Joy Pfister

Virginia International-Just around the corner!

2009-02-07T14:53:00.000-08:00

In Preparation for the State Pageant, I have to say I am sad and excited! Deshawn Shepard has been a wonderful director and my sister queens have been amazing!

My love for this system has brought me to a wonderful new path for 2009. As I will be running the North Carolina International Pageant in a few weeks. I hope to continue to promote its values, and mentor women on their path to reach into their communites and globally with their chosen platforms.

As my rein comes to a close this year I will remember all of the more than 40 apperances i have made as a state titleholder and the more than 30 publications I have reached in the past year with skin cancer information. I will continue on my path as a Mother, Wife, Mentor, Director, and educator of Skin Cancer prevention, as always I am on the ROAD MAP to Healthy Skin....for all!

Best wishes to the new Mrs Virginia International 2009

joy pfister

Mrs Virginia International 2008

Virginia International Pageant Workshop '09

2009-01-03T15:11:00.001-08:00

Deshawn Shepard ran a flawless workshop in Chester VA for the 09 Delegates! Great job Deshawn on another first class workshop!

2009 WORKSHOP

2008-12-31T16:36:00.001-08:00

Virginia International Kicks off its workshop!!! THIS SATURDAY!
Stay TUNED for photos!

Chester Christmas Parade

2008-12-14T14:59:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much to Haley Ford in Chester for donating our BEAUTIFUL 2009 F-150's in Cherry RED! We had so much fun at the Chester Christmas Parade!

VA Hospital Christmas Party

2008-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Deshawn, Sara, my Daughter Madison and I had a wonderful time visiting the Veterans for their annual Christmas Party. We sang songs and greeted them with holiday cards and more. We also enjoyed meeting some of the '09 VA delegates and other reining queens!

Meet and Greet in North Carolina

2008-11-09T06:46:00.001-08:00

My first Meet and Greet at one of our sponsors-The Secret Tea Room- went very well in Greensboro. I met with inquiring ladies and pageant sponsors! One of the Sponsors that came to visit was Jamie Estrada, the owner of Reign Fine Apparel in Charlotte! They will be one of our Gold Levell Sponsors for the 3 new North Carolina Queens!!

Friends of Brian A. Moore Tea and Fashion Show to benefit Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

2008-11-01T18:02:00.000-07:00

Tina and I had a splendid evening with Brian A. Mooore, city councilman in Petersburg today at the Petersburg Regional Arts Center. We were a part of the fashion show and I even won a drawing for a beautiful set of pearls from Penniston's Alley Antiques and Collectibles!

The American Heart Association- Heart Walk

2008-10-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

The Virginia Queens and 2009 delegates got together to promote Go Red at the Richmond Heart Association Heart Walk.

The Ashley Fister Cole Foundation "Driving For Surviving"

2008-09-11T18:15:00.001-07:00

I was so looking forward to going to this charity event all year! On Sunday evening I enjoyed diner with the friends, relatives and volunteers for the "Driving For Melanoma" event. The the next day Britney and I, Miss Chespapeake International, helped sign golfers up for Melanoma screenings and much more!

North Carolina US Beauties Pageant

2008-09-07T09:29:00.000-07:00

Last night we drove to North Carolina to attend the US Beauties Pageant. I met with Melissa Chambers (Miss North Carolina International) for the first time as her director! I also enjoyed visiting with lots of other queens! Congrats to the new winners of the pageant!

Beauties Of America Pageant Myrtle Beach

2008-08-24T14:13:00.001-07:00

The Beauties Of America Pageant was beautiful as always! I was excited to be in Myrtle Beach visiting the pageant, and meeting with friends! I was equally excited to be the co-host with Tim Kreschmann on the first LIVE Pageant Cast from Myrtle Beach!

Released date: 09/02/08

Direct Link to Media File

LIVE! From Myrtle Beach – Beauties of America pageant

So...Its Official!

2008-08-20T10:38:00.001-07:00

Yes, Its been a while! But, I have been working hard! I am proud to announce that I am officially the new North Carolina International Director! I am thrilled to take on this opportunity that I feel will be a fantastic new experience for the ladies of North Carolina! We are doing our official launch on the Pageant Cast with Tim Kreschmann while he is broadcasting LIVE from the Beauties of America Pageant in Myrtle Beach this weekend!
I am still excited and proud to be Mrs. Virginia International and have lots of appearance planned for myself coming up! So stay tuned for much more to come!!

SURF GIRL United Kingdom(UK) features my SunEssence!

2008-07-25T13:02:00.000-07:00

Surf Girl Magazine (UK)
In an Article called "Safe Sizzling" ,
We got rated the best for "Apres-surf socialising!"

What a week and TOP TEN at Mrs. International!!!!!

2008-07-20T19:48:00.001-07:00

WOW! I finally made it home! The Mrs. International Pageant was a blast! A fun filled week with lots of excitement! I could not believe it when my name was called on finals night for TOP TEN!!!!

Thank you to everyone for your well wished and your emails and phone calls congratulating me! I am so excited that I did my very best and made some fantastic new friends! Top ten and winner:

Top 10:Deanna Linz, Meredith Boyd, Jessica Plante,Shannon Devine, Lori Donaudy,Sasha Townsend,Patti Mercer, Laine Berry, Joy Pfister(ME!), Tiffany Love.

Top 5: 4th runner up: Sasha Townsend3rd runner up: Deanna Linz2nd runner up: Patti Mercer1st runner up: Meredith Boyd

Mrs International: Laine Berry

Congratulations Laine!! She will be a wonderful representative of the system and GO RED!

you can visit http://www.mrsinternational.com/ for daily photos!

Virginia is off to Chicago! The Virginia Farewell party!

2008-07-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

The time has officially come to fly out to Chicago to represent the great state of Virginia at the Mrs. International Pageant. Our director Deshawn Shepard has been..well more than words can say...phenomenal. Today, she held a farewell party for myself, Tina and Sarah, the Virginia trio, in Fredricksburg at the quaint Caroline Street Cafe. It was incredible to be surrounded by friends and family as we received gifts of good luck and treasures we will cherish. I look back today to the state pageant, and realize, as I do everyday, how truly lucky I am to be representing the beautiful state of Virginia at the Mrs. International pageant. I pray that we all have a safe and healthy trip and that we all, no matter the outcome, inspire others and come home with new friendships to cherish for a lifetime.
Thank you Deshawn

Beautiful Colleen-my good friend

My mother who has a heart of gold and is truly an angel that walks among us!!!

The sisters I never had Maria, Darla and Jennifer--my cherished friends

Good Luck Virginia!

Melanoma Rates Increase Among Younger Women

2008-07-11T13:44:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post this article so that all who visit this blog will read it. It is SO important to wear sunscreen, teach your family and friends the ABCD's of skin cancer so they make spot it early, and practice savvy alternative methods to indoor tanning such as Mystic Tan, instant spray tans and new and improved self tan lotions! Together we can save lives and please remember if caught early skin cancer is nearly 99% curable!

By Rob SteinWashington Post Staff Writer Friday, July 11, 2008; Page A01
Increasing numbers of younger women continue to receive diagnoses of the most dangerous form of skin cancer even as the rate of new cases has leveled off in younger men, federal health officials reported yesterday. READ MORE

Women In The Outdoors magazine features my sun protective clothing!

2008-07-05T11:50:00.001-07:00

Women In The Outdoors is the official magazine of the NWTF’s female membership dedicated to informing and entertaining women about the outdoors. I am very excited that the summer 2008 issue included my Kristy J swim and active wear as a part of the "Got Have It" Gear Guide! Chosen for its functional and fashionable design and most importantly that it blocks 99% of harmful UV rays!

CN8's Art Fennel Reports covers Kristy J on July 4th!

2008-07-04T20:01:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to have had my interview and Sun Protective clothing line featured on the Art Fennel Reports tonight- July 4th with Janet Zappala! It is a true honor to continue to work on Melanoma Awareness and Prevention, to talk about the American Melanoma Foundation and our modest sun protective swim and active wear for women!

Have a Safe and Happy 4th!!

2008-07-04T10:40:00.000-07:00

Where liberty dwells, there is my country.-

Benjamin Franklin

Ashley Fister Cole Foundation

2008-06-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to announce that I will be formally working with the Ashley Fister Cole foundation this fall for the 6th annual "Driving for Surviving" Melanoma Charity Golf Classic on September 8, 2008. The foundation has helped raise over 100,000 dollars for research and programs for melanoma at past events. Dermatologists will be on hand for skin cancer screenings as well. Please join us if you can! More information here about Ashley and the foundation in her name. More information to come!

The Ashley Fister Cole Foundation
http://www.ashleyfistercolefoundation.org/

Beyond Sunscreen-Staten Island Advance June 27th

2008-06-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I was contacted by a reporter for the Staten Island Advance newpaper all the way from New York City! The article Beyond Sunscreen talks about my sun protective clothing and skin cancer prevention.

BBS Talk Radio "A Beautiful You" June 25th

2008-06-24T16:06:00.000-07:00

BBS Talk Radio " A Beautiful You"

I am going to be a special guest on BBS talk radio tomorrow night! We will be talking about savvy sun protection, my role as Mrs. Virginia International, and steps I have taken to educate the public about Skin Cancer. The show is 1 hour long at 8:00pm Central Time. Wont you join us streaming audio live?

A relaxing evening at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

2008-06-20T19:19:00.001-07:00

My husband Ken and I enjoyed a beautiful Virginia evening out at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. We were there for a celebration with the company I work for part time as a Home Care therapist. It was very enjoyable and we loved the display of sheer beauty as we made our way down the winding path to the tent. If you are ever in Richmond, plan to stop here, the beauty of the gardens and tranquility of the ponds with giant Lotus flowers and more is a site to behold!

The conservatory

congratulating our friend and co-worker, Joye Raikes,(next to me) for winning a special award for recruiting over 25% of the rehab staff this year! Including all of us pictured!

First Pitch at the Norfolk Tides Game!

2008-06-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

Fathers Day, my wonderful husband and children traveled with me to Norfolk to meet my sister queens Sara Smoot (Miss Teen Virginia International) and Tina Montgomery (Miss Virginia International) while the husband had a hot dog and the kids ate cotton candy the ladies and I all got the opportunity to throw out the first pitch of the Norfolk Tides game! It was surly a site to see when we (all three) got to throw our balls at the same time to 3 different catchers! Afterwards we signed autographs and watched the game!

Southern Womens Show Confirms "Safe Fun In the Sun" in October

2008-06-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

Ok so its official! I am excited to be producing and running the first "Safe Fun in the Sun" Show in Orlando and Jacksonville Florida this fall! WOW! Each event will be reaching 30,000 plus! Can you believe it! We have the Fashion Stage once again, and will be featured in the show with media and news outlets.I will also be contacting the local Cancer Institutes to provide information and of course we will have information from the American Melanoma Foundation on Skin Cancer education and detection methods!

I am posting this because I am hoping to get some emails from titleholders in the Orlando and Jacksonville (florida and surrounding) areas to participate in the Fashion Show, autograph signings and more! We were such a hit in Richmond Virginia, that they have even given us our own space for Autograph signings. Please email me at theshadysun@aol.com if you would like to participate this fall!

Headliners Dance Co. Presents ... "Picture Perfect"

2008-06-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

"Picture Perfect"

My daughter Madison and I have been taking classes at Headliners dance studio this year. We have loved dancing together in our Mommy Daughter Class. She has been taking Kinder Ballet and I have been brushing up on dancing skills in the Adult Jazz class. It has been a great year and Mrs. Sharon Hutchins, Headliners Dance Studio owner and dance instructor, has made the dance year wonderful! Thank you so much Sharon. Dancing with you has been exhilarating! And to all the ladies in the adult jazz class, you are an inspiration to all! See you back in the fall for the new season!

Madison

Some of the other "mommies"
Before our Mommy/Daughter Dance

Adult JAZZ (some missing)

With Sharon Hutchins (Studio Owner and Instructor)

Having fun after the show!

THE Family (thank you hubby for the flowers!)

On The Road at Mrs. Kaloski's Second Grade Class

2008-06-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

Friday afternoon in Mrs Kaloski's class with Sun Safety fun! At a whopping 95 plus degrees outside today, the kids were all about wearing hats and staying in the shade. We talked about the Ozone Layer, the invisible UV rays from the sun, played sun savvy games, and they enjoyed learning one of many fun facts, that when your shadow is short on the ground, UV rays are highest and its time to seek shade! The class proudly display their certificates of Sun Wisdom above!

On the Road with Mrs. Meador's 2nd Grade Class

2008-06-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

Today I presented the SunWise program to Mrs. Meadors second grade class. We had a ball! The children listened to a story called Mission: SunWise, took a make believe trip to the store to buy sun savvy products, participated in a word search and at the end I gave them their Mission Accomplished Certificate of SunWise achievement!

International Jewelry Creations Official Sponsor!

2008-06-03T11:43:00.000-07:00

I am SO thrilled that I just finalized sponsorship with the president of International Jewlery Creations, April Schwartz! IJC will be providing jewelry for my rein as well as appearances and outings and for the Mrs International Pageant in July! I am also excited to be visiting their newest store at the International Prime Outlets in Orlando Florida this October!!

On the Road at Mrs. Schallers 2nd grade class

2008-05-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

SunWise At Pearson's Corner Elementary School

How much fun is the end of the school year for second grade!? Today Mrs. Schallers class at Pearson's Corner Elementary school became a part of the SunWise club! I spoke to them, and did a few fun activities with them all in the name of Sun Safety! It was such a success I have appointments next week with two others classes!

Career Day at Meadowbridge High School

2008-05-28T11:34:00.001-07:00

This morning I was invited to participate along with Lawyers, Policemen, Vice Presidents, Therapists, Doctors, Teachers and more, to Meadowbridge High School to share in career day. I spoke to the graduating seniors about my journey through college, finding my passion, and graduating as a Physical Therapist. I told them how I took my passion further and became an Entrepreneur of two businesses that promote health and wellness. Along with that have become a national celebrity spokesperson for the American Melanoma Foundation and won the title of Mrs. Virginia International in February. I spoke of my continued perseverence and sucesses in promoting Savvy Sun protection and Skin Cancer awareness nationwide because I love and live my passion and reach for my dreams everyday. I shared over 20 publications in various magazines myself and my companies have been featured in. It was an exciting morning I really enjoyed it and I hope the Seniors did too!

SunEssence hits Jacksonville, Florida Magazine

2008-05-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

SunEssence gets a great feature in June issue of Jacksonville Magazine! A special thank you to Jennifer Walsh at The Beauty Bar for all the help on making this happen for me!

In honor of our Veterans and those that have fallen

2008-05-25T06:50:00.000-07:00

May God Bless America

Summer 2008 Southern Beauty Magazine Features SunEssence as a top choice for Sun Protection

2008-05-21T11:41:00.000-07:00

You can't just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream; you've got to get out there and make it happen for yourself. -- Diana Ross

Looking at my own creation, one that will prevent cancer, one that inspires women to wear it, one that others said could not take on the "big guys" is now sitting right next to them in Southern Beauty Magazine! The article called Fit and Beautiful asks us females to stock up on the best sunscreens for protection. My SunEssence is featured next to Banana Boat, Lancome, Bobbi Brown, No-Ad and Proactive as a top choice for sun protection. Did I ever think I would see that? Well, Diana Ross says it best. "SMILE"

Proudly Sponsoring team Pageantry United for the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Walk 2008 in San Diego California

2008-05-21T05:24:00.001-07:00

I am excited to announce that we are the proud sunscreen sponsors of team Pageantry United for the 2008 San Diego Breast Cancer 3-Day 60 mile walk.
The 60-mile walk is over the course of three days. Net proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure and National Philanthropic Trust, funding important breast cancer research, education, screening, and treatment.

Come along with us and SunEssence and sign up here!

Pageant Cast Interview with Tim K!

2008-05-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight at 8:30EST, I had the great pleasure to speak with my friend Tim Kretschmann of the Pageant Cast. Thank you so much Tim! You can hear my interview coming up on the Pageant Cast in the next few weeks!

May-National Skin Cancer Awarness Month

2008-05-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness month. In lieu of this, I thought it would be great to list some wonderful tips from the American Melanoma Foundation that you can follow through out the whole year to stay Sun SAVVY!:

Sun Protection Tips
1. UV reflection from sand, water, pavement, cement and snow doubles the amount of ultraviolet exposure.
2. Check your local paper or radio station daily for the UV index. The higher the number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.
3. Protect children by limiting their sun exposure and applying sunscreen to children 6 months and older.
4. Stay out of the sun between 10am and 3pm, when the sun's rays are strongest.
5. Wear a sunscreen with a minimum of 15 SPF, even on cloudy days.
6. Wear sunscreen under your clothing; a standard T-shirt only provides SPF protection of 5 to 8.
7. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, especially during exercise or swimming.
8. Be sure your sunglasses have UVA and UVB protections, which should filter at least 80% of the sun's rays.
9. Sunscreen is only a part of a good program, which includes a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, a long-sleeved shirt and pants.
10. Don't forget to apply sunscreen to your lips and ears!!

Second, Learn and Teach the ABCD's to friends and family, especially -husbands!!

ABCD's of Melanoma
A sudden or continuous change in the appearance of a mole is a sign that you should see your doctor. The ABCD rule can help you remember the symptoms of melanoma:

A for Asymmetry, One half is different than the other half.
B for Border Irregularity; The edges are notched, uneven, or blurred.
C for Color, The color is uneven. Shades of brown, tan,and black are present.
D for DiameterDiameter, is greater than 6 millimeters.
Other Warning Signs:• The appearance of a new bump or nodule• Color spreads into surrounding skin• redness or swelling beyond the mole• pain• tenderness• itching• bleeding• oozing• scaly appearance

On Vacation in Orlando Florida-or is it really a vacation?

2008-05-06T07:09:00.000-07:00

HAHA! I am wondering at this point if actually going back to work might be easier than this vacation! My husband has scheduled 4 full days at each of the parks, Universal, MGM, Magic Kingdom, Islands of Adventure.... with one day off to rest-which is tomorrow-then back to Magic Kingdom for Thursday! We are having a blast, but you could find me in the Hot tub last night resting my tired achy feet!

Invited back to CNBC THE BIG IDEA show via WEB CAM!

2008-04-30T09:35:00.001-07:00

As I am sitting here typing this on my lap top today, I can also glance at myself (to the left) on a small TV within the screen of my office computer. My office computer is actually sitting in a WebEx meeting with the hit show CNBC The Big IDEA with Donny Deutsch, and I am gettting ready to appear on the show via WEB CAM! I have to keep pinching myself every few minutes to realize that I have actually been invited to come back by the producers to appear in a segment via WEB CAM! I just cant believe I am actually here and doing this! The moral is that if i can do it, you can too! Keep reaching for every dream you have...you just might be surprised when they actually become reality and are sitting right in your lap!!!! Have a blessed day!!

Time Out for a Family Photo Shoot and Fun Photos by Images by Judd

2008-04-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning my husband, Ken, and I along with our children, Riley and Madison, downed breakfast and headed over to one of the most beautiful parks in Richmond, my personal favorite-Maymont Park. Around the rain drops we enjoyed getting brand new family photos along with a few just for me!

Final Day 3 of the Family FUN in the SUN Fashion and Show '08

2008-04-20T17:50:00.001-07:00

WHEW!!! my feet are achy, and i might be a little dehydrated, LOL, but we did it!!!! Today it rained out like crazy, but it seemed to be one of the best crowds of the weekend! We had a fantastic group of queens today, like everyday, they came in and showed off our clothing with style and grace and talked about the protection in the products. Everyone just loved them all!!

Again, I can not thank everyone enough with all my heart for the fantastic job everyone did!!

More pictures to come from our professional photographer later this week!

DAY 2 Southern Womens Show-Safe Family fun in the sun!

2008-04-19T17:24:00.001-07:00

OH BOY! What a day! Another great fun time with lots of visiting queens. I really want to thank all of the Queens for coming! I know that many of them traveled to be here to help me! Also a BIG thank you to Tara of Model Touch for helping backstage and providing many of the models! MANY more pictures to come!!

Stephanie Arnold

Cheryl Miller CBS 6 News Anchor

Jim Brickman Grammy Nominated Pianist

1st DaY of Southern Womens Show, SAFE Family Fun in the SUN '08! WOW!

2008-04-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

WHAT a day! it was a blast. The first fashion show went fantastic. We were excited the Virginia Cancer Institute was able to partner with us today! Thank you to Tara of Model Touch and all of her wonderful models for the fashion show, and the visiting Queens: Darlene Deeben, Mrs. Galaxy, Jennifer Phillips Mrs DC, United States and Maria Beall, Mrs. All American Women.

3 more days of pictures to follow!!

with Mario Lopez

Presenting SunWise with Sun Safety on RADIO DISNEY!!

2008-04-16T17:20:00.000-07:00

Today was a blast!! Yes, I am going crazy! YES, I just got to appear on Monday on CBS 6-Good Morning Virginia, and YES, We are in the final preparation stages for the HUGE Southern Women's Show, Safe Family Fun in the Sun '08, 3 day Fashion show with Mario Lopez in attendance reaching over 18,000 people!!
However, today I took time out to go to Radio Disney to talk to them about the EPA Sunwise program, fun sun safety for kids! It is a part of their Kids Concerns shows. I was so honored and thrilled to be there. It was truly such a delight! I had such a GREAT, GREAT time!!! Thank you Kristin for helping make this happen and to Adam B the best Radio Disney DJ I ever met!!

DJ Adam B!!

"Love The Skin Your In!"

2008-04-15T04:49:00.000-07:00

With Melanoma month right around the corner.... check out.....

my latest article in 40 and Fabulous.net and learn your ABCD's!

http://www.40andfabulous.net/healthandfitness.htm

Virginia This Morning on CBS 6

2008-04-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

I was honored to be invited to CBS 6 for a fashion show to showcase two years of efforts to put out the first fashionable 98% UVA/UVB sun protective swim and active wear line.

Thank you to AMerican Family Fitness instructors! That's right, we had some of the finest and fittest models feautred today on CBS's Virginia This Morning show!! Arlene, Jen, Celeste, Barbi, Crystal and Diane and Maria did an AMAZING job today on tv!!! Ladies, I'm SO proud of all of you!! Thank you for your time, enjoy the pics AND you can go to:

http://www.wtvr.com/Global/category.asp?C=86435&nav=menu79_1

THE BIG IDEA-CNBC TONIGHT!!!!

2008-04-10T15:16:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

This among winning the title of Mrs. Virginia International is proof that dreams come true. That persistence pays off. My friends and family all know that Donny Deutsch on CNBC from 10-11(http://www.cnbc.com/id/15838512/ is my favorite show. I watch it faithfully and have told family members that one day my dream will come true and I will be on the show! WELL, tonight my dream comes true!

The producer of The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch called me this afternoon to tell me that they will be airing a video that I sent in letting Donny know what an inspiration I think he is to entrepreneurs everywhere. The video will air tonight between 10-11. and I could not be smiling any bigger!!!

Joy
Mrs. Virginia International 2008

SunEssence donations reach Metropolitian Moms for Philadelphia Run in Honor of Dottie Person

2008-04-10T08:23:00.001-07:00

Metropolitan Moms will be running in honor of Dottie Person. Please visit the Person's Children's Trust website to learn more about Dottie's amazing life and her 5 beautiful children: Dottie's Life Story: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dottieperson

I am so happy to have been able to donate sunscreens for every person for the run in honor of Dottie.

If you would to donate to the fund:Please send checks payable to:"The Person Children's Trust" The Bryn Mawr Trust Company18 W. Eagle Road Havertown, PA, 19083The Person and Boyle family sincerely thank you for your support and generosity in honor of Dottie.

Mrs.and Miss Teen Maryland International Pageant

2008-04-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

What a blast! Sarah Smoot (Miss Teen Virginia) and I traveled to Maryland on Saturday to watch the Mrs. and Miss Teen Maryland International Pageant. We had so much fun, the pageant was wonderful and the Mrs. contestants and Teens were stunning!! It was fun to see friends and catch up. A nice suprise was to be able to meet Rebekah Negrete, Mrs. International 2007. A beautiful woman inside and out!

Congratulations to all of the winners!
Teen- Miss Teen Montgomery County- Brittany Sullivan1st runner up Rubi Perez-Howard2nd runner up- Rachel Leight ( also won photogenic)3rd runner up- Brittany Canter4th runner up- Christin ColemanMrs-
Mrs. Annapolis- Heather Ablondi and 1st runner up- Ginny Meerman

Donations of SunEssence for Fashion Rocks on their way!

2008-04-02T14:56:00.000-07:00

I am excited that we were able to donate 1/4 ounce samples of our SunEssence Sunscreen, to the beautiful ladies attending the Fashion Rocks event in Las Vegas, NV April 10th! In a continued effort to promote prevention methods against Melanoma, SunEssence will fit right in with a high end feel, and feminine smell!

Girlawhirl features SunEssence for Tweens and Teens!

2008-03-27T05:57:00.001-07:00

Girlawhirl, the Internets premiere source of beauty goods for tweens and teens, is featuring my SunEssence sunscreen this week! I am so excited to be able to get the information out to tweens and Teens, it is important for them to use sunscreen now! Thank you Girlawhirl!

Historic Carytown Virginia shipping trip with Miss Teen Virginia International

2008-03-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

What more could a girl ask for. A shopping trip to Carytown! Lunch and shopping, and lots of fun!

Hybrid Mom Magazine reaches out to Moms featuring my story and Kristy J Sun Protection Hoodie!

2008-03-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

(from Hybrid Mom)

Joy Pfister, wife, mother, entrepreneur and Mrs. Virginia International 2008, is a spokesperson for the American Melanoma Foundation (AMF) and co-creator of the first real fashion forward sun protective swim line for women.
Read more...

Official SunWise Presenter/Educator

2008-03-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

Its official! I finally received my presenters kit from SunWise today! I applied to become an official educator and presenter of the EPA SunWise government program in the Fall. With the program I will educate children K-8 on sun protection, UV Radiation and Ozone. Its a fun program and I have big plans. I will head up teaching the program in the state of Virgina.

6th Annual Fredericksburg St. Patrick's Day Parade & Vol. Fire Dep. Fundrasier

2008-03-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

6th Annual Fredericksburg St. Patrick's Day Parade & Volunteer Fire Department Fundrasier kicked off on Saturday March 15th. It was a beautiful day, and I was excited to meet Miss Spotsylvania Regency Winners: Ashley Hooker, Miss Spotsylvania Laura Long, Teen Miss Spotsylvania, Kayla Ennis, America's Fit Miss, Julie Brown, Kristin Hooker 2007 Miss East Coast USA Fitness Supreme and Carlyn Kirwin the 2006 Washington DC Rose of Trelee.

I also met the Ancient Order of the Hibernians with AoH State Past-President Hugh O'Brien and Myles Gerian, Embassy of Ireland.

My Escort was Mr. Rinker in his 1981, Ireland built, DeLorean! How fun! We were a big hit!

Richmond Times-Dispatch Flair Section

2008-03-14T14:26:00.000-07:00

Joy Pfister

of Mechanicsville named Mrs. Virginia International 2008

Read my story in the Richmond Times here!

Drum Roll Please!!! YEA!!!!!!

2008-03-11T05:16:00.000-07:00

I have been working on this project for so many months, I cannot express how happy I am! My ultra feminine UVA/UVB sunscreens launched on drugstore.com March 1st! Patience, persistence and perseverance.... and anything is possible! You can find the entire line of all three aromatherapy scents on drugstore.com

Global Cosmetic Industry Spotlight

2008-03-06T16:51:00.000-08:00

The Business Magazine for the Global Beauty Industry features my story on their web site and in the March issue of GCI magazine!

Mrs. Virginia United States Pageant

2008-03-02T08:56:00.000-08:00

I had a blast at the Mrs. Virginia United States Pageant in Williamsburg, Virginia! First, Rebecca Crosen and I met up and went shopping, then we met with Darla Lacey(Mrs. Virginia America 2007) and Jodi Simkins(sp?) and got a bite to eat! The pageant was great and the ladies were beautiful! As I was ready to get pictures, my camera card said FULL!!!! UGGG!!!!! But luckily I was able to get photos via email from other queens. They are still coming in, but here are a few! Congrats to the new Mrs. Virginia United States, Lisa Lutz.

Helping The Homeless

2008-02-28T18:19:00.000-08:00

I travel to many parts of the city of Richmond in my job, and last week was so struck by the needs of one family that I phoned others for help. My friend Maria Beall, Mrs. Southern Chesterfield, and I, through emails and phone call to friends and family members raised over 15 bags of clothing and toys for men, women and children in one week. The recipient told me that one women would be receiving a much needed coat out of the bags and the children would be loving the bags of toys. One little girl who so desperately wanted a Brats doll for Christmas and never got one, is now the proud owner of one brand new in the box Brats doll, thanks to my 4 year old daughter, Madison and her generosity! Thank you to all who donated you are Angles in these peoples lives. We plan to make another run very soon. The clothing and toys immediately impact the lives of these people and also go to children's and women's shelters in the community.
If you would like to help, please email me!

Turn For The Judges Features UV Protection Article

2008-02-26T05:07:00.001-08:00

Thank you TFTJ! You can see my story on UV protection and saving lifes at TFTJ.com

CEW IN NYC

2008-02-21T05:33:00.000-08:00

My first appearance in NYC was a blast! We demoed our new sunscreen to editors and beauty experts from all over the country and I spoke with each of them as they passed by our table about Skin Cancer prevention. It was a success! I was able to hand out over 500 flyer's talking about skin cancer prevention by use of our sunscreens and education via working with the American Melanoma Foundation. All were also impressed that we donate a percentage of all sales to the American Melanoma Foundation as well!

My First Appearance As Mrs. Virginia International Tomorrow in NYC!

2008-02-19T14:46:00.002-08:00

I am getting ready to fly to NYC for the day (pics) to follow(of course), to promote my platform to over 1500 beauty editors from all around the country. I will be meeting with them as they look over my new sunscreen,(http://www.sunessencesunscreen.com/) and hand out information to them about skin cancer education and what a wonderful preventative measure our sunscreen is for Women and Teens and Tweens everwhere!! Did you know that 1/2 all teens don't wear sunscreen?? Shocking? I am hoping to reduce that number with our new bath and body wear sunscreens!!

Its like a DREAM!!!

2008-02-18T06:09:00.001-08:00

The Virginia International Pageant was UNBELIEVABLE!!!
I am truly blessed to have won this title! I am still is awe. The Mrs. Ladies that I competed with were second to none and the stunning Rebecca Crosen and beautiful Jill Patterson are both incredible ladies that I am blessed to have met and gotten to know better from our fun weekend at the pageant. Both had outstanding platforms and are doing so much within their communities, I was humbled by their efforts, intelligence, and spirit!
Deshawn, put her heart and soul into this pageant!! I was truly delighted and amazed at the opportunity she has brought here to Virginia for the women of this state. I am so proud and excited to be Mrs. Virginia International 2008!

Final Countdown

2008-02-05T17:52:00.001-08:00

I have been preparing for the Mrs. Virginia International Pageant for months now! I am so excited that it is just around the corner. I guess this is the final countdown to February 17! I would like to thank all of my friends and family for their love and support over the past several months. I am truly blessed with great friendships, many of them I have made from being apart of pageants. This journey as Mrs. Richmond International, has been a fabulous one, I have reached out to my community and crossed oceans to reach internationally through media and editorial stories with support for my platform. I know that the pageant weekend will be filled with fun and a forming of more friendships that I will take with me long after a winner is crowned and the curtain closes. Good Luck to all!

Time Out: for Miss America Party!

2008-01-27T10:02:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Maria Beall for hosting a wonderful Miss America Party. Lots of vegges, fruit, cheese, nuts(no pun intended!), and hardly any chocolate....wink wink! And thank you Mike Beall for a wonderful Artichoke Dip with wonderful lightly toasted baggets!

Shown in the pics are Maria Beall, Mrs. All American Woman, Mrs. Southern Chesterfield US, Bea Gill, Mrs. Southern Pines NC Int'l, Amber, who is getting ready to compete in Miss NC Int'l, Yolanda Makle, Mrs. Earth, Me, Allison, Mrs. Glen Allen VA US, and Erica Kirwan, Mrs. VA America 2006(21 weeks pregnant and looking fab!)....and Chrissy, the dog!

Virginia Cancer Institue, SOAK, Nalini, Tuga, and Model Touch to partner!

2008-01-25T11:12:00.001-08:00

Yea! I have been very hard at work! I just got the call back from the Virginia Cancer Institute and they will be partnering with us to provide additional information on Melanoma and local doctors groups that can help with Skin Cancer at our three day event at the Southern Womens Show. SOAK in Carytown, and new buiness, Nalini, are also teaming up to provide skin care information and Nalini is owned by a Medical Aestetitian that will be on site at our booth and the fashion show to talk further about skin care!

Model Touch will be helping us with the childrens models! Did you know that one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life. Tuga will be helping us with the Childrens and Mens clothing. We have for the past 4 years offered UV outdoor wear for the entire family at http://www.shadysun.com/

Virginia Womens Show asks me to put on fashion show for Kristy J and Skin Cancer Awareness 08!

2008-01-25T11:04:00.000-08:00

What a grand opportunity! I have been contacted by the Southern Women's Show to put on a Fashion Show with our Kristy J Lines!! We will be putting on a 3 day fashion show in April for the family, with sun protective items for every family member from babies to adults. By partnering with the American Melanoma Foundation, I am able to provide additional educational elements to the fashion show with regards to early skin cancer education (ABCD's) and literature from the Foundation reaching an estimated 18,000 people! I have also been able to reach out to the pageant world to invite pageant sisters to be apart of this extrodinary event, and have gotten such a warm, overwhelming response! If you would like to participate please email me!

Southern Womens Show April 18-20th, Richmond Virginia

Miss Capital Region Pageant MAO

2008-01-20T09:50:00.000-08:00

No snow, wind, or cold conditions could hold us back! Last night we attended the Miss Capital Region MAO Pageant. It was fantastic! I met Aaron Gilchrist, co-anchor of "NBC12News Today" and "NBC12 News at Noon." and watched them crown a beautiful new winner. I met with Maria Beall, Mrs. Southern Chesterfield US, and America's Fit Teen.

Time Out: To Visit Dewitt Wallace Museum, Williamsburg, Virginia

2008-01-17T16:20:00.000-08:00

I don't get to go to Williamsburg, VA very often, but I really love it! Today I traveled to Williamsburg for business, and I got a chance to visit the Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. It was very beautiful with artifacts dating back to the 1500-1600!

Its a go! New York City for CEW in Feb!

2008-01-13T14:17:00.001-08:00

I am very excited to have finalized our SunEssence Sunscreen into the CEW Beauty Awards!

The CEW recognize the most innovative beauty products of the year. Press coverage of winners reaches upwards of 150 million consumers through national print and broadcast! Thus helping me promote sunscreen use for women everywhere! Yippee!

The Beauty Awards program begins with the largest expo of new products-The CEW Product Demonstration. We will be participating in this Feb. 20th in New York City!! I will be meeting with Industry Insiders and editors from major magazines and publications! I will be promoting the use of our fabulous sunscreen, handing out pamphlets with skin cancer education, and test sampling our Sunscreen hoping to get the experts vote for best new sunscreen!

Who votes? Finalists are selected by CEW members, industry insiders and experts in the field of beauty. Winners are selected by a special Voting Committee comprised from the CEW Board.

Go SunEssence!!

ABCD's editorial reaching internationally!

2008-01-08T13:29:00.000-08:00

Global Cosmetic Industry Magazine reaching internationally!!!.....has contacted me to do a featured story on the ABCD's of Skin Cancer and how my business in partnership with the American Melanoma Foundation are making a difference!
Featuring our Sunscreen in the February issue and then a featured article on myself, and the ABCD's and Kristy J for March!

Its all so exciting! future links to the articles to follow!

Virginia International Pageant Workshop '08

2008-01-05T19:25:00.000-08:00

I was so looking forward to the Virginia International Pageant workshop today! Deshawn, our director, did a wonderful job and the workshop was loaded with great information! This is going to be a fantastic pageant! (above Jessica Robinson, Mrs. Virginia International and Keia Brown, Miss Arlington International)

My Interview with Rochelle on Health Radio

2007-12-29T15:34:00.001-08:00

Protecting against skin cancer
Guest:
Host: Rochelle
(Click to listen or find out more)

This past year I had the great opportunity to interview with Rochelle of Health Radio. It was a full hour in which we talked about Skin Cancer, education and protection. Click the link above to take a listen!

Reaching to Teens and Women Nationally

2007-12-22T09:05:00.000-08:00

I have been working since last January '06, on a new collection of ultra fashionable sunscreens to encourage women of all ages to wear sunscreen daily. What an easy way to ward off wrinkles, sun spots and help prevent skin cancer which affects over a million people in the US alone annually! I am so proud of our made in the USA, SunEssence Sunscreens. They smell fantastic (which is the whole concept!) have UVA/UVB protection, with a 30SPF. View our first full page layout in Savvy Magazine's Premiere Issue! You can also visit our web site at http://www.sunessencesunscreen.com/

Think global education with Surf Girl Magazine!

2007-12-09T07:40:00.001-08:00

Melanoma is the most common cancer in women ages 25-29 and second only to breast cancer in women 30-34. The statistics speak for themselves. Skin cancer is a global epidemic with 90 percent of all cases caused by sun exposure. Such a great way to start '08 off with Surf Girl Magazine in the United Kingdom! Reaching thousands of ladies in the 18-30 and up age groups. I have been working hard this fall contacting and speaking with editors and media literally around the globe on editorial for Skin Cancer prevention methods. Surf Girl will be featuring my SunEssence Sunscreen as a desired skin cancer prevention method for their readers! More to come!!

Time out for some family fun at Tanglewood Park, North Carolina

2007-12-09T07:16:00.000-08:00

From November 10 through January 1, Tanglewood Park's rolling countryside is transformed into a wonderland of giant snowflakes and whimsical scenes. Tanglewood’s Festival of Lights continues to be one of the largest and most spectacular light shows in the Southeast. From storybook scenes to holiday themes, more than 100 displays and more than one million lights fill the park with the joy of the holiday season. We enjoyed a Pfister family Hayride through the park at dusk.

Skin Cancer Education/Kristy J Think Tank

2007-11-18T14:37:00.000-08:00

Kristy J is a new line of sun protection swim and active wear with 98% UV Sun protection in each piece. Joy Pfister, Mrs. Richmond International and her mother, Joyce, have spent two years developing the line. They launched the '08 line this past July with a bang! The line is getting fantastic reviews and has been featured on Comcast Televison News(CN8), Richmond Magazine, Atlanta Magazine, The Swim Journal, The Richmond Times Dispatch, Coastal Living, Health Radio and more..

Joy and her mother began working on the '09 line this November. Kicking off with a focus group of ladies to assist with picking '09 colors and styles. The group began with an educational overview of Skin Cancer, how it can develop, detection and prevention methods using the ABCD's of Skin Cancer detection and how Kristy J is paving the way for women to remain fashionable while protecting their skin with Dermatologist recommend Resort and Beach wear. Joy was also happy to report that the company sent its first check to the American Melanoma Foundation for its quarterly donations from Kristy J and SunEssence sales since launching the line in July!

Ashley Welch sorting fabrics

Jennifer Phillips, Mrs. Virginia United States

Take the Virtual walk for Breast Cancer

2007-11-10T05:11:00.000-08:00

Joy is "virtually" walking across America as a greater Gal sponsor. All proceeds go to the Greater Gal Foundation for Stage IV Breast Cancer. Come join in! Its fun!https://www.galtogalwalk.org/

Heavenly Hats 2nd Annual Hat Parade Day

2007-10-27T05:47:00.000-07:00

Joy and her children participated in the Hat parade on Friday!

The Heavenly Hats Foundation(TM )collects and distributes brand new hats of all kinds to those heroes of all ages who lose their hair due to the treatment of cancer or the many other medical conditions which may cause hair loss. The Heavenly Hats Foundation (TM) was founded by teenager Anthony Leanna when he was only 10 years old.

This is an awesome program you can do in your area. Please visit http://www.heavenlyhats.com/ and click on Hat Parade photos. What a creative an easy way to give!

FUN On the Farm

2007-10-25T11:30:00.001-07:00

What would Halloween be without a trip to the Ashland Berry Farm with the Family! A beautiful Fall day and so many pumpkins!! We had a blast!

Make a Child Smile

2007-10-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

Joy and Maria Beall (Mrs. All American Woman 2008) got together on Sunday afternoon to write special notes to the children at Make a Child Smile (http://www.makeachildsmile.org/)

Hello NEW YORK CITY!

2007-10-21T06:12:00.000-07:00

Joy and her mother Joyce are beginning to plan for the next Kristy J line already! (http://www.kristyjuv.com/). Kristy J is a new, fashionable line of active and swim wear that provide dermatologist recommend UV protection in every garment. The line recently received the Australian Radiation Government stamp of approval.The pair were in NYC for KJ business this past weekend. While there, Joy took time out to see some NYC sites! Visiting Fox News, St. Paul's Church, the Fashion District, Soho, The World Trade Center, and ate in Little Italy for the first time! Yummy!!

Joy makes her first appearance as Mrs. Richmond International

2007-10-17T04:52:00.001-07:00

First appearance with several wonderful ladies at McGuire Veterans Hospital.

Welcome!

2007-10-17T04:51:00.000-07:00

Please enjoy the new Pageant Blog!