Tekema Balentine Talks Winning ‘Miss Black USA 2019’ And More

TeKema Balentine is a Madison Wisconsin native that is known for winning multiple awards. She performed her winning talent ‘Caro Mio Ben,’ a classical Italian opera, and won the national title of Miss Black USA and was honored with her day “Tekema Day” in the city of Madison by Mayor Satya Rhodes- Conway. In our interview, Tekema mentions growing up in Wisconsin and enjoying nature, finishing her nursing degree, and doing great things in her city. She also gives us tips on fashion, making moves through the modeling industry, and acting. Tekema is making a difference in which she served as a celebrity advocate for The Heart Truth campaign by raising awareness of heart disease. Make sure you check out our interview below.

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Tekema Q & A INTERVIEW

Tiara – Tell me how did you get started in the modeling and acting industry?

Tekema- I have always been interested in the fashion industry as a child. They have a local modeling agency here in madison Winsconsin, after high school, I decided to start booking small photoshoots  I eventually got signed to the local model agency. They asked me will I be interested in acting as well.

Tiara – What kind of acting or modeling have you done?

Tekema- I do more catalog print work so that you might find me in like a Khols, Jcpenny 

Tiara– Tell me about growing up in Wisconsin?

Tekema- It is freezing in Wisconsin it gets -30 degrees here, I spend a lot of time on the lake, I like to camp, and I enjoy my garden, so Wisconsin is excellent for enjoying nature.

Tiara – How did you feel when you won Miss Black USA? 

Tekema- Its unbelievable I don’t have a lot pageant experience at all; I went in with an open mind. I was overwhelmed. There ware so many talented beautiful women, beautiful personalities. 

Tiara – Who inspired you the most growing up as a child?

Tekema- I look up to Beyonce, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, I admire women that show they love themselves, I appreciate the women that give back to the black community.

Tiara – What advice would you give women that want to become Miss Black USA?

Tekema- If you want to be the best model out there, educate yourself no matter what you do, because no one can ever take your knowledge away, you can only become a better you, so I advise girls to do your research.

Tiara– Tell me about being apart of the Heart Truth campaign?

Tekema- It feels like an honor, and it’s so disheartening to know that African Americans are far more likely to die of heart disease, we all have hearts, and I feel it’s essential to promote that healthy lifestyle, so exciting for me.

Tiara- How are you holding up through this quarantine? 

Tekema- It is important to maintain a schedule. I know it is so easy to get comfortable. It’s essential to walk every day, get up and getting dressed every day, wash your face, and maintain your hygiene, and keep your mind active. I’m in nursing school, so I focus on my academics, and getting out in my garden and walking.

Tiara- What can I expect from you in the future?

Tekema- My biggest priority is getting my nursing degree and spending a lot of time at different schools. I tend to get wrapped up in the capital here and education, and I will be judging fashion shows.

Tiara – You sing as well, can we expect any music from you anytime soon?

Tekema, I love to sing, but I’m more focused on modeling.

Tiara- How do you feel about the beauty industry today?

Tekema- I feel like the beauty industry is evolving fast. However, I think it still has a long way to come; people still believe in colorism. I think it is very prominent in the beauty industry. Again, I feel like society is starting to say that they are no longer accepting that, so I’m hopeful that it will be changing very drastically in the next few years.

Tiara– Before I let you go, what are your fashion tips?

Tekema- I like to choose colors that match my undertones, like pinks, reds, and orange. When it comes to fashion, it is essential to know what your trend is in style.

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