Globetrotting Book Tours: Interview with LaQuisha Hall and her new book Positively Bodyful.

Mrs. Essence 2013 | Author |

Founder of iEAT | LaQuisha Hall

LaQuisha Hall is a woman with a purpose that goes far beyond what is expected of her. She is an award winning community service leader who has served as Mrs. International Beautiful 2012 and now reigning as Mrs. Essence 2013. As an overcomer of low self-esteem due to being naturally thin, a witness of domestic violence, a sexual abuse survivor and an international advocate, LaQuisha actively works to empower women and youth. LaQuisha spends hours locally and abroad mentoring via the Queendom T.E.A. (The Etiquette Academy) program encouraging and teaching teen girls about safety, feminine etiquette and positive self-esteem. LaQuisha is a doctoral candidate who has been educating youth for over a decade. LaQuisha recently launched a journal for young girls, Positively Bodyful.

Please tell us about your latest book.

I wrote a journal for teen girls, Positively Bodyful, to help promote a positive and healthy self-body image. This journal is written from my perspective of being naturally thin, but encourages all girls to be proud of their bodies and who they are as a person. I tried to find books like mine at bookstores to support the girls in my mentoring program whose self-esteem was low from being thin, but these books were non-existent. So, I decided to write it myself! The girls who are comparing themselves to others or putting themselves down are not alone. As young ladies, they are going through a lot of changes in their bodies and as their bodies change, so does their image of themselves. It is not always easy for our youth to like every part of their looks, but when they get stuck on the negatives it can really bring down their self-esteem. I was teased for being "skinny" throughout my life and I understand their plight. I wrote this journal to encourage girls to use their creativity to keep their mind positive.

What can we expect from you in the future?

I am currently working on creating a Facilitator’s Manual, to accompany Positively Bodyful for those who have girl groups. I am also completing a young adult novel called “Unholy Communions” about a young girl who tries to escape the hands of a pastor who sexually abuses her. This novel is a reflection of my childhood.

How do we find out about you and your books? How may readers contact you?

Positively Bodyful can be purchased on Barnes and Noble, Amazon and other book retailers or it can be purchased via my website: laquishahall.com.

Book Trailer: http://animoto.com/play/iUleUhoxlT8KdStkNZ0xrQ

What truly motivates you in general? In your writing?

I am motivated in general and in writing by all of the young girls I meet through serving as a teacher, beauty queen, mentor and inspirational speaker. This is the reason I created my business, iEAT (Empower. Aspire. Transform.). It pains me to hear my story told of past hurt told back to me by such beautiful, intelligent young girls. I want to inspire them to be victorious in spite of any obstacles they face.

What are some of your favorite things to do?

I love pageantry and I am the reigning Mrs. Essence 2013. I also love being a natural hair and fashion blogger via my blog, Corner Curl Girl. I spend a lot of time supporting my community and being a role model to girls through my mentoring program, Queendom T.E.A. Finally, I enjoy spending time with my super supportive husband of 8 years, Mardis Hall.

About the Book

Are you comparing yourself to others or putting yourself down? If so, you are not alone. As a young lady, you are going through a lot of changes in your body. And, as your body changes, so does your image of yourself. It is not always easy to like every part of your looks, but when you get stuck on the negatives it can really bring down your self-esteem. Written by a woman who was teased for being "skinny" throughout her life, this journal will encourage you to use your creativity to keep your mind positive. Prepare yourself to step into your Queendom!