Meet Cameo Irons | Mom, Pageant Queen & Teacher
We had the good fortune of connecting with Cameo Irons and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Cameo, what do you attribute your success to?
Success is achieving goals that you set for yourself. The world describes success in monetary value based on how much money you make, what size house you have, or what type of car you drive. I consider success to be working toward goals that bring you joy and with a positive mindset achieving your dreams.
I have learned that what made the difference in my success was my mindset. I had to believe in myself and tell myself I could do anything. This took me a long time to learn and I was able to overcome my own mental roadblocks. When I started achieving my goals I was not doing anything different. I acted the same, I worked the same, I looked the same, but I had to overcome my own thoughts and the battle in my mind to succeed.
I spent many years being afraid, letting anxiety limit my success. In college I studied to become a teacher. I loved my student teaching experience and felt so comfortable in the classroom, but when it came time for me to have my own class, I let fear overtake me. I even turned down my first teaching offer because I didn’t think I knew enough about teaching or was prepared enough. I worked as a Teacher’s Assistant for many years and dreamed of someday having my own classroom.
I have been participating in pageants for many years. As a child I would watch the Miss America competition and pretend to be a part of it. I remember those days vividly, I would walk around in fancy shoes and practice my talents and interview questions. When I was 19, I participated in my first pageant and was so uncomfortable. I was not prepared, I knew I wouldn’t win. I looked around and compared myself to all the other girls and knew I wasn’t good enough. Many years later, I was invited to be in another pageant. I let my low self esteem and humble nature prevent me from really trying my best. Same situation. I knew I had no chance of winning, but I still wanted to be a pageant queen. I imagined my moments on stage and how someday it might feel to wear the crown.
I have always struggled with anxiety. I process everything internally and would have severe daily stomach aches, even some landing me in the ER. When I graduated from High School I decided I was going to start counseling and have spent the last 20 years learning how to cope with my fears. When my children were born, I knew I had to take control of my life. I really focused on my anxiety and how to overcome the things that were holding me back from being the person I know God created me to be. There is still a daily struggle that I choose to conquer each day. I am now an ambassador for Mental Health Awareness, especially for children.
After I gained control of my anxiety I was able to change my mindset and understood that I was truly capable of almost anything if given the opportunity. I can now see so many options laid out in front of me and I consider my dreams to be limitless. I try to spend my time encouraging people to see their value and understand that everyone is capable of fulfilling their dream.
The past couple years, I have become a teacher working for one of the largest districts in Colorado. I love my job and I get to help children find joy in learning. I feel at home in my school and can’t imagine my life without it. I have gained many titles in the pageant world and am so honored to have most recently won the title of Ms World America Global in Miami. One of my biggest blessings is bringing my crowns, yes more than one, to my classroom for my students to try on and see that dreams are real! This is only the beginning. I am excited to see where I go from here. I have achieved these dreams by understanding my value, not by changing anything except my mindset. I hope that I can encourage others to seek help for their own mental health and see that anything is possible!
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of the things that sets me a part in any field, is my attitude and the joy I bring. I greet everyone with a smile and encourage positivity. I never have a mindset of competition even at a pageant. We are all there to try our best and lift each other up. I don’t think I have ever been more proud then showing my children and my students my crown and having them try it on. I try to be a role model and encourage and live the most out of each day.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Colorado is the most beautiful state in the USA. I’m a Native and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. There is so much to do here in every season. I am a city girl, so I enjoy the the roller coasters at Eliches, the downtown shops in the 16th street mall and concerts at Red Rocks. My all time favorite restaurant is Casa Bonita, that pink building is iconic and I don’t care what anyone says- the food is amazing. We are so lucky to look West and the see the beautiful mountains. Nothing is better then a snowy days to ski down to mountain slope, enjoy the hot Springs and eat dinner at Beau Joes Pizza. Colorado has so many unique places to visit including the Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge and the World Famous Grizzly Rose Country Music Dance Hall. I love the many colors of Colorado.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a shout out to my daughter Aimlee Grace who is so brave! She is overcoming her own anxiety and she is only 11. Aimlee is a peacemaker, so talented and already in tune with her mind, emotions and mindset. You go girl! You can do anything!
Website: https://camylou9.wixsite.com/website
Twitter: https://www.tiktok.com/@cameoirons?_t=8oKcLdanbUx&_r=1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MsColoradoWorldAmerica
Image Credits
Graphique fine art photography
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