Essence Mazzaratie
Essence Hale is a Black woman of trans experience, a beauty expert, a queer ballroom diva, a model, and an advocate. Originally from East St. Louis, she now resides in St. Louis, Missouri. Essence has made a name for herself in the realm of pageantry, holding the title of Essence Mazzaratie, Miss Cosmopolitan 2024. She is also a former Miss Kansas City Black Pride, Miss Fannie’s, Miss Missouri State, and Miss Trans Metropolitan. As a member of the House of Mizrahi, she has earned multiple trophies in the categories of FQ Face and FF Runway.
As a beauty expert, Essence is celebrated for “locking the look” in photoshoots, national beauty pageants, and fashion runways. She is a certified cosmetologist specializing in avant-garde hair artistry, precision sculpting, and custom wig building.
Essence also has a professional background in HIV prevention, working extensively with Black trans women and the LGBTQ+ community. As a leader, she is deeply committed to uplifting women and excels in creative conceptualizing. Currently, she works as a Community Health Worker/PrEP Navigator at the Community Wellness Project.