Plus Pageantry Spotlight

Name:

Marcia Tarver

Location:

Dallas, TX

What title do you currently hold:

Miss F.A.T. 2007

What made you audition for a reality show:

  I wanted to make some serious changes in my life. I missed out on alot of living because I let various fears get in the way. Once I started following my heart, it felt like my whole life just started falling into place. I saw the flyer at the mall and decided to check it out! I love trying new things and it was a great opportunity to just stand on my own two feet and be myself. I had always wanted to go to an open call, but was either too big or too old and not allowed. Major thanks to Mo'Nique for giving a girl like me a chance!!

How long did you have to keep your win a secret:

I came home on June 4th, and the show premiered on July 28th!! Talk about nerve racking! LOL! I had to tell my coworkers that I was at my parents house getting my car worked on because they were so suspicious! (I live near work and someone would go by my place, on occasion, to see if my car was there while I was on 'vacation. haha!) I think they knew though! One of the guys, who wasn't so sure said to me "It's ok if you don't win. It's the heart that matters!"

Have you ever won a pageant or competition before:

Nope, not ever!! Not even the science fair, talk about a life of heart break!! ;P

What is your platform:

  I stand firm that no matter who you are, where you come from or what you look like - you absolutely CAN do anything you want!!! You want to be a beauty queen? BE a beauty queen! You wanna be a truck driver? BE a truck driver! Watch the world open up as you begin to believe that the only thing standing in your way is you. No one has the right to tell you how you should or shouldn't be or how to live your life. It's all yours to do what you want with it, so be happy!!

Why do you enjoy participating in pageants:

Oh, I just love it!! Gimme a little flash -n- trash and I'm at home! You can dress me up and march me around all you like!! I would live and breathe only the most decadent glamour at all times if real life and work didn't get in the way!

Why do you think pagentry is beneficial to plus size women:

I think pageantry is beneficial to anyone, if it's what they'd like to do. It's an incredible opportunity to show off your finer features, raise the bar a little, and set an example or be an inspiration for those who admire you! Not to mention the friends you will make!! For plus size ladies, especially, its a way to demonstrate confidence, poise and grace in a society that would have us in the background and dismissed. We are not afraid of our curves, and no one else should be either!

What do you do to prepare for a pageant:

I make sure I've got my back up supplies in my little suitcase, CD player and/or a book for a little quiet time, and a box of chocolate to share!! But, mostly I just step back a bit to enjoy the whole experience, really soaking up the moment and loving being a part of something great!

Most cherished pageant memory:

When Mo' took us in the back of the studio, at the nude body painting, so we'd be off camera and we could speak frankly. I think she was more nervous herself than she wanted to let on, but she was so earnest and forthcoming with her respect and heartfelt care of us. I couldn't help but be touched. She always felt like family to me, whenever we would meet. Her heart is so big! I am the first member of my family to leave the country, so believe me, I was nervous to be so far away and a little homesick. She kept my heart warm. I will never forget my time with Mo'nique, in all of my life!

Funniest pageant memory:

Arena's impersonations of everybody!! I'm hard pressed to laugh on a regular basis as much as she cracked me up!!

Where do you keep your crown:

On a tall shelf with my vintage collars and hats and other cherished items!

What advice would you give to a plus size woman interested in competing in a pageant:

Just be your gorgeous, incredible self because that's what got you where you are in the first place! Stand up straight and don't forget to smile! Don't do anything that would embarrass mom!! ;P

What do you have lined up for the rest of the year:

 I plan to get my affairs in order and bum around in europe until they drag me home kicking and screaming!! I look forward to meeting lots of new people and having a heart full of new experience to carry with me always!!