Interview Miss Mississippi Teen USA 2014 - Vaeda Mann

1) Tell us something really interesting about you.

While I go by "Vaeda" (my middle name), my first name is actually "Airaby". The name came to my dad in a dream, believe it or not. He dreamed of Airaby, the first female ruler of Egypt who cast love spells on all of her slaves, and when he woke up, he just knew that that had to be my name. I've got to give props to my hippie parents for their creativity!

2) Who's your favorite Miss Teen USA? And why?

Although it's hard to choose one favorite out of so many special girls, I'd have to say my fellow Mississippi girl, Kristi Addis. She was the only teen titleholder from Mississippi to be crowned Miss Teen USA back in 1987, and I consider her a HUGE inspiration! I strive to represent Mississippi with the same grace and passion Kristi possessed, and go on to bring back that national title to the state of Mississippi for the first time in 27 years!

3) Describe the state you're representing in Miss Teen USA. 

I am representing the "Hospitality State", Mississippi, in the 2014 Miss Teen USA Pageant. I take pride in representing a state home to so many down-to-earth, beautiful people who truly radiate that genuine southern hospitality.