le Rich blog!

I am so thrilled to be Miss Le Rich 2011!

January 8th, the wonderful day in which I was crowned Miss Le Rich 2011, was the beginning of an exciting adventure filled with extraordinary experiences that I want to share with you through this blog.

Le Rich Couture is a clothing brand that promotes the theme of Beauty*Strength*Destiny to young women all over the world. That identity resonates greatly with my own and I want to show you how we can spread this message together. Follow me through my amazing journey…

It all started with "Une bonne nuit avec Le Rich,” the competition to name the new face of Le Rich Couture. The competition was fierce each of the contestants brought beauty and their unique personalities to the runway. I felt so lucky to be one among them.

                                 (From left to right) Alicia, Bree, Myself,Laura, Macy, and Mia
                                                                                    J ay Marroquin Photography

During the competition, we were given the opportunity to express ourselves and our desires to be the first official Miss Le Rich to a room full of family, friends, guests, and judges. A short biography, a little black dress, and a pageant question later..... I was crowned Miss Le Rich 2011!!!

                                                                                                             Jay Marroquin Photography

“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."
~Paulo Coelho

I am eternally grateful to Lady Le Rich and team, the people who sponsored me, believed in me, sent me love, words of encouragement, and cheered me on. To those present and to those present at heart, I drew strength from you as your positive energy was with me the entire night. I love each and every one of you so much. I can only hope to make you all proud.

I had never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would enter a pageant much less win one. However, making the decision to send my application for the pageant gave me an opportunity to translate my dream into my reality. Now not only do I have the exciting honor of being Miss Le Rich 2011, I have also been granted an opportunity to reach out and make an impact in the lives of young women just like me. And of course, a trip to New York City during fashion week is a fantastic way to get started! So my journey begins….

“Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand-and melting like a snowflake.” ~Marie Beyon Ray

Miss Le Rich lands in New York City to shoot the spring 2011 Look Book for Le Rich Couture!!!

First order of business: Call Mommy and Daddy back home to tell them I got to the hotel safe!

I was welcomed with a wonderful gift and heartfelt letter from Lady Le!

Every girl feels special with some bling and words of wisdom. The necklace is beautiful and it symbolizes the key to success.

I met Lady Le and Sarah for an authentic Italian dinner. We had a great time catching up, discussing our shoot and even made new friends!

Creative Director of Le Rich Couture, the infamous Sarah Nezamzadeh.

Lady Le Rich, CEO of Le Rich Couture and an inspirational woman! She is the heart and soul of Le Rich couture.

The following day bright and early…

Snow flurries and 40 degree weather didn’t stop us from creating high fashion! Now THIS is a photo shoot. Here we were huddled together to keep warn for a brief moment before the work began. A special thank you to our great team! Photography by Darius Vick Photography, Creative Director Sarah Nezamzadeh, Brand/Image Justin Ellis, Stylist: Douglas Hickman Jr. Hair by Griselle Rosario and Make up by Amber Beczner.

A behind the scenes look at our Look Book shoot! This is only a peak but we shot so many different looks. Keep your eyes out for it. It will be out soon!

Later that evening....

 After a great day of shooting I was able to enjoy the sights of one of the most important fashion cities in the world.

There was so much I wanted to do and of course, you can never have enough time in such an amazing city. The art lover in me just HAD to visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art. I especially loved the Egyptian and the Modern Art galleries. A special thank you to Adam Tury for being a great host and showing me around the city.

                                                       THE Jackson Pollock! I die!!!

                

Simply a majestic sculpture!

 Of course, I stopped by Times Square. Everyone feels like a star in Times Square

                                      

   

For those of you that don’t know, I’m a HUGE Hello Kitty fan and hunting down the Times Square location was at the top of my list.          

Empire State Building was also a must do.

                              

It was SO windy at the top! Look, 90 degree hair!

                                       

After a full day of shooting and an entire evening of fun…a model has to eat!

                            

I really loved this sculpture and quote in the restaurant I had dinner at in SOHO (a historic neighborhood in Manhattan, NYC).  The quote reads, "There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness “by Friedrich Nietzsche, a 19th century German philosopher.

Needless to to say my stay in NYC was fantastic and the last day I was there I had one more stop…

 

I am so grateful for every blessing in my life, the people that surround me with love and this amazing opportunity so it was only perfect to attend mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral to give thanks and ask for strength to be able to fulfill my destiny with the best of my abilities.

My visit to NYC was AMAZING and I can’t wait to see the Look Book!

Next week I will tell you more about how I'm fulfilling my Miss Le Rich duties AND beauty, strength, and destiny!

Thank you for visiting my blog! Keep in touch by visiting my blog every week. Also, don’t forget to LIKE our Facebook fan page.

Love,

Esmeralda

Miss Le Rich

http://www.lerichcouture.com/

Beauty*Strength*Destiny