Meet Chelsea. Chelsea DeLoney.

It’s like the song from Miss America, “She is beauty and she is grace … She’s Miss United States.”

When I first met Chelsea, I was pretty sure that song was meant for her.

We were 18. I had little-to-no experience with makeup and up until Rose Festival season, I had worn my hair in a ponytail nearly every day since kindergarten. I called mascara the “pointy stick” and I was deathly afraid to use eyeliner. I showered and washed my hair, but that was pretty much it, as far as “grooming” was concerned.

Chelsea, on the other hand, she knew about style. She exuded confidence in her beauty, inside and out. She didn’t need to wear a ton of makeup, but when she used eyeshadow and rouge, she wore it well.

Over the weeks of our time together on the court, she helped me see that considering yourself to be beautiful doesn’t equate to be prideful. Believing that you’re beautiful is honoring the woman you were created to be!

Today, she glows and I have no doubt that she’ll keep on glowing. Even as she in the midst of big changes, that light within her shines.
But she can tell you herself about the journey and how the best is yet to come.

How does the word “movement” fit into your life, especially any changes that have happened over the last few months?

The word “movement” pretty much describes my life. I view life as ever-changing and moving forward. For instance, finding out I was expecting my son in November while working 2 jobs and transferring schools. The next month I found out I’d been awarded a huge scholarship. I totally believe events in our lives move us forward and shape us. Physically I’ve taken movement seriously with being very active during my pregnancy.

What are you currently doing and what brought you there?

Currently I’m starting my own high end bridal jewelry business. I’d been designing for a while but decided to branch out on my own and am now featured in boutiques. Aside from working in luxury consignment, I am looking forward to returning to school in August to complete my degree.

What is one goal you have this year?

To be an amazing mother and share this love I have for the child growing inside of me. I’d also love to have my jewelry brand featured in magazines both in print and online.

Currently, who/what do you draw inspiration from? When you wake up in the morning, what pops into your head and gets you saying, “Today is my day!”?

I’d say my inspiration comes from all the women I see doing everything they can, even with the impediments society throws in their way. These women aren’t necessarily celebrities, but mentors from my community like Jefferson HS and Rose Festival alumna Dr. Alisha Moreland-Capuia who finished medical school while expecting her first son.

What is one thing you know to be true? What is your statement of faith that drives you to keep doing what you’re doing?

Everything will work itself out. That is the simplest statement that my mother tells me and I’ve always known it to be true. It instills my faith in life, God, and those I love.

Thank you so much, Chelsea, for sharing your story with us! You are going to be a wonderful mom and I’m so excited that your little one will know that he is truly beautiful and loved.