Photo credits and edits: G. Michael Huggins of Foto-Therapy Photography
Name: Daesjah Ely (preferred: Daezii)
Title: Miss Royalty International
Family dynamics:
I come from a close-knit family that includes my parents, my younger sister, and my extended family. My mom was adopted as a kid, so we spend the majority of family time with my father’s side of the family. It is his side of the family that has instilled unconditional love and support in us, always been my biggest supporters, providing guidance, encouragement, and love throughout my life. Our family is made up of many educators, and places a strong emphasis on education and perseverance, which has greatly shaped my personal and professional aspirations. Growing up, my family has truly modeled what a family looks like who displays unconditional love and over the years have become a staple of always welcoming people with open arms, which has been eye opening and humbling as I’ve learned many family dynamics aren’t as loving and accepting. The support and values instilled in me by my family have given me the confidence to pursue my career and make a positive impact in my community.
Photo credits and edits: G. Michael Huggins of Foto-Therapy Photography
Hobbies/Pastime:
❖ Painting/Drawing
❖ Singing/Songwriting
❖ Modeling
❖ Reading
❖ Family Sunday Dinners
❖ Spending time with dogs
❖ Coaching/Playing Basketball
❖ Mentoring young girls
❖ Spreading positivity in challenging times
Where are you from? Born and raised in Indianapolis, IN.
Whats your purpose in life? My purpose is to raise the consciousness of myself and others for the upliftment and peace of my community, and to empower and inspire young Black girls to believe in themselves and understand that no dream is too big if God has placed it in their hearts.
Photo credits and edits: G. Michael Huggins of Foto-Therapy Photography
If you could choose any career in the world, would you still choose the career or talent you have?
If I could choose any career or talent, yes I’d still choose modeling, singing and songwriting. I would also choose to be talented at free styling
Who are your rolemodels?
My dad, Shy-Quon Ely II; my mom, Amanda Miller; my aunt, Shyra Ely-Gash; and my uncle, Shyron Ely, are my role models. My dad leads by example, demonstrating the importance of critical thinking and independent research to distinguish truth from falsehood, and emphasizing intellectual curiosity and self-discovery. My mom embodies resilience and authenticity, embracing every facet of her life’s journey and showcasing the transformative power of perseverance and self-belief in overcoming adversity and achieving success. My aunt represents the principles of hard work, discipline, and dedication, elevating her innate talents to new heights. Lastly, my uncle exemplifies the rewards of forging a unique path and maintaining unwavering commitment, leading to accomplishment and prosperity.
What is your favorite quote? Explain?
One of my favorite quotes is: “Keep carving out the life you want. The right people will come alongside.” I really like this quote because of how real and true its message is. Often, people, myself included, get hung up on the years invested in a relationship or friendship, or place too much value on the love and care they feel for a person, that they ignore all the signs indicating the relationship is coming to an end. Sometimes we decide that we want someone in our lives for a lifetime when God intended for them to be there only for a season. This quote is a reminder that if you stay on the path meant for you, the right people will find you naturally, God willing. In fact, holding on to those who no longer serve you can block your blessings and prevent you from finding your true soul tribe. The message is to stay true to yourself, keep working towards your dreams, goals, and aspirations, and through your diligence, genuine connections will arise.
If you were an animal, what would it be and why?
I would be a lion. As a Leo, I naturally relate to lions. I admire everything about them, especially their beautiful manes and their loyalty and protectiveness. I’ve always felt that my natural hair resembles a lion’s mane, and I connect with their loyalty and dedication to their pack.
What does entrepreneurship mean to you and why?
Entrepreneurship means believing in a vision and seeing it through into a business. It means being your own boss. It means creating your own system. Entrepreneurship requires a different mindset than working a 9-5 for someone else’s company. Entrepreneurship means hard work, and pushing through failures. Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle.
Being an International Queen, what does that mean to you?
To me, it means serving others. Winning the title has given me a greater platform to find more ways to serve and make a difference not only in my community but also in the world. It also means conducting oneself in a way that sets an example and inspires others. The crown is not merely for looks or material value; its weight comes with many responsibilities. Just as diamonds are formed under pressure, I believe being an International Queen involves embracing and fulfilling these responsibilities with grace.
Is this your first pageant, and how does it feel to be competing?
Yes, this was my very first pageant. Competing was nerve-wracking, and it was frustrating to do it virtually rather than experiencing it in person, especially since it was my first pageant. However, I enjoyed dressing up and modeling my competition dresses. With my competitive spirit, the innate drive to compete and win was always present.
What do you do outside of pageantry? (Job, School) What do you do to keep the balance?
Outside of pageantry, I provide in-home therapy to children with autism, mentor young girls in the foster and juvenile systems, volunteer as an AAU basketball coach, pursue my dreams of being a singer/songwriter and model, strive to improve myself to enhance my relationships every day, and am pursuing a master’s degree in Sport Psychology. Maintaining balance is a struggle, and I’ve had to learn not to overwhelm myself. To help, I use a physical planner to keep all of my events organized. It helps me visualize my obligations so I don’t overbook. I also plan out my week on the weekends to have a clear idea of how it will go. I seek guidance and advice from my parents and grandparents, which has been invaluable. Honestly, balance is something I am still working on, but I believe winning the title will help me achieve it.
What advice would you give a new queen starting her journey through pageantry?
My advice to a new queen is to persevere because you never know how well something can turn out in your favor despite the circumstances. Be true to yourself always, especially through your reign—authenticity wins. Also, enjoy your reign, but be intentional and take it seriously. The crown is pretty, it’s cute, and it’s a flex, but that is not the point. The point is what you do with it, how you impact others’ lives, and your efforts to make a difference. Choose a platform and give your all in advocating for it. Lastly, network everywhere you go. You never know who you’ll meet and how that connection can change your life. Connections with people make the world go round.
What do you plan to accomplish on an International spectrum for change while having this title?
As a titleholder, I plan to make a significant impact on an international scale. I will take an international trip to serve communities in another country that are less fortunate than mine. My goal is to make a memorable impression and establish long-lasting connections. I also plan to secure sponsorships to ensure this initiative can be carried out annually. By doing so, I hope to inspire others to contribute to global service and foster a spirit of giving and compassion worldwide.
(Question for my older Queens) What would you tell your younger self?
I would tell my younger self not to be afraid of giving 100% effort due to the fear of failure. I would assure her that the potential inside me can be shaped and molded to reach its full capacity. I would also advise her not to be so defensive and to replace negative self-talk and thoughts with positive ones.
Photo credits and edits: G. Michael Huggins of Foto-Therapy Photography