Meet Vera Morris

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vera Morris. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Vera , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

The key ingredient to developing confidence and self-esteem is finding things in life that you’re passionate about. Growing up, I was a very shy girl from a small town of Nashville, NC, but I was a huge dreamer. Even at a young age, I kept a journal and would wrte down things that I wanted to do in life. One of those items on my list was pageants. My love of pageantry started when my mother and I would always watch the Miss USA pageant together and when I saw now actress Halle Berry represent Ohio in the Miss USA pageant and become first-runner up that year, I knew that I too wanted to do a pageant. She made me believe that I too could compete at the Miss USA pageant, or better yet, achieve any dream that I had. I entered a local Christmas pageant, and had no clue what I was doing. It was definitely a learning experience. It was when I was in high school that entered another local pageant, and also found another passion of mine, which is community service. Despite not walking away with the crowns, I was gaining confidence and self-esteem. These pageants had me in my community, making speeches, and giving me the ability to interact with other young girls. If it had not been for pageantry, I don’t think I would have developed all these skills so quickly, which in turn helped me throughout my life’s journey. Even when I would doubt myself, it was such a blessing to have my parents encourage me, and most importantly believe in me and all of my wildest dreams. When you find your passions in life, it really does fuel your confidence and self-esteem.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I currently reside in Cary, NC. I am a graduate of Peace College and the University of Georgia (Go Bulldogs!) with a major in Speech Communications. I am a former Miss NC USA 1998 and was awarded Miss Congeniality at the televised Miss USA 1998 pageant. I am also the former Ms. United World 2023. I’ve worked as an IT Consultant for over 10 years at Yardi Systems, Inc. in the Raleigh, NC office. It definitely has been such a rewarding job because it allows me the ability to train clients, teach classes, and to travel around the country. I am a breast cancer advocate, and started Treasure Your Chest blog in 2021, and in 2022, I created the Treasure Your Chest, Inc non-profit. After losing love ones and friends to breast cancer, it was a way for me to honor them, raise awareness about the importance of early detection for breast cancer, and to raise funds to help under or uninsured women get a life saving mammogram. I also am an ambassador with Susan G Komen, National Breast Cancer Foundation, and the Pretty in Pink Foundation.
I am a part time Model that is signed with Marilyn’s Agency in Greensboro and MMG, NYC. Whether its being in front of the camera or on a runway, modeling is a really fun experience and in many ways therapeutic for me. I am also the Host and Spokesperson for Smooth Jazz at the Improv in Cary, NC. I have the exciting job of introducing grammy award winning and world reknowned jazz artist, once a month at the Raleigh Improv. I am also an Anchor and Broadcasting Instagram Host for Beauty Queens Galore. I along with other Hosts have the opportunity to interview titleholders and anyone involved in the pageant industry that wish to share their story. Finally, I am the United World Pageants International Queens and Delegates Coordinator.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I think the first most important quality that has been the most impactful in my journey is my faith. It has been a strengthening quality for me. My life’s motto is “Let your faith be bigger than your fears.” I’ve experienced many traumas and hardships, including anxiety and depression. Despite those challenging life experiences, it was my unwavering faith that has seen me through it all. So, regardless of what happens in your life, always believe that it happens for a reason, and you will become a better version of yourself as a result. Never give up!

Another quality that has been impactful is having positive relationships and friendships in my life. Its important to have people in your life with the same interest. I do feel that the quality of people versus the quantity is most important. I learned that lesson as I got older in life. My “sanity circle” as I call them. Along with my parents, I’m blessed to have people in my life who give me advice and have encouraged me along the way.

The final skill set that has always been most impactful in my journey is hard work. Whatever you want in life, you have to work hard for it. Even if I don’t always acheive a goal, it is a great feeling to walk away knowing that you worked hard for it. A lot of times, that closed door opens another because of your hard work and determination. Before I facilitate a training class, I prepare and practice. When I competed in pageants, it was constant practice that really helped me to succeed. In terms of modeling, I would practice poses in the mirror. Prior to interviewing a titleholder, I make sure I research them and am familiar with who they are. Its the same with Hosting Smooth Jazz at the Improv. Knowing the artists and getting the audience excited before they come out to perform.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

I think that I’ve had one of the biggest growth in my life over the past 12 months. One of my biggest challenges was trying to have a work/life balance. I’m a really busy person, and sometimes I would forget that I needed to take time out for myself, as much as I did for others. So, in December I began taking Pilates classes at Club Pilates in Cary, NC. It has been one of the most rewarding journeys. I’ve grown so much as a person, because of Pilates. I started this journey because I wanted to have something that was just for me. My overall health and well being has improved so much. I’ve gained confidence, and love seeing just how strong and flexible that I am now. It is really therapeutic for me. I’m in the 100 Club, and close to joining the 250 Club. With all the classes that I’m taking, I find it effortless to get up first thing in the morning to take a Pilates class. I’ve grown so much, and learned that I don’t have to be so hard on myself. I really do enjoy this journey, and so grateful for all that it has taught me.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Rodgers Polk Photography (Headshot in black and white jumpsuit)
Rick Crank Photography (Me holding microphone in gold dress hosting at Raleigh Improv)
David Williams (Photo of me modeling as a nurse)
Magic Dreams Productions (crowning photo)

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