How I got this body: Jewelean Jackson, 60

Kyndell Harkness, Star Tribune

Jewelean Jackson punched while doing lunges as she worked out with Stephen Menya at Lions Gym. The gym sponsors her participation in pageants.

BEAUTY PAGEANT CONTESTANT, NORTH MINNEAPOLIS

Last update: October 18, 2009 - 2:08 PM

JEWELEAN JACKSON, 60, BEAUTY PAGEANT CONTESTANT, NORTH MINNEAPOLIS:

Get rolling My first pageant was Ms. Black Minnesota some years ago; that would have been in '71 or '72. I entered because all the other stewardesses I met when I moved here were doing it, so I did it. That turned me on to dance -- ballet, modern jazz and African.

A positive turn I enjoy seeing the change that it gives to a young woman, not only for her self-esteem but also her confidence and self-image. No matter what you think of pageants, it's the biggest pot of money for women for higher education internationally.

A queen and her princess For my daughter and I, [pageants have] been really good quality bonding time. I firmly believe we shouldn't ask our children and students and young people to do anything we wouldn't do. So as she's competed and I've coached her, I've been on both sides. I've directed, produced, chaperoned, performed and been in the hot seat in the judge's interview.

Stage delight First and foremost, what competition does for you is it keeps your feet to the fire. I am finally in a position where I have a gym as a sponsor, Lions Gym in St. Louis Park. Mr. Menya is the owner and founder and also an Olympic champion from Kenya. I try to get in at least three times a week. And I do a lot of walking. I get Pilates in through tapes.

Chins up I'm back in school now; I'm nine credits short of a bachelor of arts from the University of Minnesota. I'm also revisiting my business, Jewelean Jackson Productions. It's going to be consulting to do more of the same -- I work with youth and especially women and young women and girls of color in terms of what you need to do to have success in this society. Even in 2009 we're still dealing with sexism, racism, all the "isms" of society. Knowing that doesn't mean you can just say, "I can't, I won't, because they won't let me." Certain skills and certain things will move you toward success, in spite of. I am a testament that even without a blank check you can avail [yourself of] opportunities.

Beautifully devoted The lifestyle that I have and that I'm attempting to have makes a huge difference in terms of one's longevity as well as one's quality of life. I've always said I'm going to be here a long time, and I want to do it well.

SARAH MORAN

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