Marayssa Raimondo @missnhteenusa
It is Perumira magazine’s pleasure to welcome our next guest, the talented Marayssa Raimondo. Marayssa, a native of Dover, New Hampshire, USA, has excelled in the world of modeling and beauty as Miss New Hampshire Teen USA 2023.
With her grace and youthful charm, Marayssa has captivated audiences not only in her home state, but across the country. As a leading teen model, she has demonstrated exceptional talent and a captivating presence on the runway.
Originally from the quaint town of Dover, Marayssa carries with her the vibrant spirit and authenticity of New Hampshire. Her meteoric rise in the modeling world is a testament to her dedication and passion for her craft.
In this exclusive interview, we will explore the most intimate aspects of Marayssa’s life and career. From her experiences as a teen model to her dreams and aspirations for the future, we will dive into the fascinating world of this young rising star.
Prepare to be inspired by the enchanting Marayssa Raimondo, whose talent and charisma continue to light up the world of teen modeling.
1.- Marayssa, tell me about the city where you were born and raised. What do you like about your hometown?
I am from Dover, New Hampshire which is a small state in the northeastern region of the United States called New England. Growing up here gave me so many opportunities. Dover, though small, has an array of people and places. It was much smaller when I was young, as the years went by many people moved here. There are a variety of shops and foods and new cultures being introduced.
But, even with all the change, I can still recognize this town as my home. Because of this, I would say what I like most about my hometown is its comfort.
2.- What are your hobbies? What makes you laugh a lot or gives you joy?
I love dance, sing, and go to the gym. It is important to me to be strong in the mind and body. But what brings me the most joy is being in my community and forming new connections, whether it be for business or casually. The more I talk to strangers the more I learn; I learn new perspectives and more about my neighbors. I believe that everyone has a story to tell, and I want to be the person to listen. Bring kind and supportive is what brings me the most joy.
3.-International Model, Miss New Hampshire Teen USA 2023. When did you decide to take your first steps as a model and beauty pageants? What feeling do you have achieving your dreams, your passions and being a recognized influencer woman today?
I started in pageants around the age of 3, then got into modeling. I also auditioned for acting but I decided not to pursue it because I did not want to move away from my friends and family. So, I stayed in pageantry, winning a few awards, and modeling until I became bored of it and focused on school. I actually was very shy growing up when I wasn’t around my close friends or family.
However, at age 16/17 in my third year of high school, I decided to return to it and do a few small, local pageants for fun and to boost my confidence. I competed in 2, placing in both and winning scholarship money. In my final year of high school, my friend who also did pageants told me about the Miss Teen USA system. The more I looked into it the more I was hooked. This was a huge opportunity for me to be able to spread positivity and to help people heal so they could continue their journey into becoming their best self.
It feels amazing to have this title! But even though I have this platform, I do not want to be seen as an influencer. I prefer to be seen as the girl next door and as a friend to all! I feel it is so much more fulfilling to my heart and soul to be able to connect with people rather than to gain popularity to reach the masses. Of course, I would like to spread my positivity to people across the entire world, but at the end of the day, I feel my energy can be put to more constructive use. There are plenty of people for me to impact right here in my home state. I believe that if I can make even the smallest, constructive impact to just 1 person, I have done what God put me on this Earth to do.
4.- What do you think is the distinctive, unique stamp of Marayssa in each activity carried out as a beauty queen and model?
Authenticity. In the kindest and most respectful way possible, I will be truthful about my feelings and what I think about something.
My motto is “keep it real,” meaning I believe in transparency and being unapologetically you! For Marayssa, that means I will be my loud and loving self, but I will also stand my ground when need be. But, you can bet I will always have a joke up my sleeve!
5.- What’s is the main virtue that any woman must have to be an international model?
I believe that the virtue that all women should have, whether they are or want to be an international model or not, is to be humble and show compassion. Remind yourself that the person you see across from you is someone’s son or daughter. They were born into this world pure.
Circunstances happened that formed their character and situation. It is not our place to judge, however it is our place to help support our brothers and sisters as best as we can.
6.- Are you aware of being an influential woman for thousands of girls who want to be models? How import ant is it to you to be an idol for many girls and teenagers?
I am surprised every day at how many people follow my journey. I am Filipina, and when I competed at Miss Teen USA, there were 2 different couples who came all the way from the Philippines to see me and another Filipina teen. I did not know them! I do receive much support from fellow Pinoys which warms my heart so so much as I did not grow up with many other people like me.
The only circumstance I’d want to be seen as an “idol” is if it means I am being followed because I am seen as a positive role model. As I stated earlier, I believe in being myself. I know nothing else than to be me. It would not be right of me to try and influence anyone whose life and situation I am not familiar with.
All I can do is share my story and my ways of positive mentality and how to reflect and learn from it. By being a role model in that way, I can guide others in following my footsteps to change their lives for the better.
7.- What was your feeling the first time you modeled in front of a video camera? What did you feel the first time at a beauty pageant?
I remember going to Boston on the weekends and that being the first time I was behind a camera that wasn’t my mothers (she’s my best photographer). Doing pageants at such a young age I remember being slightly confused about what was going on, but also having a lot of fun. My mom always made my pageants and photoshoots very fun.
8.- What do you think about the power of social media today?
I think the grip that social media has on us today is wildly overlooked. We all know that social media can harm our mental health, but have we really internalized that fact? Further, do we ever plan to do anything about it? There, of course, are plenty of men and women around the world who use their platforms purely for good which I admire greatly.
However, it is so easy to spread misinformation and to make small inconveniences seem like the end of the world. I believe we as people must learn to strengthen our minds to resist negativity.
Social media can be so useful in the fight for good, where we learn about how to heal ourselves and support our neighbors.
9.- How do you like to interact with your followers on social media? What’s your favorite social media?
My favorite platform is TikTok, but I interact the most with my followers on Instagram. My TikTok is very casual, I mostly use it to express emotions whereas my Instagram is used for business. On there I will post my accomplishments and important upcoming events. Even though I use Instagram way more, TikTok has to be my favorite social media platform.
10.- What would you advise young people who have talent but do not dare to take the next step? What would you advise parents who do not support their children’s talents?
A friend of mine a long time ago said “say yes to more things.” That really struck me. I internalized that statement, and I would find myself repeating it in my head day after day. If I had ignored that advice and kept being introverted and shy, I would not have the title of Miss New Hampshire Teen USA 2023. I took risks and they paid off!
For parents, I would give them the perspective of their child with the advice of a fellow adult.
My parents were quite strict with me growing up, but as I got older I understood more about their thought process. To parents, I understand you are worried about your child’s future. You want them to have the best, more than you ever had. You never want to see them struggle. You believe they should be focusing on school or perfecting a talent that will make them a living. That is absolutely valid. But your child is just that, a child. They should be shown balance in their life between work and pleasure. I am not advising you to allow them to give up on their education or work, but let them have pride in something they are gifted with. Do not strip them of their blessing.
11.- What important lessons have you learned from the world of fashion and beauty pageants?
Work hard and have thick skin. In this industry, you have to be ready for the mental and physical workload that will be thrown at you every hour of every day. It is so important to remain humble, classy, and graceful for your own wellbeing and for the sake of peace, but you should never let anyone overtake you just because they feel like they can. Be your own biggest advocate.
12.- Marayssa, has being a model for you has been easy? Were there obstacles? How did you overcome obstacles?
It is never easy to work towards your dreams. I am a full-time nursing student at the top school in my state, and at the time I was crowned I was a senior in high school. That alone has been hard to juggle on top of being a state titleholder. There have also been many days where I struggled greatly with my mental health causing me to question my self-worth and abilities. I also had many rocky relationships and a lack of needed support for a good portion of my reign. I allowed myself to feel all of the emotions associated with the hardships. At the end of it I reverted to what I knew best, which was myself. I would take time to reflect on my experiences; what can I learn, what will I do better next time, what other perspectives did I miss? This time of meditation and reflection healed not only my soul but it strengthened my mind. I grew and matured as a young women learning from my obstacles.
And this is what I mean when I talk about transparency. I will not lie by saying the past year has been a breeze, because it most certainly has not. While I have experienced negativity, this was not a negative experience. I have learned all I can and will continue to recognize the lessons God has put before me.
13.- Have you thought about being an actress? Do you like the entertainment industry?
I did mention how I auditioned for a few agencies, all of which have offered me contracts to two of the biggest children’s television channels. However, at the time I did not pursue them because I was afraid of major change. Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t take the offers because of how child actors and actresses were and are being treated. Now, though, I feel I am in a better place in terms of mental strength to be able to go into that side of the entertainment industry. I always love performing on the pageant stage, maybe being behind the TV camera is what’s next for me 🙂
14.- Worldwide, women have acquired a greater role even though there are societies where they are still abused. What is your opinion of the role of women in the future in these societies?
Violence and abuse is never the answer. I believe that equality means having the ability to have a choice. I understand cultural differences, but we must learn to love as we all came from a woman. A successful man or woman is of no value without their mother as they would not be here without her. The women who fight for their ability to have a choice are the women who can end the cycle of violence. These women, who must be strong in the body and in the mind, will pioneer a new future for their daughters to never have to experience the abuse their mothers did.
15.- Marayssa, what is your motivation and what do you feel grateful for every day?
The ability to help others and continuing to do so in my future is what motivates me every day. I know I make impacts on those around me and it brings me so much joy to be able to do so.
I’m grateful for the struggles I have experienced in my life which have made me develop the mindset that allows me to be more thoughtful and wise.
16.- Marayssa, Do you like to travel? What countries do you know? What other countries would you like to know and which places do you recommend to visit from your country?
I love to see new places, going to Reno for nationals was my first time leaving the East Coast. I have never left the United States, but I am hoping to soon visit the Philippines and see where my father grew up. In America, I would definitely recommend touring the big cities such as New York and Boston.
But, if travelers have the chance I would also recommend coming to small cities and countryside to see the heart of the US. Especially New Hampshire, we have many different types of people and cultures coming here. Our landscape is very beautiful, with mountains, beaches, and everything in between.
17.- You and me (Jaime William) are going to play ping pong, I will tell you one word and you will answer with another word that comes to your mind.
- Marriage – Eventually
- Childrens – Joy
- Love – Gratitude
- Travel – Relaxation
- Abortion – Controversial
- Dance – Freeing
- Sing – Expressive
- Europe – Far
- America – Beautiful
- Sport – Fun
- Money – Save
- Parents – Foundation
- Dreams – Work
- Passion – Fiery
- Madness Percentage – 100%
- Character – Unique
18.- Marayssa, your last words or final tips
Be yourself, be kind, be assertive, and do what you think is truly best for you. Accept help when it is needed but learn to rely on and trust yourself. Do not put yourself in situations of danger to your physical or mental wellbeing. You were put on this Earth for a reason, do not let anyone tell you that you have no worth. And, as always, keep it real!
- Lil Iguana’s Saftey Foundation: «Empowering safe, happy, healthy, and kind kids through music-driven programs and resources for ages 2-10+ that prevent abuse, abduction, serious accidental injuries while nurturing self-esteem & respect»
- ChildVoice: «Dedicated to restoring the hope and lives of forcibly displaced adolescents who ave been traumatized by war and exploitation»
- The Farmlink Project: «Reduce food waste while feeding billions»
- The Thank You Project: «Christian-based non-profit impacting rural parts of Nigeria to provide equipment to dig fresh water wells, establishing scholarships to students who can not afford university otherwise, and building a spiritual center.»
Marayssa Raimondo
Interview conducted by Jaime William Mostacero Baca with – Marayssa Raimondo – USA
English language
Marayssa Raimondo Contact: Facebook – Email
Interview authorized in writing by Facebook – Email: Marayssa Raimondo – Perumira – Jaime William
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