Page 64 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2019

glitz and glam
presented by South Mississippi Living magazine
Biloxi Business Owner Crowned MRS. EARTH
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photo courtesy of Brandy Jarvis Ibos
Biloxi’s own Brandy Jarvis Ibos has been crowned Mrs. Earth! After winning the title of Mrs. Earth USA last year, Ibos represented the Gulf Coast – and the United States – on the international stage.
“It was exhilarating
to have family, friends and fans from not only the Gulf Coast but from
all across the U.S. support my journey
to the Mrs. Earth crown,” Ibos said of
the competition. The Mrs.
Earth pageant was held in Las Vegas,
CHANGE
CAN’T
time focusing on our differences, such as political views, race, religion and social status, but we never slow down to think about thing we all share in common, which
HAPPEN WITHOUT“If YOU don’t start doing
Nevada and
33 women, each representing
Ibos is passionate about the Coast, not only as a resident but as a business owner. The newly-crowned Mrs. Earth is also
the owner of The Sequin Siren, a stylish event apparel store for mermaids and mermen alike. “I started my business not just because I love all the glitz and glam, but because it’s rewarding to make other people feel good about themselves,” said Ibos. “I have had the opportunity to aid people in selecting styles that give them smiles and self-confidence.”
While Ibos loves the “glitz and glam” of pageantry and formalwear, there’s more to her than meets the eye. “Don’t let the fancy gown and crown fool you,” she said. “People may not realize that, despite appearances, I enjoy playing sports and immersing myself in nature. Growing up
I was a talented athlete, earning varsity letters in four sports before graduating. I enjoy fishing, hiking and paddle boarding during my free time.”
their own country, were in attendance.
Ibos’ environmental platform, Going
Green, Going
Coastal, is near and dear to her heart. “It
stresses the importance of protecting coastal and marine
ecosystems from pollution,” she said. “I host beach cleanups in my local community, educate our
youth on being good stewards of our planet and advocate for coastal and marine protection
groups.”
As Mrs. Earth, Ibos hopes to
educate people on the importance of conservation. “My message to the world is that change can’t happen without YOU. We spend so much
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YOU
your part, all of those things will no longer matter because life as we know it will cease to exist. There is no Planet B.”
is planet Earth,” said Ibos.