Motivated by financial freedom: Kayshell Jennings is Miss Emancipation 2022

Kayshell Jennings decked out in her African printed clothing and a clinical lab coat to portray her link to medicine. (Photo: Miss Emancipation)

“This year, we were tasked with creating a stem business or a business that incorporates stem.”

“It’s a pageant with a difference, it’s not just talking the talk, it’s also walking the talk and at the end of the year I am expected to show where I brought my business from to now,” Jennings said.

Her business – Legacy Consultancy and PR Services – offers assistance to grassroots businesses to become larger enterprises. She explained that it does that by helping these businesses to become marketable, branded and registered.

“Basically like moving businesses from the old age into the 21^st century,” she said.

A proud moment for her was during the business pitch when she owned the stage as she spoke passionately about the business. Jennings said that she believes it was at that moment when she took the mic to give her pitch that she won over the judges.

“I advertised my mother’s business Miss Monique’s kitchen and how I plan to take her to the next level. Miss Monique’s makes wonderful plantain chip and chicken foot so we are moving her from the plastic bag age to the containers and people love that!” she said.

Jennings wore a business outfit that was later transformed into her medical attire.

She said, “I think that really sold the audience, like wow this girl got a lot of stuff going on with her. I heard the applause from the crowd.

Kayshell Jennings surrounded by other contestants and pageant organisers (Photo: Miss Emancipation)

Although she entered the pageant with the hope of getting the scholarship, she later discovered that the pageant was more than just an opportunity to win a scholarship. She said there was a lot to learn and she is very happy that she embarked on the journey. Jennings said the other contestants have become friends with her.

Now, she intends to continue medical school successfully on her free scholarship. “I mean with a little ease that I don’t have to think financially, where am I going to get fees from? I’ve been multifaceted but I am aware now that medicine needs a bit more of my undivided attention.”

“I will figure out how to balance the crown and medicine, ensuring that nothing gets left behind.”

Jennings said she believes being in the pageant will leave a legacy for her children and grandchildren to look back on and be proud of.

Her advice for others is “there are no limits to what you can achieve. There is no box.”